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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.
Are you planning to purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle and need it shipped? Or do you need to transport one due to relocation, retirement, or vacation? Read on to learn more about the evolving EV industry, battery regulations, and concerns around shipping hybrid and electric vehicles.
Is the electric car and truck industry growing?
The electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing significant growth due to increased consumer demand, widespread availability, greater options for all drivers, and incentives such as rebates and EV tax credits. According to the International Energy Agency, EVs are projected to account for 25% of all global car sales in 2025.
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 significantly reduce the burning of fossil fuels. The lifetime emissions for EVs are 60-68% lower than similarly sized gas-powered vehicles, and hybrid vehicles are 45% lower. While there is still a large upfront cost to purchasing these types of vehicles, data indicates that hybrid and electric cars will save drivers money in the long run.
Is it safe to ship my hybrid or electric vehicle?
Yes, it’s safe to ship your hybrid or EV. An expert auto transporter will be educated on the special care that electric vehicles require and have the proper equipment to safely ship them.
From time to time, you’ll see a story of a lithium-ion battery in a laptop or smartphone bursting into flames. This is due to improper handling that results in overheating. A general rule of thumb when shipping an electric vehicle is to keep the battery between 45% and 65% charged. This ensures that there is enough charge to drive the vehicle on and off the transport trailer, but not too much to risk overheating.
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.
Facts about shipping hybrid and electric vehicles
Do hybrid or electric cars cost more to ship? Can you ship electric trucks? Are there special regulations for shipping an HEV or EV?
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:
- Hybrid and electric vehicles are loaded, shipped, and unloaded the same way as gas-powered vehicles.
- 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 vehicle weight will affect shipping prices. For example, the electric Ford F-150 Lightning weighs about 1,600 pounds more than a gas-powered F-150 truck. For that reason, it will cost more to ship.
- Any vehicle is an investment. It’s 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.
- Make sure your battery is between 45% and 65% charged. .
For more in-depth information, ask your auto transport customer service agent or read Steps to Prepare Your Car for Shipping.
Helpful links for hybrid and electric vehicle drivers
Electric Car Maintenance Guide: This comprehensive guide covers everything from essential maintenance tasks to tips on prolonging battery life, answers to frequently asked questions, and more.
EV Charging: A Comprehensive Guide: Learn how EV charging is different from traditional fueling, and understand the difference between level 1, level 2, and level 3 DC fast charging. Plus find helpful resources for locating public charging stations. 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 100,000 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 250,000 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.
