What is Electric Vehicle Shipping and How does it Work in 2026?
The technology and idea behind electric vehicles have been around for a long time, with the first electric vehicle being developed in 1890 by William Morris. Only in the past 15 years have modern EVs become a reliable alternative to combustion engine propulsion, which has caused a great shift in consumer outlook and behavior.
While varying in their way of operation, in essence, electric vehicles use electrical power stored in banks of batteries to drive electric motors. This is a clean source of propulsion that has zero emissions, but an increased upfront cost for purchasing. Some states, like California, have incentives and tax rebates for first-time EV owners, making them quite a popular destination for EV shipping and delivery.
Learn More About Our EV Shipping Discount
While the popularity of EV’s is increasing each year, and their actual usage goes up, so does demand for this service. Although more numerous and varied, EVs are still only 10% of the vehicles on the road. SGT has decided to level the playing field for pricing EV shipping in the U.S., and we have begun to steadily provide regular discounts for EV shipping.
This gives our customers equal access to our full range of services, while offsetting the higher price of EV transport services to all 49 states. To see what discounts apply to you, keep checking in regularly with us or set a target price and wait for a notification from the SGT booking system.
How Our EV Shipping Process Works
Just like with any other vehicle, EV shipping starts with selecting the right carrier and transport type for the job. What sets EV transportation apart from conventional car transport is the weight of the vehicle. EVs are several times heavier than combustion cars due to their batteries. This means that we have to select carriers who specialize in EV transportation. Luckily, we have a network of nearly 30,000 accredited and licensed carriers who know how to safely transport an electric vehicle over a long distance.
Instant Online EV Shipping Quote
Secure Loading and Battery Preparation
How to Prepare Your EV Battery Before Shipping
The big difference between EVs and traditional combustion cars is the presence of large battery banks. Those need to be conditioned for a journey to maintain optimal operational performance, while also being safe. The type of battery exploitation and charging habits will determine the longevity of the factory batteries.
To get a better understanding of battery conditioning for your EV, we suggest contacting the manufacturer to learn what sort of procedures are the best approach. In general, 5 steps need to be followed for proper battery preparation:
- Keep the charge between 50% and 70% days before shipping.
- Full vehicle shutdown;
- Include the complete charging accessories.
- Inspect the vehicle before loading.
- Include specific handling instructions from the manufacturer (if applicable).
In terms of the loading procedures, it's vital to protect the underside of an EV as it's where most manufacturers place their battery banks. That is why EV carriers provide a specialized ramp that provides the necessary clearance for secure loading and unloading of any EV size and type.
Tracked Journey with 24/7 Updates
With SGT, you can get constant updates on the shipment, where it's currently, where it's headed, and how long until it arrives at your delivery destination. To make it easier for customers, we also provide the contact information of the hauler. It helps with the organization aspect of the pick-up and delivery process.
Safe Door-to-Door Delivery
Our EV shipping process is all about safety, especially when it comes to delivering the vehicle to your front door. With the door-to-door option most EV owners choose, you get the best of both worlds - a professional delivery straight to your door. You get to choose the specific address for both the pickup and the delivery, whether that’d be a delivery-to-home.
Flexible EV Shipping Options
We have several shipping methods suitable for EVs that we believe would be the most convenient option for you. They are optimized to offer both performance and a good balance of price. A lot of EV companies, like Rivian, require that their vehicles go through inspection, testing, and maintenance that is included in the leasing.
Open EV Auto Transport is a Cost-Effective Option for Standard EVs
Most EVs can easily be transported onto an open trailer, which is good news because it's also the most cost-effective option on the market. The open trailer option saves customers nearly 20% per mile when compared to other options. It's possible to choose the position of your vehicle on the trailer to give it a bit more protection.
Enclosed EV Shipping - We recommend for high-value EVs such as Lucid, Tesla Model S Plaid, and Porsche Taycan
The enclosed EV shipping service is a great choice for car owners who want to ship their high-value EV, like a Lucid, Tesla Model S Plaid, and the new Proche Taycan. The enclosed trailer option offers the ultimate level of protection from the elements. EVs in general can benefit from the enclosed trailer, as some options do have internal climate controls.
Why Enclosed is Ideal for High-Value EVs Like Porsche Taycan
The enclosed EV shipping service we offer is the perfect choice for high-value vehicles because it provides the ultimate level of protection. It shields the vehicle from road debris and the elements. The Sun’s UV rays can be very damaging to paint and interior details of the vehicle, and by choosing to go with the enclosed EV shipping option.
