Shipping an electric vehicle (EV) isn’t the same as shipping a gas-powered car. While most brokers will quote you a price and book a truck, very few explain the real steps needed to protect your battery, your warranty, and your investment.
At Navi Auto Transport, we’ve handled thousands of EV transports nationwide — from Tesla Model Y to Rivian R1T — and we know what most companies leave out of the fine print.
⚡ Why EV Shipping Is Different
EVs have unique requirements that carriers need to respect — not just for your safety but also to comply with transport regulations and protect the vehicle itself.
- 🪫 Battery Management: EV batteries can be damaged or over-discharged if not properly prepped.
- 🔌 Regenerative Braking & Weight: EVs are heavier than gas vehicles, requiring the right carrier equipment.
- 🧯 Safety Regulations: Many carriers don’t handle high-voltage systems correctly.
- 🧾 Manufacturer Guidelines: Some brands (like Tesla and Rivian) have specific shipping recommendations to keep warranties valid.
“EV shipping is about precision, not shortcuts. The battery is the heart of the vehicle — and we treat it that way,” says Ivan Karakostov, CEO of Navi Auto Transport.
🪫 Step 1: Preparing Your EV Before Pickup
Proper preparation makes the shipping process smoother, safer, and faster:
- Charge to 30–50% battery — never full. This prevents over-discharge during transit and protects the pack.
- Turn off “Sentry” or security systems that drain the battery.
- Disable alarms and auto-locking features to allow safe carrier handling.
- Remove charging cables and accessories.
- Document the car’s condition with photos and note the battery level at pickup.
💡 Many brokers don’t tell customers about these steps, which can lead to unnecessary battery drain or delays on delivery.
🚛 Step 2: Choosing the Right Carrier Type
Carrier TypeBest ForProsConsOpen TransportStandard EVs / daily driversMore affordable, faster bookingExposed to weather during transitEnclosed TransportHigh-value EVs / premium brandsMaximum protection from weather and road debrisHigher cost, less carrier availability
For vehicles like Tesla, Rivian, Porsche Taycan, or Lucid, enclosed transport is strongly recommended to minimize exposure and vibration during shipping.
📦 Step 3: Securing the Vehicle Properly
EVs often require special tie-down points or “tow mode” activation. Navi only works with carriers trained in EV handling, which means:
- Proper use of manufacturer tie-down points
- Tire straps instead of undercarriage hooks (protects battery tray)
- Compliance with OEM shipping recommendations
- Power-off and safety procedures for high-voltage systems
This is a critical step most generic brokers skip — and why damages can occur with untrained carriers.
🛡 Step 4: Insurance & Real Protection
When shipping an EV, insurance coverage matters more than ever. EV repairs can be 2–3x more expensive than standard cars, and battery components are costly.
With Navi, every EV shipment includes:
- ✅ Full liability and cargo insurance (FMCSA-compliant)
- 🔐 Enclosed transport insurance upgrades available
- 📸 Pre- and post-trip condition documentation
- 🧾 Transparent claim support (no finger-pointing)
Many brokers assume their carriers “have insurance,” but don’t verify coverage limits or EV experience. We do.
⏳ Pickup Time & Delivery Windows
EV shipping timelines are similar to standard vehicles, but carrier selection is more specialized:
- 🚚 Standard open transport: 5–8 days cross-country
- 🏎 Enclosed transport: 4–7 days on major routes
- 🕒 Pickup time: typically 1–3 days after booking
Routes with high EV volume (e.g., California ↔ Florida, Texas ↔ New York, Arizona ↔ Chicago) have faster dispatch rates.
💡 Pro Tips Most Brokers Won’t Tell You
- Don’t ship your EV at 100% charge — it can trigger battery management issues.
- Choose enclosed transport if your car has expensive paint or glass roof panels.
- Ask your broker if the carrier is trained on EV tie-downs — not all are.
- Always check insurance coverage limits before booking.
- Avoid bottom-barrel quotes — cheap EV shipping often means unqualified carriers.
🌐 Why EV Owners Trust Navi Auto Transport
- ⚡ Thousands of EV shipments annually
- 🧠 Trained carrier network for high-voltage vehicles
- 📡 Real-time ETA tracking & proactive communication
- 🧾 Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
- 🛡 Full insurance protection
Whether you’re shipping a Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, or any other EV, Navi ensures your vehicle is transported safely, professionally, and fully insured.
