Planning to Ship Your Tesla Across Country? Here's What to Know
Thinking about shipping your Tesla across the country or moving another electric vehicle? Like gas-powered cars, you can ship your EV anywhere in the U.S. but there are a few things to know before booking. While electric vehicle transport follows the same basic rules as traditional cars, the battery-powered side does introduce a few differences. EVs are heavier due to their lithium-ion batteries, which means some carriers may charge more for Tesla car transport or other EV models. Specific electric transporters also require special licensing to move battery-powered cars safely. That’s why it’s worth understanding the EV transportation process and what to expect when booking with a reliable shipping cars company. If you're ready to ship your Tesla across country, take time to research providers, ask the right questions, and get an accurate electric car quote before locking in a date.
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Potential Dangers of Lithium Ion Batteries
You may have heard of smartphones and laptops using lithium-ion batteries bursting into flames from overheating. Because of this, many people are concerned about whether such batteries are safe for use in electric vehicles.
Cell phone and laptop manufacturers prefer lithium-ion batteries because of their excellent size-to-energy production ratio. However, because such a small object contains so much energy, it sometimes catches on fire.
This occurs when the oxidizer and fuel are both contained inside the battery. And unlike a normal fire, you cannot extinguish flames produced this way. The temperatures generated can even melt aluminum, and the batteries may explode.
The batteries are more significant and capable of a much larger explosion for electric cars. Some companies, such as Tesla Motors, place the batteries capable of taking a vehicle to 60 mph in 4 seconds right behind the passengers. This is the root of most vehicle shipping companies’ concerns.
However, Tesla Motors and similar companies have implemented several high-tech safety mechanisms, including:
- Creating a liquid cooling system controlled electronically
- Three fuse layers
- Sensors that cause the batteries to disconnect if they reach too high a temperature
- Protection in case of collisions
- Overcharging protection
Even the decision to use several smaller batteries stacked together instead of a larger, single battery was motivated by safety concerns. Every battery is isolated and covered in a steel case, and the entire system is encased for further protection.
The chances of something going wrong are extremely low. Unless a problem happens during manufacturing or multiple safety precautions get corroded over time and fail to work, you should be safe driving an electric vehicle.
Can You Ship an Electric Vehicle?
These vehicles have different shipping standards from regular cars. Transporting an electric vehicle has been challenging and expensive in the past. The car industry has shifted towards newer technological standards as the market has developed. Demand for EVs has increased, and the car shipping industry has adapted to meet consumer standards.
Today, most transportation companies ship electric cars for about the same price as regular vehicles. Modern vehicle shipping safety procedures are tailored to gas and electric cars. It’s easy to find a reliable way to ship your vehicle with A-1 Auto Transport, where we provide some of North America's cheapest vehicle transport services.
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Should you pay more to have your electric vehicle shipped?
Are auto transporters who charge more for electric vehicle shipping justified? The short answer is no.
Besides all the precautions car manufacturers take to ensure their products are safe to drive, we must also remember that most risks associated with lithium-ion batteries come from overheating during use.
During transportation, vehicles are not turned on; they are resting in a truck, ship, or airplane. This means there is no chance of the vehicle overheating.
The batteries may burst into flames in case of a collision. Still, considering the electric vehicle is inside a truck or ship, the impact on the car and batteries will be significantly cushioned. Also, as explained above, the batteries are designed with safety measures in case of a collision.
It would be best not to worry about shipping your electric vehicle. Auto shipping is safe, predictable, and designed to protect your vehicle.
Gasoline vs. Hybrid Auto Conveyance
The chances of an electric vehicle bursting into flames when driven are few, and the chances of one exploding when transported are even fewer. Most often, companies that charge extra or refuse to move vehicles do so due to insufficient information. Because hybrid cars are still in the minority, many auto shipping companies and mechanics haven’t encountered them.
Gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicle shipping are done the same way. All automobiles, regardless of type, must be loaded, transported, and unloaded safely, and the necessary safety measures are the same irrespective of the type of vehicle.
Are There Any Regulations for Hauling EVs in the US?
Electric vehicles, such as Teslas, use lithium-ion batteries, which are subject to strict shipping regulations in the U.S. Proper packaging is required to prevent any risk of explosion during transport, and the battery must be securely fastened to avoid movement and potential short circuits.
Beyond the battery, shipping regulations for electric vehicles are essentially the same as for standard cars. The additional battery regulations should not cause you any inconvenience. The shipping company is responsible for ensuring your vehicle is safe and secure during transport.
Electric cars represent a significant investment, with a Tesla ranging from $40,000 to $90,000. While shipping your electric vehicle is convenient, ensuring your vehicle is adequately prepared before transport is essential.
Driving long distances may be impossible if you’re relocating across the country. Shipping your electric car is the safest, quickest, and most cost-effective way to get it anywhere in the United States.
- Driving your car to its destination can be inconvenient and risky and can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
- Electric vehicle transport services guarantee that your vehicle remains safe throughout the journey.
