# Can You Transport an Electric Car?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/can-you-transport-an-electric-car/
- Published: 2021-05-18T15:32:23-04:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

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](https://www.tesla.com/support/taking-delivery)!

There are still a few things to bear in mind, however.

![Tesla superchargers](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/
05/39F4A86D-541B-48A6-A601-5D65FA4038B4.jpg?resize=715%2C477&quality=52&ssl=1 "Tesla
superchargers - The Green Living Guy")

## **Electric vehicles weigh more**

EVs have more parts than [petrol-powered cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/100th-swiss-tesla-roadster-electric-vehicle-hits-the-road/).
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/02/who-wouldve-thought-think-electric-car-becomes-european-van/).
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](https://guardianautotransport.com/texas-auto-transport/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/12/formula-e-causeway-media-investment-explained/),
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](https://carshippingcarriers.com/how-much-does-it-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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/lg-chem-to-spend-1-8-billion-to-build-their-own-electric-cars/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/eco-friendly-ways-to-dispose-of-your-scrap-car/)
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!

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 Eillin Delapaz

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