Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in the last few years, changing the automotive industry and the way people view transportation. With the ever-growing popularity of EVs, the shipping of advanced vehicles over state lines has become a challenge that must be addressed. While the shipping of vehicles presents a certain set of challenges, owning an EV provides lots of benefits, like savings on gas and helping the environment.
As a buyer, perhaps from one of the best online used car sites, you are purchasing your first electric car, or as a young adult moving state-by-state while having Student Auto Transport ship your car, knowing the challenges that come with EV shipping is important. This blog addresses the logistical, technical, and safety concerns associated with EV shipping and how professional car shipping services are addressing these challenges.
The Increased Demand for EV Shipping
The number of EVs being transported to different states has increased as more people begin to embrace environmentally friendly means of transport. Some of the factors contributing to the increase in EV shipping are:
The expansion of the best online used car sites, where customers buy EVs located in different states. Increased corporate relocations, as well as educational moves that need vehicles to be transported. The interstate delivery service expansion of auto dealerships and manufacturers.
Electric vehicles are not ordinary gasoline vehicles. They have complex electronics, large, heavy lithium-ion batteries, and need special handling. Because of this, car shipping companies will require new methods and equipment tailored for their safe transport.
Why Shifting Electric Vehicles Is Different
Unlike regular cars, shipping an EV involves unique logistical and technical issues that influence costs, handling processes, and legal compliance. Some of the primary problems in EV shipping interstate are outlined below.
Weight Of The Batteries And Vehicle Handling
There are critical distinctions between an EV and a gasoline-powered vehicle. The most apparent one is the battery. The battery addition could make the vehicle weigh an additional 1500 pounds.
This will require the transporters to adjust how they load, secure, and balance it on the carrier. The shipping costs will also be impacted as heavier vehicles will burn more fuel, and more equipment will be needed. The professional car shipping companies have advanced tie-down systems and hydraulic lift gates for even weight distribution.
Battery Safety Guidelines
Handling and shipping EVs requires complying with unique and stringent shipping guidelines pertaining to lithium-ion batteries. If damaged, these batteries can catch fire and are considered hazardous materials.
Shipping regulations spell out specific safety measures as to how to handle a battery when transporting a vehicle. For battery transport safety, transporters must ensure:
The battery is charged to the recommended safe transport level (usually 30-50%). Depleted batteries should be transported as they may lose sufficient charge to start upon delivery.
The EV (electric vehicle) is completely off during transport. Automatic battery-draining systems must be disabled.
The battery terminals are covered to avoid short circuits. Not all Student Auto Transport providers and carriers are equipped to handle these safety measures, hence why it is important to choose an experienced EV transporter.
The management of an EV’s battery charge before and during shipping is one of the most overlooked challenges in the industry. As batteries cannot be fully charged, pre-shipment management must be undertaken to ensure an optimal level is achieved to help minimize the overheating risks during transport. As a precaution, experienced car shipping companies will manage the battery systems to ensure no unnecessary power drainage is lost when transport is initiated.
The lack of EV terminals equipped with charging stations is an issue when cars arrive with depleted batteries. Charging stations are expanding quickly across the US, but many transport terminals still lack sufficient charging infrastructure.
Some of the higher-end automobile transportation companies are taking the initiative to provide portable chargers and EV-compatible tools at their distribution centers to resolve this problem. This makes it possible for them to take care of the batteries so that each automobile will be battery-ready for delivery when it arrives at the destination.
Considering Routes and Weather
When shipping an EV across state lines, taking into account the weather and routes is vital to the process. Temperature extremes will influence battery functionality and the condition of the EV.
Cold temperatures will cause the battery to drain faster, and hot weather will cause the EV to overheat. This is why professional movers plan routes and timetables that will eliminate extreme weather, and they provide inner trailers with appropriate ventilation.
If you are routing your EV to college with Student Auto Transport, try to plan the shipping for times with milder weather.
EV Transport is More Expensive
Due to the increased responsibility needed to handle an EV, the cost of moving it will be higher than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle. This includes:
- Taking out extra insurance for high-value cargo.
- Having specialized equipment to load and unload the cargo.
- Employing specialized drivers for EV movement.
- Battery safety adherence.
Asking about the cost of transporting a car is understandable, but expect to pay more for EV shipping. The cost is to guarantee your electric car is safe and delivered in great shape. You pay a premium on EV shipping for the shipping company to guarantee your electric car is delivered safely and in great condition.
Insurance is yet another reason the transport of electric vehicles is complex. It is expected that all car transport companies should provide adequate transport insurance for the car and its battery.
Always ask before booking transport about:
- The insurance coverage certificate.
- Limits on EV damage.
- What happens in case of damage or loss during transport?
- This resolves potential issues and provides peace of mind.
The transport of EVs is more i. Transport technology these days enables Features like battery condition monitoring and GPS tracking.
Clients shipping luxury or electric vehicles interstate expect the kind of transparency these systems provide. They expect tools that allow real-time tracking, condition monitoring, and digital post-trip inspection reports. They want to be notified at important trip milestones like pick up and drop off, and be able to monitor the vehicle through the trip.
Getting Your EV Ready for Interstate Shipping
Making the right preparations helps to reduce the risks when transporting an EV. For instance, make sure to:
- Battery charge level should be between 40–50%.
- Disarm all your cars alarms, GPS trackers, and security systems.
- Fold mirrors and take all personal items out.
- Take pictures of your car for insurance purposes to document the car’s condition.
If you’re booking Student Auto Transport to send your EV to a new city, you can follow any of the steps above for a more stress-free and smooth delivery experience.
Looking Ahead: EV Shipping in the US
With the increase in electric vehicles, there is an increase in demand for car shipping services. This will result in:
- More EV-compatible carriers and EV carriers with integrated trailers.
- More charging stations at transport hubs.
- More advanced handling and maintenance training programs.
- More automated systems for logistics.
The rapid growth of e-commerce will continue to drive long-distance EV sales, making efficient interstate transport even more necessary.
Conclusion
There are many challenges to shipping electric vehicles interstate, most of which require some level of expertise, technology, and precision to overcome. The varying interstate regulations, compliance, and border charging stations are a few of the examples that show the different aspects of EV transport.
When it comes to gasoline vehicles, conventional car shipping methods will do just fine. However, electric cars require an extra touch. Be it a student moving their EV with Student Auto Transport, buying one from the best online used car sites, or engaging with professional car shipping companies, the chosen service determines how well and how quickly the vehicle gets to its intended destination.
As the world moves to greener forms of transport, one thing is obvious: within the realm of electric innovation and transport vehicles, the auto transport sector must meet the challenges of change, environmental accountability, and demand.
Do Read: The Protection of High-End Automobiles During Transport