- Choosing a reliable auto transport company ensures your electric vehicle gets to its destination without hassle.
Is It Safe to Move My Electric Car?
Yes, it is! Shipping your electric vehicle is just as safe as shipping any other car. Your vehicle will remain turned off during shipping, minimizing any risk.
Before shipment begins, we recommend performing a thorough inspection, removing personal belongings, and documenting existing damage. This will assist you in filing an insurance claim if any issues arise during transport.
Do I Need to Drain My Electric Car’s Battery Before Carrying?
As long as the battery is secured against short circuits and prevented from moving, there’s no need to drain your car’s battery before shipping it. The vehicle will not be turned on throughout the shipping process except when loaded and unloaded from a truck, boat, or airplane.
The battery may drain during the shipping process due to energy loss. If you want your car’s battery to have life still when it reaches its destination, it’s best to charge it before shipping.
How Should I Prepare My Electric Car for Dispatching?
Preparing your electric vehicle for shipping follows the same process as any vehicle:
- Clean out the valuables in your car.
- Inspect your car and take pictures for your records if damage is incurred during shipping.
- Verify that your insurance policy covers the potential damages your vehicle may incur during shipping. These damages can be expensive, and some auto insurance plans don’t cover them.
- Deactivate systems such as the car alarm and automatic toll passes before shipping.
- Present your car to be picked up by the shipping company at a predetermined time. Provide an extra set of keys to the shipping company representative who picks up your vehicle.
After these steps, all that’s left is waiting for your electric car to arrive at its destination!
Do Electric Cars Cost More to Haul?
Yes and no. The shipping process is identical to that for regular vehicles, and your shipping company should not charge you any premiums for having an electric vehicle.
However, they tend to be slightly heavier than their gas counterparts. Since car shipping companies charge by weight, you may have to pay a little more to get your electric car where it needs to go.
A-1 Auto Transport provides reliable shipping services for electric vehicles. Contact our team if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is electric car transport?
Electric car transport services move battery-powered vehicles on a truck or trailer, with equipment and loading procedures suited to the vehicle’s design. The car rides on the carrier rather than being driven between pickup and delivery. Most everyday EVs can use a standard multi-car trailer with adequate weight capacity; the loading plan must also account for ground clearance and manufacturer instructions. The booking process follows the same basic steps as other car transportation services.
How much does it cost to ship an electric car?
As of October 11, 2026, a practical budget for shipping a standard electric sedan about 2,000 miles is $1,200–$1,500 by open carrier. Enclosed transport for a similar trip commonly costs $1,800–$2,200. These planning ranges assume a running car; larger electric SUVs and pickups need separate pricing, and seasonal demand can change the quote. Use your exact model, route and shipment dates when requesting an estimate through A1’s car shipping cost calculator.
How should I prepare my electric car for shipping?
For domestic truck shipping, prepare your electric car with about 50% battery charge, unless the carrier or vehicle manufacturer specifies otherwise. Keep enough charge for loading, unloading and reaching a charger after delivery. Disable energy-consuming parked features, such as Tesla Sentry Mode and scheduled cabin preconditioning, and secure loose charging cables. Photograph the vehicle and displayed charge level, then give the driver a working key card or fob.
Is enclosed transport better for electric cars?
Enclosed transport provides extra protection from weather and road debris, while a suitable open carrier is a practical choice for most everyday electric cars. Enclosed auto transport is worth considering for high-value EVs, custom paint or finishes you want shielded throughout the trip. For a low-clearance car, ask whether the trailer has a liftgate or suitable ramps. Confirm the actual loading setup before booking, because choosing an enclosed trailer does not by itself prevent underbody scraping.
How long does electric car shipping take?
For contiguous U.S. routes, electric car shipping typically takes 4–6 days after pickup over 1,000–1,500 miles, or 7–9 days coast to coast. These are transit estimates, not the total time from booking. Carrier assignment and the pickup window come first; ask for those dates separately when planning your move. Weather, additional stops and remote locations can extend delivery, while expedited service usually targets a shorter pickup wait.
Can I ship an electric car that isn’t running?
Yes, a non-running electric car can be shipped when the carrier can load it safely and its battery is suitable for transport. Tell the dispatcher whether the car rolls, steers and brakes, and whether low-voltage power is available to release the parking brake. A winch or tire skates may be needed; explain the fault when arranging inoperable auto transport. Disclose collision damage, flooding or battery warnings before booking, because a potentially damaged battery needs assessment before routine transport.
When should an electric car use Transport Mode?
Use an electric car’s Transport or Tow Mode only for the loading or towing tasks specified in that model’s owner’s manual. For example, Tesla’s Model 3 instructions use Tow Mode to release the parking brake for slow winching or brief repositioning. This does not permit highway towing with the wheels on the ground. The tires must be secured on the carrier; shifting the Model 3 into Park cancels Tow Mode. Give the driver the instructions for your exact model and software version.
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