ELECTRIC VEHICLE LOGISTICS
A POWERED UP STRATEGY

The significant difference in shipping your electric car versus a traditional vehicle is that electric cars have much larger batteries. These batteries are similar to the rechargeable units found in your laptop and cellphone. However, as a clean energy alternative built to compete against gas-powered vehicles, these batteries last longer and provide far more power.
The power of EV rechargeable batteries comes at a price. On the whole, these larger batteries contribute to a heavier car, which may translate to additional costs for many carriers and consumers.

Another thing to keep in mind about transporting these batteries is lithium-ion, which requires extra safe packaging steps.

Because of these large lithium-ion batteries, there are extra shipping  regulations for shipping electric cars.

All lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous and are considered a hazardous material by the Department of Transportation. Classification as such means that you’ll need more licensing, specialized equipment, and a “Dangerous Goods” label.

When electric cars first came out, there was a significant public safety concern because of the extra-large lithium-ion batteries.

There were a few cases in which electric cars were catching on fire due to overheating. Such batteries produce such a large amount of energy to overheat, melt aluminum, and catch fire quickly. This occurs when the oxidizer and fuel are contained inside the battery, and temperatures get too high.

However, many electric car manufacturers have put in new safety measures like liquid cooling systems, three-fuse layers, sensors that can detach in high temperatures, and overcharging protection.

Even so, there are special regulations when transporting electric vehicles with lithium batteries.
Before transport, you’ll need to secure the battery to prevent any movement or short-circuiting.
ACERTUS drivers can identify and survey electric cars to ensure safe transportation.

Although your electric car will undergo a thorough inspection process upon pickup, it’s essential that you also take time to prepare your vehicle before it’s time to transport.

You should always take your car to a trusted mechanic before a state-to-state or national transportation shipment, who will be on the lookout for common car issues, such as:
• Potential leaks
• Electrical issues
• Mechanical issues
• Fluids are filled up
• Tires have air
• Battery is charged

Additionally, you should take a few minutes to ensure your car is clean and in good shape:
Don’t leave any valuables or personal items in your car.
• Take pictures for your records in case damage occurs during the shipping process.
• Double-check that your insurance policy covers potential damages your vehicle may experience during shipping; also verify with the carrier’s insurance policy to see what is covered.
• Deactivate and turn off automatic systems like car alarms and toll passes.
• Ensure that you have an extra set of keys.
• Remove highway toll transponders to avoid charges while the vehicle is getting transported.
• Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to drain your battery before shipment. The vehicle will get
only when it’s being loaded and unloaded.

We do not recommend shipping your car with personal belongings inside of it. Personal items inside of the vehicle may entice someone to break in, which would not be covered by our insurance. There cannot be any personal items in the vehicle that add weight to the shipment.

Most auto hauling companies prohibit the inclusion of personal items in vehicles being shipped due to three very good reasons:

• License & Insurance: It is against FMCSA regulations for carriers to transport personal possessions within a vehicle and therefore, carriers risk getting fined for transporting any personal belongings. In addition, the carrier’s insurance typically does not cover the loss or damage of personal possessions included in a vehicle being shipped.

• Weight: Auto haulers have strict limits on the weight of loaded trucks and trailers and unanticipated weight of personal items could cause their trucks to be overweight. In this situation, the carrier has to make a choice to drive overweight (risking fines and significant delays) or not take the vehicle.

• Safety: Extra weight in the car could cause damage to the undercarriage during loading and unloading. If items of perceived value are visible through the car’s windows they may attracted unwanted attention from thieves or vandals when carriers park at truck stops. In addition, no hazardous materials (e.g. explosives, flammables, poisons,  compressed gases, oxidants, corrosives, etc.), firearms, ammunition, items of unusual value (e.g. cash, money, bonds, precious metals, stones, and gems), alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs or medicines (either prescribed or illegal), antlers, furs, or pornographic material can be inside the vehicle during transport