Five Things to Avoid When Transporting Your EV

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly mainstream. Over half of global passenger vehicle sales are projected to be EVs by 2040.

However, electric vehicles can be challenging to transport long distances due to the lack of charging stations in rural areas and other problems.

So what should you NOT do when you're transporting your EV? Most auto transport companies will brief you on the straightforward solutions for shipping electric vehicles.

But if you want to know about them before going to an auto transport company, read these five things you should not do when arranging for EV transportation.

1) Failing to Plan Ahead

Take the time toplan properly and prepare your EV for its trip. Before shipping, clean and wash the car, taking photos of it and noting any existing damages.

Furthermore, empty the vehicle and remove any valuables before shipping, tightening, or removing loose parts.

Here is a checklist of important steps in preparing your EV or hybrid vehicle for shipping:

• Fully charging the battery
• Preparing an extra set of keys
• Deactivating automatic toll passes
• Disabling alarm systems
• Checking insurance coverage limits

These steps will help ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination without any issues.

Furthermore, researching to find the best electric vehicle mechanic is essential, as investing in a qualified mechanic will be worth the effort.

A qualified mechanic can advise on maintaining your electric car while in transit, such as charging levels and temperature control.

Having an expert look over your vehicle before shipping will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is in order and ready for its journey.

2) Not Charging the Battery

A charged battery is essential for a successful auto transport journey. So it is crucial to ensure the battery has enough juice to power the vehicle when loaded and unloaded.

Draining the car's battery before shipping can cause damage to the battery and reduce its lifespan. So instead, it is best to charge the car battery fully before shipping for optimal performance when it arrives.

The battery may still drain during shipping due to energy loss from vibrations or other factors. Therefore, it is important to check that the car's charging system is working properly and that all connections are secure to prevent this drainage.

Additionally, if possible, try to keep the vehicle in a cool environment during transit, as heat can cause batteries to lose their charge more quickly.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure your car's battery will be ready for use when it arrives at its destination.

3) Towing Electric Vehicles on Their Wheels

Towing an electric car on its wheels is not recommended. Electric cars require special considerations when being towed, such as disconnecting the battery and using a flatbed tow truck.

Without proper precautions, the drive motor can overheat due to extended periods of spinning, which can cause permanent damage to the engine and other parts of the car. Hence, some electric cars have electric oil pumps that must remain on during towing, or else motor damage may occur.

In addition, electric cars can become disabled due to flat tires, running out of juice, or other issues. Therefore, shipping a car is the best way to relocate a vehicle.

Flatbed tow trucks, car carriers, or car haulers are beneficial for towing electric cars since they provide a safe way of transporting the vehicle without putting any strain on its components.

Specific tow trucks are designed with special features that make them suitable for hauling electric vehicles. For instance, some flatbed tow trucks come with adjustable wheel chocks that help keep the car in place during transport.

Electric vehicles and neutral (tow mode/service mode)

While electric cars do not require a neutral position or gear like gas automobiles, they need to be put into a "tow mode" or "service mode" when shipped.

This mode deactivates the electric vehicle's motor and prevents regenerative braking.

4) Ignoring EV Safety Concerns

Lithium-ion is a compound in EV batteries. This compound is highly flammable and, when alit, can produce very challenging fires.

You can find lithium-ion batteries in electric cars, which can cause a massive explosion if something goes wrong.

Companies like Tesla Motors have implemented several safety mechanisms, including liquid cooling systems, fuse layers, sensors, and protection in case of collisions or overcharging.

Electric vehicles have different shipping standards from regular vehicles, and the car shipping industry has adapted to meet consumer standards.

5) Working with Non-EV Logistics Providers

Carriers must follow strict regulations when shipping lithium-ion batteries to prevent short circuits and excessive battery motion.

Electric cars use rechargeable batteries heavier than single-use ones, so auto transport companies may charge more for shipping electric and hybrid vehicles due to the need for extra licensing, care, and equipment.

Hybrid and electric vehicle shipping requires specialized knowledge and experience that not all carriers possess.

Therefore, it is important to do your research before selecting a carrier for your hybrid or electric vehicle shipment. Make sure they have the right tools and expertise to ensure your car arrives safely at its destination.

Other Considerations

Here are some other considerations for transporting EVs.

Average EV shipping time

On average, it takes the same amount of time to ship an electric vehicle as it does a gas-run car.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has set regulations on how many hours drivers can drive. Shipping times for electric vehicles should take:

• 1-2 days within 100-500 miles
• 2-3 days for 500-1000 miles
• 3-4 days for 1000-1500 miles
• 4-6 days for 1500-2000 miles
• 5-7 days for 2000-2500 miles
• 7-10 days for 2500-3000 miles

The cost of EV transport

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits, but they can also be more expensive to ship than traditional cars.

Shipping an electric car may require additional steps like acquiring special licensing and providing special equipment.

When shipping an electric or hybrid car, the car's weight is one of the major factors in determining shipping costs. Keep in mind that EVs are typically heavier than regular cars due to their battery weight.

Therefore, when requesting quotes for EV transport, it is wise to expect to pay a little extra.

Browsing for EV Transport Companies

Things you should avoid when transporting your electric vehicles include not planning for transport, not charging the battery, and towing your EV incorrectly. Ignoring safety concerns and not working with EV logistics providers can also be risky.

So if you're looking for an auto transport company that can handle your EV, look no further than A-1 Auto Transport.

We know the do's and don'ts for EV transport, so you can trust us to get the job done. Contact us for a free quote today.