Electric cars keep taking over the US auto market. The demand for car shipping services rises too. These services can safely and efficiently transport electric vehicles. It is vital to understand the specific regulations when moving your household, acquiring a new electric vehicle online, or shipping a fleet. Regulations related to shipping electric vehicles are generally in place to offer protection to vehicles, carriers and the environment.
At 1A Car Shipping, we understand that shipping an electric vehicle can be tricky, due to a set of regulations specific to electric vehicles. In this guide, we’re going to explain these regulations, their purpose, and how to choose for yourself the right shipping partner.
Why Electric Vehicles Require Special Shipping Regulations
Safety measures for electric vehicles differ from those of gasoline-powered vehicles, as the lithium-ion batteries and electrical systems in electric vehicles require special handling and attention.
Here’s why EV shipping regulations exist:
Battery Safety Concerns
Lithium-ion batteries are safe to transport in normal circumstances but may overheat or short-circuit if packed incorrectly and/or damaged. Prescriptive requirements in the relevant regulations include standards for how to pack, load, secure and inspect lithium batteries which help reduce risks to safety.
Weight Distribution
The increased weight of an EV’s battery pack results in different loading and strapping of car carriers compared to customary vehicles, and a different number of cars loaded on each trailer.
Charging Requirements
EVs are typically ship with their battery packs charged to around 30% to 50% to avoid degrading the pack by deep discharging to zero, and to reduce work on the BMS.
These regulations developed so each EV reaches its destination without compromising the safety of drivers and carriers.
Key Electric Vehicle Shipping Regulations You Should Know
Know the main rules for transporting EVs when picking an EV carrier and getting your car ready. Here are the major regulations governing EV shipping across the nation:
Proper Battery Shutdown Procedures
In addition to shutting down the entire EV before loading, many car manufacturers provide a “transport mode” that shuts down some vehicle systems to prevent accidental activation. Carriers have a protocol to check this before loading.
Compliance with Hazardous Materials Guidelines
Although most EV batteries do not constitute a hazardous material, some (e.g. physical damage, bulge or swelling) are regulated as damaged or defective lithium-ion batteries under the US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) guidelines for the transport of lithium batteries.
Securement and Stability Requirements
EVs must use approved straps and anchor points rated for the vehicle mass without excessive force on the battery housings. Carriers transporting these goods are subject to FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations.
Temperature and Environmental Controls
Some EVs will need temperature control during transport for extreme weather. While enclose transport is optional, it is recommend for luxury and high-performance electric vehicles. The regulations require avoiding exposure that would damage battery performance.
Documentation and Condition Reports
Prior to shipping, carriers must create a document describing the condition of the battery, the charge percentage, any physical damage, and any manufacturer-specific requirements for shipping the package.
The regulations are designed to provide a uniform method of ensuring that EVs are safe.
How 1A Car Shipping Ensures Full Compliance With EV Regulations
Shipping your electric vehicle should be simple and stress-free. At 1A Car Shipping, we know how to ship all electric vehicles to every industry standard to make your car delivery process as easy as possible, no matter the distance.
Here’s what sets our service apart:
Specialized EV Handling Training
Our carrier partners are trained in the transport of EVs, lithium-ion battery complexities. Manufacturers’ transport modes, and specific safety regulations, requirements and best practices.
Regulated Battery Management
We ensure your EV has sufficient charge before pickup, and we monitor its health during loading and unloading.
Advanced Equipment and Securing Methods
Our carriers are equip with custom strap and securement systems that meet FMCSA requirements for an electric vehicle.
Full Documentation and Transparency
We send our detailed inspection reports and stay in constant contact with you so you’re always kept up-to-date about your car.
Affordable and Safe Transport Options
With open-carrier transport for cost efficiency, or a more secure, enclosed alternative. We ensure your EV is transport safely and in compliance.
At 1A Car Shipping, safety and professionalism are our priorities in electric vehicle transport services.
Preparing Your Electric Vehicle for Shipping
To comply with EV shipping legislation, and get the vehicle ready for shipping, there are a few simple steps to take:
Before shipping the battery charged to 30-50% and the car should not have any personal items (due to US shipping regulations), to avoid damage during transport. If available, the user can enable a “transport mode” to prevent the battery from draining. Users should picture the vehicle’s condition, inspect beforehand if available, fold in side mirrors, and retract antennas before shipping.
Taking these steps toward that goal help ensure that your EV shipped safely and legally.
Ship Your Electric Vehicle Safely and Confidently
Electric vehicles are complex vehicles that require care that is specialize when shipped. Learn electric vehicle shipping regulations to ship your vehicle safely, legally, and efficiently.
When you go with 1A Car Shipping, you confident in getting a carrier that is 100% committed to safety, compliance, and customer service. Highly-trained professionals who have experience transporting EVs handle all steps of your delivery as they inspect and drop off your items.
When your EV (electric vehicle) is ready to be ship, visit 1A-Car-Shipping.com and request your quote. We’ll treat your EV as it treated: with care and responsibility.