Car Shipping Quote
- Get your quote fast and simple
- Instant car shipping cost calculator
- High accuracy in price estimation
- Ship a Car to Another State Easy
Why Choose SGT Auto Transport for your EV Shipping:
Full insurance coverage through our carrier network
SGT Auto Transport offers all of its EV owner customers an added layer of protection by offering full insurance coverage through our carrier network. We work with nearly 30,000 qualified, accredited, and vetted carriers, all of whom can offer our customers the added benefit of a special EV car insurance coverage. It protects the vehicle from any damage to its fullest potential, giving customers 100% security during loading, transportation, and unloading.
All carriers are vetted and licensed
We’ve made sure that every carrier we work with is vetted and licensed. This gives our customers and us peace of mind that service quality will remain optimal regardless of where in the U.S. the shipment is taking place. For the last decade, we’ve been building a network of trusted carriers whom we vet personally. It’s safe to say that the options we provide are both reliable and highly accommodating.
The same care and high handling standards that apply to any vehicle shipment
Regardless of the differences between EVs and regular combustion vehicles, SGT Auto Transport puts in a genuine care in helping you ship your own car to any location in the U.S. We know how valuable your car is to you, because it's more than just an object or a belonging; it's a way to live and a way of life. You transport your family in it, you use it to commute to work, you get groceries and chores done - it's a part of your family, and it needs the same level of care you would put in transporting a family member.
This is where SGT gets it right for you - we care about doing a good job, so we take every step, every precaution, every measure to ensure you get the best experience possible.
Factors Affecting Your Electric Car Shipping Cost in 2026
If you are wondering why the price of transporting your electric car is the way it is, then the following segment will help you understand what affects the cost of EV shipping in 2026.
If you are wondering why the price of transporting your electric car is the way it is, then the following segment will help you understand what affects the cost of EV shipping in 2026.
Enclosed transport - many EV owners prefer or require enclosed shipping due to vehicle value, which is priced accordingly
Battery SoC - carriers require the battery to be charged to 30–50% at pickup (not full, not empty) for safety during loading. This is an owner responsibility, not a cost add, but worth stating clearly on the page
Size/weight - larger EVs like the Rivian R1T or GMC Hummer EV are heavier than typical vehicles and may affect trailer capacity or placement, which can influence pricing
Does SGT Auto Transport Offer Multi-Vehicle EV Shipping
Specialized Electric Vehicle Shipping for high-value EVs such as Lucid, Tesla Model S Plaid, and Porsche Taycan
There is a higher-tier above the enclosed trailer transport, and that’s the white-glove shipping service, which takes every aspect of EV shipping to a whole new level. This service includes the best of what the industry has to offer. It’s most frequently booked by people who own high-value EVs, such as the Lucid, Tesla Model S Plaid, or a Porsche Taycan. This service includes:
- Scheduling flexibility.
- Door-to-door transportation.
- Priority shipping for pickup and delivery.
- Express shipping during peak seasons.
- An enclosed trailer with climate control and hydraulic ramps.
- The top-tier of insurance coverage that protects the high value of the car 100%.
If you don’t want to compromise with any aspect of your car’s shipping process, then this is your best choice. Contact us directly so we can get started as soon as possible.
Nationwide EV Auto Transport with Door-to-Door Delivery
Of course, what’s a good electric car transport service without nationwide door-to-door delivery? With SGT Auto Transport, you get immediate access to our most convenient option - getting your electric vehicle shipped straight to your door. The possible applications for this option are numerous, but here’s our most frequent use cases:
Of course, what’s a good electric car transport service without nationwide door-to-door delivery? With SGT Auto Transport, you get immediate access to our most convenient option - getting your electric vehicle shipped straight to your door. The possible applications for this option are numerous, but here’s our most frequent use cases:
Family relocation;
Delivery to a remote location;
Relocating for work purposes;
Door-to-door delivery from a dealership;
Door-to-door delivery from a mechanic’s workshop.
Enclosed and Open EV Car Shipping Options Tailored to You. What we recommend and why
Open vs Enclosed EV Transport
As a veteran in this industry with more than 12 years of experience, we are known for accommodating any type of car transport needs, because we know that each shipment is unique and requires a personal approach.
From experience, we know what works and what doesn’t, so here are some recommendations on shipping your EV across the country. Get the enclosed EV transport if you:
- Want a 100% guarantee of damage-free delivery;
- Are shipping a brand new car straight from a dealership.
- Want to preserve the life-cycle of your car’s battery?
- Are looking for the most comfortable EV shipping experience.
On the other hand, we recommend that you go for the open EV transport option if you are:
- Looking to get the most cost-effective shipment on the market.
- I want to ship quickly, but don’t need express transportation.
- Shipping during the summer or warmer times of year;
- Shipping a lighter EV or a compact model.
At the end of the day, the best way to determine what transport method is most suited for you is to talk to a professional. You can contact us at any time via email and live chat, or you can give us a call or request we contact you via phone for the personal touch SGT is known for.
