Ship Your Electric Vehicle with EV-Specialized Carriers
Fill out our form to get competitive quotes from carriers experienced with EV transport.
Electric Vehicle Shipping – Tesla, Rivian & EV Transport
Shipping an electric vehicle requires carriers who understand battery state of charge protocols, weight considerations, and the specific prep steps that keep your EV safe in transit. We’ve been shipping vehicles since 1999, and EVs have become one of the fastest-growing categories on our AI-powered marketplace — we connect you with carriers who specialize in electric vehicle transport at competitive rates.
Why EV Shipping Is Different
Electric vehicles aren’t just cars with a different powertrain — they’re heavier, have unique thermal management requirements, and come with onboard software systems that need to be configured properly before transport. A Tesla Model Y, for instance, weighs roughly 4,400 lbs compared to a similarly sized Toyota RAV4 at 3,600 lbs. That 800-lb difference matters when it comes to carrier capacity and pricing.
We’ve shipped thousands of EVs across every major route in the country, and we’ve learned what works. The carriers on our marketplace who handle EVs have completed specific training on battery safety, proper tie-down procedures for heavier vehicles, and the software steps required for each major EV brand.
EV Shipping Prep Checklist
Before your carrier arrives, complete these steps to ensure a smooth pickup:
- Set Battery SOC to 20–50% — This is the sweet spot for transport. Enough charge for loading/unloading maneuvers, low enough to minimize thermal risk. Do not ship at 100% charge — lithium-ion batteries are most stable in the mid-range.
- Disable Sentry Mode (Tesla) — Sentry Mode triggers alarms and camera recording constantly during transport. It drains your battery and creates unnecessary complications for the driver. Turn it off before the carrier arrives.
- Turn Off Summon & Auto-Park — Any feature that could cause the vehicle to move autonomously must be disabled. This includes Smart Summon, Auto Park, and similar features on Rivian, Lucid, and other brands.
- Fold Mirrors & Retract Handles — Most EVs have auto-presenting door handles and folding mirrors. Set these to manual or retracted mode to prevent damage during loading.
- Provide a Charge Cable — Include your J1772 or NACS adapter in the frunk or trunk. If the carrier needs to reposition your vehicle at delivery, they’ll need the ability to add a quick charge.
- Document Everything — Take dated photos of all panels, wheels, glass, and the dashboard SOC reading before the carrier arrives. This is your baseline for the condition report.
Electric Vehicles We Ship
Tesla
- Model 3 & Model 3 Highland
- Model Y
- Model S & Model S Plaid
- Model X
- Cybertruck
- Tesla Semi
Rivian, Lucid & Premium
- Rivian R1T & R1S
- Lucid Air & Gravity
- Porsche Taycan
- BMW iX & i4
- Mercedes EQS & EQE
- Audi e-tron GT
Mainstream EVs
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Chevy Bolt EV & EUV
- Chevy Equinox EV & Blazer EV
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 & 6
- Kia EV6 & EV9
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Hummer EV Pickup & SUV
Don’t see your EV listed? We ship every electric vehicle on the market, including plug-in hybrids. Call us at (800) 930-7417 or get a free quote online.
EV Shipping Costs & Pricing
Electric vehicles cost $100 to $200 more to ship than their gas-powered equivalents. The primary reason is weight — EV battery packs add 800 to 1,500 lbs depending on the model, which reduces the number of vehicles a carrier can legally haul on a single trip. Here are typical 2026 price ranges:
| Vehicle | Weight | Open (Cross-Country) | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 3,862 lbs | $1,100–$1,500 | $1,700–$2,200 |
| Tesla Model Y | 4,398 lbs | $1,200–$1,600 | $1,800–$2,400 |
| Tesla Model X | 4,766 lbs | $1,300–$1,700 | $1,900–$2,600 |
| Cybertruck | 6,843 lbs | $1,400–$1,900 | $2,100–$2,800 |
| Rivian R1T | 7,148 lbs | $1,400–$1,900 | $2,100–$2,800 |
| Lucid Air | 4,536 lbs | $1,200–$1,600 | $1,800–$2,400 |
Prices reflect 2026 averages for 2,000+ mile cross-country routes. Regional and short-distance moves cost less. Get an exact quote through our shipping calculator.
Thermal & Battery Safety During Transport
EV batteries are engineered with sophisticated thermal management systems, but transport introduces scenarios that differ from normal driving. Your vehicle will be stationary for days on an open trailer, potentially in direct sunlight or extreme cold. Here’s what carriers and shippers need to know:
- Heat Exposure — Batteries charged above 80% SOC are more susceptible to thermal stress. The 20–50% SOC range provides the widest safety margin for multi-day transit through hot climates.
- Cold Weather — In winter, EVs shipped through northern routes may arrive with temporarily reduced range due to cold-soaked batteries. This is normal and resolves after the battery warms up.
- No Active Cooling — Unlike while driving, the thermal management system doesn’t run during transport. Mid-range SOC minimizes the heat generated by the battery cells themselves.
Every carrier on our marketplace who handles EVs understands these dynamics. We don’t match your electric vehicle with a carrier who isn’t equipped and trained for it.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport for EVs
The same rules that apply to gas vehicles apply here — the choice comes down to value and peace of mind:
- Open Transport — The standard choice for EVs under $75,000 (Model 3, Model Y, Bolt, Ioniq 5, etc.). Your EV rides on a standard multi-car carrier alongside other vehicles. Safe, affordable, and how 90% of all vehicles are shipped. Learn more about open auto transport.
- Enclosed Transport — Recommended for EVs valued over $75,000, including Tesla Model S Plaid, Model X, Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, and Rivian. Full protection from weather, road debris, and UV exposure. Read more about enclosed auto transport.
Not sure which option is right for your EV? Read our complete open vs. enclosed comparison guide.
EV Shipping FAQs
EV shipping typically costs $100 to $200 more than shipping a comparable gas-powered vehicle due to the extra weight of the battery pack. A standard Tesla Model 3 shipped cross-country on an open carrier runs $1,100 to $1,700. Enclosed transport for high-value EVs like a Lucid Air or Tesla Model X Plaid adds 40-60% to the base price.
Keep your battery state of charge (SOC) between 20% and 50% for transport. This range provides enough power for loading and unloading while minimizing thermal risk during transit. Shipping at 100% SOC increases the chance of thermal events, especially in extreme heat. Most carriers require proof of SOC before loading.
Yes. Sentry Mode must be disabled before transport. It triggers camera recording and alarm responses whenever someone approaches the vehicle, which happens constantly during loading, transit, and unloading. Leaving it active drains the battery significantly and can interfere with the carrier's ability to safely handle your vehicle.
We recommend enclosed transport for EVs valued over $75,000 — including the Tesla Model X, Model S Plaid, Rivian R1S, Lucid Air, and Porsche Taycan. For standard EVs like the Model 3, Model Y, or Chevy Bolt, open transport is perfectly safe and significantly more affordable. The key factor is the vehicle's value, not the powertrain type.
Absolutely. We ship Cybertrucks, Rivian R1T and R1S, Ford F-150 Lightning, Hummer EV, and every other electric truck and SUV on the market. These vehicles often require flatbed transport due to their size and weight, and may incur oversized surcharges of $100 to $300 depending on dimensions.
Ready to Ship Your EV?
Get a free, no-obligation quote in 60 seconds. Our AI marketplace matches you with EV-experienced carriers who understand battery prep, weight requirements, and safe transport protocols.
Get a Free EV Shipping Quote