Shipping EVs vs. Gas Cars: What People Get Wrong (and Why It Matters)

A lot of people are moving into the EV world — Tesla, Rivian, Ford Lightning, Lucid, Porsche Taycan, you name it. But when it comes to shipping an EV, I don’t see many posts breaking down what makes the process different from a gas vehicle.

I recently shared some insights online and was surprised by the reactions. Some agreed, some disagreed (loudly), and some just missed the point. Let’s set the record straight.

Key Things to Know About EV Auto Transport

1. Battery charge level
Most carriers prefer the vehicle at 20–30% charge before pickup. Why?

• Fully charged batteries can pose a higher fire risk if damaged.

• Too low, and the driver can’t load or unload.
  This isn’t me making things up — it’s what many insurance carriers recommend.

2. Weight factor
EVs are generally heavier than gas cars because of their batteries. Heavier vehicles impact how many units a carrier can legally haul, sometimes nudging costs higher than a gas car of similar size.

3. Enclosed vs. open transport
Both are possible, but high-value EVs are often shipped enclosed for protection against weather and road debris.

4. Insurance considerations
Not every cargo insurance policy automatically covers EVs and batteries. Replacement costs are high, so always confirm coverage before loading.

5. Special handling
If the 12V system or main battery is dead, EVs can’t be jump-started like gas cars. Special equipment may be required — your carrier needs to know this in advance.

6. Don’t leave charging gear inside
Most carriers exclude personal belongings from coverage. Leave the charging cables and wall units at home.

7. Regional factors
Some states (California, for example) have stricter safety rules for hauling EVs, which can impact routes and timing.

Takeaway: Shipping an EV isn’t “harder,” but it does involve extra steps and communication. The more info you share upfront with your broker or carrier, the smoother things go.

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How People Responded

When I first shared these points, the reactions were… mixed.

Skeptical reactions:

• “I stopped reading after #1, where you said a fully charged car is heavier. It technically is, but it’s a speck of dust heavier.”

• “Just shipped my EV. None of this is true, especially No. 1. Source: Einstein’s theory of relativity.”

My clarification:
The “weight” comment sparked debate, but the real point wasn’t about physics — it’s about insurance guidelines and risk management.
Carriers and insurers often recommend 20–30% state of charge (SOC). If a fire or incident occurs and the SOC is outside the recommended range, insurers may reduce or deny a payout. That’s the part many miss.

It’s not about whether electrons add measurable pounds. It’s about whether your insurance claim stands up if something happens.

Final Word

This is the challenge of being in auto transport right now: the industry is evolving fast, but customer education is lagging.

Shipping an EV isn’t rocket science — but ignoring small details like SOC, insurance exclusions, or special handling can create big headaches down the road.

So if you’re planning to ship your Tesla, Rivian, Ford Lightning, or any EV:

• Ask your broker about SOC guidelines.

• Verify your carrier’s insurance covers EV batteries.

• Document charge levels before loading.

That little bit of diligence can be the difference between a smooth delivery and a messy claim fight.