What happens when you need to ship your electric or hybrid car, whether it’s across the country or around the world? Shipping these cars comes with unique challenges, and choosing the right freight forwarder, like World Cargo, can make all the difference. This guide will help you understand what’s involved in the process so you can be prepared every step of the way.
What Is Classified as an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered solely by electric motors using large lithium-ion batteries, while hybrid vehicles (HEVs) combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a smaller battery. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a subset of hybrids that can be charged externally to run on electric power alone for short distances. All of these vehicle types are classified as electric or hybrid due to their reliance on lithium-ion batteries.
What’s Different About Shipping Electric and Hybrid Cars?
Shipping electric and hybrid vehicles is different from shipping traditional cars. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Lithium-Ion Batteries and Documentation
The lithium-ion batteries in electric and hybrid cars are classified as dangerous goods because they can be hazardous if not handled properly. These batteries are at risk of overheating, catching fire, or exploding if damaged. Because of this, shipping your car requires special precautions, including additional documentation and adherence to strict safety regulations.
2. Weight Considerations
Electric vehicles are generally heavier than traditional cars due to their large batteries. Hybrid vehicles, while not as heavy as full EVs, still weigh more than their gasoline-only counterparts. This added weight requires specialized equipment for loading and securing your vehicle during transport, which can also affect the cost of shipping.
3. Maintaining Charge During Transport
Electric vehicle must be delivered fully charged. During transport, container temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, and most electric vehicles are designed to maintain their battery at a stable temperature to prevent damage. Thus, the batteries will drain even when not in use. Additionally, having a full charge upon delivery is essential for the ease of loading and unloading the vehicle from the container. If the vehicle arrives to destination with a dead battery, its significant weight can make removal extremely difficult and cause unnecessary delays and complications.
4. Customs and Documentation
Accurate and complete documentation is essential for customs clearance and compliance with international regulations. This includes providing detailed information about the vehicle’s battery type, size, and hazardous material classification. Additionally, many countries have specific regulations regarding the import and export of electric and hybrid vehicles, which must be adhered to.
Understanding Additional Charges When Shipping Your Electric or Hybrid Car
Shipping an electric or hybrid vehicle involves more than just standard transportation fees. Due to the unique nature of these vehicles, there are additional charges you should be aware of. Here’s a breakdown of the extra costs you might incur when shipping your car with World Cargo:
1. Dangerous Goods Documentation Fees
One of the most significant additional charges comes from the need for dangerous goods documentation. Since electric and hybrid vehicles contain lithium-ion batteries, which are classified as hazardous materials, extra paperwork is required to ensure compliance with international safety regulations. This includes hazardous materials declarations and battery safety certificates. These documents are crucial for the safe transport of your vehicle but come with additional fees to cover the administrative work and expertise required to prepare them.
2. Higher Shipping Rates Due to Dangerous Goods Classification
Because your electric or hybrid vehicle is classified as dangerous goods, the cost of shipping will typically be higher than that of a conventional vehicle. This is due to the increased risk and responsibility that comes with transporting hazardous materials. Carriers may charge more to transport these vehicles, reflecting the additional precautions they must take, such as specialized handling, secure loading, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Additionally, some shipping routes or carriers may impose further surcharges because of the dangerous goods classification, especially when crossing international borders.
3. Specialized Handling and Equipment Costs
The weight and nature of electric and hybrid vehicles mean that specialized equipment is often required for loading, unloading, and securing them during transport. This can include heavy-duty lifts, custom restraints, and reinforced containers. The need for specialized handling increases the cost of shipping, as carriers must use specific tools and techniques to ensure your vehicle is transported safely.
4. Insurance Premiums
Given the potential risks associated with transporting vehicles that contain large lithium-ion batteries, you might face higher insurance premiums to cover the shipment. While World Cargo ensures all necessary precautions are taken, the nature of these vehicles means that insurance providers may charge more to cover any potential damages or issues that could arise during transport. It’s important to factor in this potential additional cost when budgeting for your shipment.
Conclusion
Shipping your electric or hybrid car doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing a knowledgeable and experienced freight forwarder like World Cargo, you can ensure that your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently, no matter where it needs to go. With the right preparation and support, you can have peace of mind knowing that your car is in good hands.
