Gift Icon
Get a 20% discount from our partners! Discount code will get added automatically when you submit the form.
yellow A1 Auto Transport carrier on highway
4.7 Star Rating4.7 (67,926 reviews)
96.3% positive
No Surprises, Just Savings: Verified Carriers, Instant Quotes, and Best Price Guarantee!
You save 20% compared to other companies
Get quotes from trusted carriers, thoroughly vetted and fully insured. Enjoy trackable deliveries, fair pricing, and hassle-free transport from start to finish. Transport any type of vehicle and drive away worry-free.
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs
Customer Ratings By Feature
Value for Money ★★★★★ 4.9
Vehicle Care ★★★★★ 4.9
Fast Delivery ★★★★★ 4.9
Friendly Staff ★★★★★ 4.9
Globe
190+
Countries
Served
Car
2M+
Delivered
Services
Car
97%
Customer
Recommended
Dave loved the fast deliveryDave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidanceCourtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair priceJeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safetyMaria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.
Recently featured on USA Today

“A1 Auto Transport became synonymous with top-notch service delivery, unfailing punctuality and constantly preoccupied with customer satisfaction.

See Article— USA Today

How to Transport Electric Cars Internationally

Published by Joe Webster.

How to Transport Electric Cars Internationally

Given all the different restrictions, shipping plug-in vehicles abroad can seem like a chore. Still, it can be easy, secure, and effective if handled correctly.

Your dream trip in your electric ride suddenly becomes much more attainable and stress-free by taking a few easy steps.

We'll go over how to send your battery-powered car worldwide in this article, provide advice on selecting reliable international shipping services, strategies for cutting costs while shipping, and specifics on the documentation needs.

Shipping Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EVs) Overseas - Ship Overseas

Due to advancements in infrastructure and technology, electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular in the passenger automobile industry. Since electric automobiles are more delicate than normal cars, they must be handled with additional care.

As a result, shipping them requires different techniques than conveying conventional vehicles.

Before planning your move, you must investigate the best moving option for your EV. This includes researching additional shipping expenses, such as taxes or tariffs, that might be incurred based on your destination country.

Pinned
New Deals are now available for shipping all types vehicles using our vetted reliable shippers. Compare price estimates & Unlock up 25% off.

Hauling EVs vs. Conventional Auto

There are variations between shipping an electric vehicle and one powered by fossil fuel, despite what you might assume. These zero-emission vehicles require extremely powerful batteries, which slightly complicates how the cars are transported.

The most frequently utilized lithium-ion batteries are great for storing power but are heavy, affecting the shipping costs and requirements.

future of ev

What Affects The Cost Of Delivering Plug-In Automobile?

Due to its heavier weight than a typical gas-powered vehicle, an electric car's shipping costs may be higher. This is because the batteries add weight and bulk to battery-powered automobiles.

Depending on the destination, costs differ from port to port; current prices for a standard EV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can be estimated here.

What Makes Conveys Zero-Emission Autos Different?

  • The increased weight of electric vehicle batteries adds to the cost
  • Specialized carriers must be used to ensure that the vehicle is safely in transit without any damage or risk of fire or explosion from the battery
  • Customs rules and regulations may differ with hybrid cars and EVs.

Different Ways To Move EV Automobiles Internationally

Roll-on, roll-off (Ro/Ro) shipping is a common way to move battery-powered and hybrid vehicles. It can be driven on and off the vessels used for this service, and they are safely tied down for sea transportation.

Another favored method for moving electric vehicle stock from one location to another is container shipping.

Roll On Roll Off Moving For Battery-Driven Ride

Moving a plug-in ride via Roll-on/Roll-off vessels is also possible. EVs must have a sufficient charge to load on and off the vessel. In addition, of course, there must be no defects with the car that could cause issues during transport.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that all necessary safety measures are taken when loading the vehicle onto the vessel, such as securing it with lashings or straps.

Container Dispatching

Container shipping is becoming increasingly popular for transporting cars due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness.

It eliminates excessive paperwork, making it easier than other dispatching methods. Additionally, fires in containers are less likely to spread than in open spaces, which makes them a safer option for shifting goods.

RoRo vs. Container Shipping

  • RoRo moving will cost less due to the additional steps required for vehicle container shipping.
  • RoRo is also more efficient as it allows faster loading and unloading times than container shipping.
  • Container hauling is more personalized and can include multiple rides
  • This type of shipping requires additional paperwork due to safety regulations when transporting EVs and hybrids
  • This method tends to be more expensive than RoRo due to its customization options and extra steps involved in the process
  • Container shifting also takes longer than RoRo as it requires more time for loading and unloading each vehicle
a guy charging his ev

Are There Reasons Not To Move Sustainable Ride By RoRo?

Shipping electric vehicles (EVs) by Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) increases the risk of battery damage from extreme temperatures, water exposure, and vibration.

RoRo is a common and cost-effective way to ship regular autos, but it can be problematic for EVs. This is because the batteries in electric autos are sensitive to these conditions and can be damaged if exposed to them during transport.

This could lead to costly repairs or even replacement of the battery.

