Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as people become more environmentally conscious. If you own one and need to ship it somewhere else, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. After all, these vehicles don’t come cheap, and you want to make sure yours arrives in one piece with nary a scratch. And so, here are some of the things you need to know to ship your electric vehicle safely.
1. Electric Vehicles Are Shipped the Same Way as Gas-powered Ones
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When it comes to transporting hybrid and electric vehicles, there is a lot of misinformation in the industry. Although these vehicles are still new, many people assume that there must be complex procedures that car shipping companies do when loading, shipping, and unloading them.
But, the truth is that all vehicles go through the same process when it comes to transport. Whether you’re dealing with a conventional car or truck or a hybrid or electric model, the procedure will be similar. The only distinction may be cost since lithium-ion batteries are hefty and freight rates take the weight of the car into account.
As long as you do your research and choose an experienced transport company with a good reputation, you can be confident that your vehicle will be safe throughout the journey.
2. Give Your Electric Vehicle a Good Wash
When you are getting ready to move your car, it may seem like a strange idea to spend time washing and detailing your vehicle. After all, the whole point of shipping is to transport your car from one place to another.
Yet, there are quite a lot of good reasons to clean and polish your car before sending it off on its adventure. This simple act can help you uncover damage you may not have noticed on closer inspection. This includes scratches or dents in the paint job or corrosion on the undercarriage.
3. Charge the Battery Before Having Your Car Shipped
When shipping an electric car across the country, you need to keep a few key things in mind. Of primary importance is ensuring that your battery has a full charge before loading it into the truck. People assume that as long as the car is not connected to its power supply or turned off, the battery will hold its charge on its own. But, this is not true.
Without usage and recharging, even brand-new batteries lose their charge over time. So if your electric car has been sitting in storage or waiting on a dealership lot for a while before the shipping company picks it up, you must charge it before having it shipped. This will ensure that it has some life once it gets to your new home.
With proper charging and preparation beforehand, you can rest assured that your vehicle will arrive at your new place ready to hit the road.
4. Do a Routine Maintenance Check of Your Electric Vehicle
When you’re ready to move your electric vehicle, there are a few things you need to do to make sure it’s in good condition for shipping. First, check the battery and charging system. Ensure the battery has a full charge and that there are no loose or damaged connections. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, take your electric vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
Next, check the tires and suspension. Ensure the tires hold the proper pressure and that the suspension is in good condition. Again, if you’re not mechanically inclined, you can have an expert conduct this task. Finally, give the interior and exterior a once-over to ensure there’s nothing loose or damaged. Once you’ve done all of this, your electric vehicle should be ready for safe shipping.
5. Document Any Existing Damage on Your Vehicle
When shipping a vehicle, it is crucial to take pictures of your car’s interior and exterior. The interior images serve to document any existing damage to the vehicle. These will be important in the case of damage during transit. Likewise, the exterior shots will capture any new damage that may have occurred while the car was in transit. These can prove that this damage was not present before shipping.
Additionally, taking several photos, both inside and out, can help provide a complete picture in the case of a dispute. So whether you are preparing your car for shipping or just thinking ahead to safe delivery, remember to make sure you take plenty of pictures.
6. Remove Any Loose Items and Aftermarket Parts
When it comes to shipping a car, nothing is more important than taking the time to prepare your vehicle. This means removing any aftermarket parts or loose items that could shift around during transit and cause damage to your car.
Additionally, you should ensure that all doors, windows, and trunk lids are locked, so they do not pop open during transportation. Paying attention to these details will help ensure that your car arrives at its destination in good condition.
So if you’re planning to ship your car, be sure to take the time to remove any aftermarket parts or loose items before sending it on its way. Even a small amount of care and attention can make a big difference in getting your car where it needs to go.
7. Don’t Forget to Deactivate or Remove Your Toll Pass
If you’re preparing to ship your car, it’s important that you deactivate or remove your automatic toll pass before doing so. Leaving your pass active can lead to problems, from extra fees being charged to unexpected charges for passing through tolls during the shipping process. To avoid these issues, deactivate or remove your pass before shipping your car.
You can contact your service provider to do this or disable the pass by accessing the settings on your dashboard. Also, be sure to store the pass away from your car so that nothing happens to it during transit. You can ensure a smooth shipment and a worry-free journey for your electric vehicle with these simple steps.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to shipping electric vehicles, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. From making sure the battery has a full charge to removing any aftermarket parts, paying attention to the details can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and successful shipment.
