Electric cars are undoubtedly the future. They’re green, sustainable, and they continue to make innovative strides. As the green infrastructure develops and charging points become plentiful and more efficient, there’s no doubt that we’ll be seeing far more green vehicles on our roads.
EVs are new technology, though, and drivers often wonder whether they can safely transport their vehicle in the way they would a traditional, petrol-driven car. The good news is that electric cars are safe to transport, so much so that Tesla even has its own bespoke delivery service!
There are still a few things to bear in mind, however.
Electric vehicles weigh more
EVs have more parts than petrol-powered cars. The battery adds an enormous amount of weight, but there’s also electronic cabling and other technology to think about. That means that shipping costs will usually be higher, so you should factor this into your calculations. It’s always a good idea to compare quotes and perform diligent research.
Some companies might also charge more. All because EVs need special treatment. Transporting a battery can require specialized equipment and additional safety measures. I mean all of which will appear on your bill. Since owning an electronic vehicle is usually cheaper than a petrol equivalent. So therefore the higher cost of delivery is easily offset against long-term savings.
Consider covered shipping
Most Texas auto transportation companies offer a choice between enclosed or open shipping. Open shipping means that your vehicle is exposed to the elements as well as dirt and debris from the road. When you’re shipping something as expensive and potentially dangerous as a battery, enclosed shipping is the better option.
It ensures that your vehicle is covered at all times and shipped in a protective environment. Electric vehicles are a long-term investment, and covered delivery will give you peace of mind. Again, research is key. Shipping your EV in an enclosed container is invariably more expensive, but by knowing the average cost to ship a car, you can ensure a decent price.
The battery should be on a full charge
When shipping a conventional car, the advice is to empty the fuel tank so that it’s no more than 1/4 of the way full. That’s to stop fuel spilling during transit, and it also helps to decrease your vehicle’s weight. Electric cars demand the exact opposite.
Charging the battery doesn’t add any weight, so you should ensure that it’s fully topped up. All batteries lose energy over time, so the best way to ensure immediate use after delivery is to send the car off with a full charge. Lithium Ion batteries have a somewhat formidable reputation, but electric cars come with a range of high-tech safety features that make transporting a fully charged battery completely safe.
Perform all the usual checks
Electric cars require all the same checks and precautions you would apply to a standard vehicle pre-shipping. Ensure that you disable alarms, remove any belongings, document the condition of the vehicle before it leaves, remove/tighten any loose components and, of course, double-check the shipping companies insurance coverage!