The transport sector has many great transit companies who will take you through all the risks involved.

Important Steps To Take When Transiting a Clean Energy Auto

Shipping electric vehicles can be a daunting task. Having a professional moving service on your side can make things a lot easier.

The first step is ensuring the car is properly charged and secured for transport. This will ensure the vehicle has enough power to make it through the journey without any issues.

Additionally, all necessary paperwork should be in order, including customs documents.

The next step is to choose a reliable transit company with experience transporting battery-powered and hybrid vehicles. Again, researching different companies and finding one that meets your needs is essential for ensuring your ride is in the best possible care during its journey.

It's also important to remember that delays may occur due to weather or other uncontrollable circumstances, so planning is key.

1. Charge the EVs

Charging the vehicle before transit it overseas is an important step to ensure the car has good battery life when it arrives at its destination. Batteries gradually lose power even when not used, so it is important to charge the battery fully before sending it off.

Charging the battery fully will ensure enough power for the car to start and run properly when it reaches its destination. This is especially important if you are shipping a used ride, as you want to ensure that it won't need any repairs or maintenance upon arrival.

2. Make Sure That Your EV Is Fully Secured

When shipping an electric vehicle (EV) overseas, it is essential to ensure that the car is properly secured. This means hiring a reputable overseas car moving company like A-1 Auto Transport.

They can ensure that your ride is safely and securely loaded onto the ship. In addition, doing so will minimize damage to other goods shipped alongside your ride.

Many people will handle the EV during shipping, so it is important to ensure that all doors and windows are locked and secured before shipment.

3. The Price Could Be Higher

Hybrid and plug-in vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, but they come with a higher price tag than traditional gas-powered cars. This is due to the increased cost of conveying hybrid and EV models and higher insurance premiums.

The process for shipping an electric auto is similar to that of a gas-powered vehicle, but weight is one factor affecting auto hauling prices, so electric car owners may pay more for transport.

4. Clean Your Zero-Emission Auto

Cleaning your electric auto before shipping it overseas is essential for a smooth and successful delivery.

Not only will a clean car make for a more pleasant experience when you receive it at its destination, but it can also help you identify any existing damage that may have been hidden by dirt or grime.

Additionally, a dirty auto may be subject to delays at the destination port due to bio-contamination fears, so it's important to thoroughly clean your vehicle.

5. Don't Leave Valuables In The Four-Wheeler

Leaving valuables in the ride when shipping is a big no-no. Doing so can attract thieves to the vehicle, as many people will handle it along the way.

Make sure to check your trunk is free of anything valuable too.

a model of ev

Should I Disconnect The Battery To Convey My Battery-Powered or Dual-Power Four-Wheelers?

Shifting a plug-in or hybrid car can seem overly complicated, but it doesn't have to be. In most cases, it is not necessary to disconnect the battery to ship the auto safely. However, in some vehicles, you may not even be able to do so.

Many EV and hybrid vehicles have safety measures that prevent their batteries from becoming a safety hazard while transported. Electric batteries contain lithium which is highly combustible when exposed to oxygen.

This makes moving them a risk unless it is carried out by a reputable and trusted freight service.

Plug-in rides can also be shipped in containers without taking out their battery. However, this may not be available for all-electric vehicles as in some, the batteries cannot be removed, while in others, they can.

But your preferred carrier will take you through all the options available.

Final Thought

In conclusion, shipping electric vehicles across international borders can be challenging, but it is possible with the appropriate information and planning.

Use the advice in this article as your road map to ensure your plug-in car travels safely and securely, whether you're exporting it abroad or driving it yourself. After that, you may relax and enjoy driving your ride in a new country.

Check out A-1 Auto Transportfor all of your international car shipping needs. Click the link to get your free quote today.

Share this content on social media for a chance to get up to 20% off your next shipment.
Copy link

Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

Email Me


Testimonial
Mylene Rutllant
It’s my number one pick in auto shipping to this day.
★★★★★
...my choice in terms of auto transport has to be A1 Auto Transport. It’s in the name, but also in the quality with which they do their jobs. I’ve never had a problem with this company.
Testimonial
Luis Rodriguez
You have my full support and recommendation!
★★★★★
A1 Auto Transport... From the get go, they were very different from my past options. Their website was very professional and up to date, full of useful information. I requested a quote using their online form, and I got an email response within an hour. Surprisingly fast!
Testimonial
Cristine Benoit
I can safely say this is a legit company that will get the job done.
★★★★★
There are a lot of options for auto transport these days, which surprisingly makes it harder to find a good company. I received more than 10 offers to ship my car, but I couldn’t decide on any of them... Fortunately, I made the right choice with A1 Auto Transport.
Testimonial
David Osallo
We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10!
★★★★★
We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10! We chose them to move our car from California to Vermont, since we needed professionals.

Visit our social, and see what our clients are saying about us:

Ship Your Vehicle With A-1 Auto Today
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs

Our Partners:

Better Business Bureau Accredited
FMCSA Member
INC. 500 Member
VeriSign Secured
AMSA Member

A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
Copyright © 1988-2024, A-1 Auto Transport - All Rights Reserved.