Dealer and Private Seller EV Shipping Solutions
At SGT Auto Transport, we service any number of customers, big and small. We’ve made sure to have a solution in place for dealerships and private sellers, and provide access to the most convenient and yet cost-effective solution for purchasing or selling a vehicle online or in person.
If you need to transport a vehicle you’ve recently sold over state lines, then your best bet is using the professional services of SGT Auto Transport. There are many benefits of selling and shipping a car, instead of driving it over state lines, for instance:
- Less paperwork;
- No temporary tags needed.
- Safer for the vehicle and owner;
- Appealing to the customer because of the added convenience
Car Shipping Quote
- Get your quote fast and simple
- Instant car shipping cost calculator
- High accuracy in price estimation
- Ship a Car to Another State Easy
Safe & Reliable Electric Vehicle Shipping: Costs, Regulations & Preparation Tips
One of the biggest benefits of choosing SGT as your EV shipping provider is our protection and the lack of any upfront fees or costs - that’s right, we do not ask for any upfront payments to book you a carrier.
Every customer gets an itemized list of expenses before any payments are made, so they can make an informed decision before committing. We are transparent, fair, and reliable all the way through, as confirmed by more than 120,000 happy customers and a 4.7 overall trust rating.
What Should You Know Before Transporting Your Electric Vehicle?
Shipping an electric vehicle is quite easy, but if you don’t have experience and it's your first time, it can seem intimidating. Don’t worry, it’s very simple. Here are some tips that can make your experience a lot more enjoyable:
Keep a state of charge between 30% and 50%. This is the optimal SoC for an EV that is being transported, as it mitigates any risk of overheating of the battery during transportation, while also keeping enough power in the banks to have it move under its own power. We recommend this to all customers across the U.S., including those who are helping ship their EV across the ocean and to Hawaii.
Carriers do not charge vehicles in transit.
Your EV might arrive with less of a battery charge than the initial SoC. Out of safety and timeframe concerns, carriers will not charge the vehicle during transit, but instead rely on the current power level to perform any movements required to position the vehicle onto or off the trailer. This applies both for the open and enclosed trailer options.
Some carriers will need trunk access for strapping - advise customers to keep it clear at pickup.
Keep the trunk space clear of any personal items or belongings. While it is fully legal to transport personal items inside your car, it's not recommended because it increases the risk of damage to the vehicle during transportation. It is also advisable to keep the trunk clear because some carriers might need access to it for additional strapping for the vehicle.
There are no EV-specific federal regulations beyond standard vehicle shipping rules, though we should monitor FMCSA guidance as it continues to evolve.
As of today, there are no EV-specific DOT regulations for the transportation of EV’s; therefore, they are treated similarly to regular combustion engine vehicles. SGT Auto Transport is continuously monitoring any upcoming legislation or changes in FMCSA guidelines, as well as local laws and ordinances, to maintain the high standard of care and service we are known for. If you have any questions regarding legality, procedures, prices, or any other aspect of EV auto transportation, please contact us at any time.
Frequently Asked EV Car Shipping Questions
Can EVs be shipped safely?
Yes, they most certainly can. We use carriers who specialize in EV shipping using regulated methods and safety procedures, which guarantee the reliable and trouble-free experience you are looking for.
Is shipping an EV more expensive?
EV shipping can be more expensive than that of regular cars; however, it really depends on the same factors as with traditional cars - distance, car type, preferred shipping method, scheduling, and carrier availability. Gas prices also heavily influence the price ranges that carriers can charge for transporting to a certain destination.
Should I use open or enclosed transport?
Most of our EV owner customers prefer to use the enclosed trainer transport due to the higher value and cost to repair for a newer EV model. Repairs can not only cost quite a lot, but also have you waiting for parts for weeks or months, leaving you without a vehicle. The enclosed trailer transport reduces the chances of this happening and helps you maintain a well-kept electric vehicle.
What if my EV is not running?
Running or not, your EV can still be transported, but it requires a bit more effort on the part of the carrier, and therefore, it will cost you more. Carriers will use winches and come-alongs to help get the vehicle onto the trailer, and to unload it, they will do the same, but in reverse.
Will the battery drain during transport?
Not necessarily. You can put the car in deep-sleep mode or turn it off completely as per your car’s manufacturer's instructions. This will reduce the overall drain of the battery system and keep your car’s batteries healthy for a longer period of time.
What is the safest way to transport an EV long distance?
The safest way to transport an EV over a long distance, statistically, is the enclosed trailer transport. It is also quite a bit more cost-effective in the long run, as it reduces or entirely removes the chance of damage to the car during transportation. There are a lot of hazards along the road, which grow exponentially as the distance grows as well; therefore, to a lot of people, it makes more sense to book an enclosed trailer for shipping their EV across the country.