Shipping Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EV): Questions and Concerns
With their promise of fuel efficiency, less harmful emissions and potential cost savings, hybrid and electric vehicles are being purchased at a higher rate than ever. Plus, with a growing variety of new brands and models, hybrid and electric vehicles are now appealing to a broader range of car shoppers.
If you’re looking to purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle and have it shipped to you or need to move it due to a corporate relocation, retirement, extended vacation or other reason, read on to learn more about this evolving industry, battery regulations and concerns around shipping hybrid and electric vehicles.
Is the electric car and truck industry growing?
The answer is yes, definitely! Analysis from consultant EY Global predicts that combined electric vehicle sales in the U.S., China and Europe will outpace all other engine sales by 2033. By 2036, electric vehicle sales in the U.S. will surpass those of other powertrains.
How are hybrid and electric vehicles different from regular vehicles?
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is powered by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. One of the most common types of hybrid vehicles is the Toyota Prius. It can be powered in three different ways—by engine, electric motor or a combination of both power sources.
An all-electric vehicle (EV) runs on electricity alone. They are propelled by an electric motor powered by rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries. Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs do not have a gas tank or internal combustion engine.
Both HEVs and EVs help reduce the burning of fossil fuels and cut emissions nearly in half. While there is still a large upfront cost to purchasing these types of vehicles, new data indicates that hybrid and electric cars may save drivers money in the long run.
Is it safe to ship my hybrid or electric vehicle?
From time to time, you’ll see a story of a lithium-ion battery in a laptop or smartphone bursting into flames from overheating. Lithium-ion batteries offer an appealing size-to-energy ratio (producing lots of energy from a small size), which can be too much energy for a small electronic device to handle, causing overheating.
While the batteries in hybrid and electric cars are made of the same material, manufacturers put multiple safety mechanisms in place to greatly reduce risks. If any issues potentially arise, they would most likely be during manufacturing or operation, not during the vehicle transport process where the battery is only used when loading and unloading the vehicle.
The short answer is yes, it is safe to ship your electric vehicle. However, just like any car, truck, motorcycle, ATV or jet ski, safely shipping a hybrid or electric vehicle requires the expertise of a reputable auto transporter.
If you have specific questions about shipping your hybrid or electric vehicle, call the HEV and EV transport experts at Montway at 888-666-8929 or get an instant auto shipping quote.
Confusion about electric car shipping and auto transport services
Do hybrid or electric cars cost more to ship? Can you ship electric trucks? Are there special regulations for shipping an HEV or EV? Should I even consider shipping my electric vehicle?
There is a lot of misinformation in the industry about transporting hybrid and electric cars and trucks due to the fact that these types of vehicles are still relatively new. Before you start researching electric vehicle transport companies, arm yourself with this general information:
- All vehicles, including hybrid and electric, are loaded, shipped and unloaded the same way.
- The transport regulations are the same for HEVs and EVs as conventional vehicles; only the battery itself has regulations when being shipped.
- Lithium-ion batteries are heavy and auto shipping rates take vehicle weight into account. Ford is producing an electric F-150 that will weigh about 1,600 pounds more than a gas-powered F-150 truck and will cost more to ship.
- Any vehicle is an investment and worth contracting an experienced auto transport company to get it safely transported from one place to another.
Now that you know some basic facts, you may be exploring online car shipping quotes. Montway Auto Transport was the first to market with a real-time car shipping calculator and has the expertise, historical data and trend reporting to give you an accurate estimate. Find out how car shipping estimates are calculated.
How to prepare your hybrid or electric vehicle for shipping
To get your vehicle ready for transport, follow these simple steps:
- Wash the exterior of your vehicle and look for any damage. Take pictures for your records.
- Remove any valuables or plug-in devices from your car.
- Deactivate or remove your automatic toll pass.
- Have an extra set of keys to share with the auto transport truck driver.
- Fully charge your battery.
For more in-depth information, ask your auto transport customer service agent or read Steps to Prepare Your Car for Shipping.
A reputable hybrid and electric vehicle shipping company
You and your hybrid or electric car or truck deserve the best service in the industry. With over 57,000 positive online customer reviews, you can expect a great experience with Montway Auto Transport.
Montway is the leading vehicle shipping broker in the United States. We arrange transport for over 140,000 cars, trucks, motorcycles, powersports and golf carts every year and understand how to safely transport hybrid and electric vehicles. Take a minute to get an instant shipping quote or talk with one of our shipping advisors at 888-666-8929.
