By 2025, electric vehicles are no longer niche. They’ve become mainstream, and so has the need to move them. Whether someone is relocating, selling across state lines, or delivering a new model to a customer, shipping is the practical answer.
Yet transporting an EV is not the same as shipping a gasoline car. These machines hold massive lithium batteries, and those batteries come with rules. Missteps can be costly—or dangerous. In this guide, we’ll break down how to safely ship an electric vehicle in 2025.
Is Shipping EVs a Specialized Service?
The short answer: absolutely. Shipping EVs requires more care than moving a sedan with a fuel tank. The high-voltage battery system changes the game.
Specialist carriers now dominate this corner of the industry. Their staff handle charging protocols, battery isolation, and fire-safety checks. Most also carry certifications confirming their knowledge of federal requirements.
It isn’t just about loading cars anymore. In 2025, EV transport has become a technical service. Choosing the wrong provider risks fines, delays, or worse—damage that insurance won’t cover.
What Could Go Wrong Without Proper EV Shipping?
Skipping certified EV shipping is a gamble. The biggest threat comes from thermal runaway—when a lithium battery overheats uncontrollably. Fires are rare but notoriously hard to put out once started.
Tie-down mistakes create another hazard. Batteries often sit under the floor pan, and incorrect strapping can puncture the casing. Even minor damage leads to enormous repair bills.
Then there’s insurance. Many policies specifically exclude EV battery damage if carriers aren’t certified. Owners discover too late that “savings” on shipping cost them thousands later.
Think of it this way: an EV battery is the beating heart of the vehicle. Mishandling it during shipping is like handing over a fragile antique clock to someone who has never repaired a watch. Expertise makes all the difference.
Safe, Compliant, and Smart EV Shipping in 2025
So, what does safe shipping look like in 2025? First, compliance. Carriers must follow FMCSA battery regulations to the letter. Next comes safety technology: fire blankets, insulated straps, and heat monitors are now standard gear.
But the smartest carriers go further. They use real-time trackers that monitor both location and internal temperature. Customers get updates through apps or email, reducing uncertainty during the journey.
This combination—compliance, protective tools, and transparency—defines safe EV shipping today. Anything less is cutting corners.
Owners should also look at reputation. In 2025, online reviews and verified ratings tell a clearer story than glossy ads. A carrier with a proven track record is worth the investment. After all, no one wants their $60,000 EV treated like an afterthought.
Understand the 2025 FMCSA Lithium Battery Regulations
The FMCSA overhauled its rules in 2025. The goal was simple: reduce risks linked to lithium batteries during ground transport.
Carriers must now document every pre-shipment inspection. That means checking voltage, confirming stability, and recording battery condition. Without it, the shipment is illegal.
State-of-charge limits are also part of the rules. Vehicles can only be shipped within specific battery ranges. Carriers face penalties for non-compliance, and owners risk voided insurance.
For customers, the takeaway is straightforward. Always ask about FMCSA compliance before handing over the keys. It’s not nitpicking—it’s protecting your investment and safety.
Open vs. Enclosed EV Transport: What’s Best?
Every owner faces this decision. Do you pick open transport, the budget-friendly standard, or enclosed transport, the premium choice?
Open Carrier Transport
Open carriers are the trucks most people picture: stacked rows of cars rolling down highways. They’re cheaper, widely available, and efficient.
But they leave vehicles exposed to weather and debris. For everyday EVs, this is usually fine. For long distances or high-value models, the risk becomes harder to ignore.
Still, thousands of EVs travel safely each month on open carriers. For families balancing budgets during a move, the value can’t be overlooked.
Enclosed Carrier Transport
Enclosed carriers wrap vehicles in protection. These covered trailers shield EVs from rain, dust, and flying gravel. Luxury owners often won’t consider anything else.
The cost is higher—often half again as much as open shipping. Still, many consider it money well spent. Manufacturers even recommend enclosed transport for new or delicate models.
Choosing between the two often comes down to a question: what’s your comfort level with risk?
Pre-Shipment Battery Charge Guidelines (SoC)
Battery charge is not a minor detail—it’s a central safety measure. Regulators require shipping with a charge between 30% and 50%.
Too high, and the battery risks overheating. Too low, and the car may not power on when needed. Carriers now insist on proof of charge before pickup.
Think of this as preparing luggage for a flight. The right preparation makes the whole journey smoother. A simple misstep—like showing up with an overcharged battery—can delay everything.
Owners should double-check their manuals or carrier instructions before pickup. Following the rules isn’t complicated, but ignoring them causes unnecessary headaches.
Current EV Shipping Costs in 2025
The price of EV shipping varies, but averages have become clearer by 2025. Open transport typically costs $900 to $1,400. Enclosed transport usually ranges between $1,200 and $1,800.
Factors push these numbers higher: oversized EVs, cross-country hauls, or expedited delivery. Seasonal demand can also spike prices, especially in summer.
Insurance adds another layer. High-value EVs often carry surcharges for additional coverage. Comparing quotes is wise, but beware of bargains that sound too good.
As with most things, you get what you pay for. Saving a few hundred upfront can cost thousands later if something goes wrong.
A Real-World Reminder
Not long ago, an owner shipped a new Lucid Air using a cut-rate, uncertified carrier. The car arrived with undercarriage damage—straps had pressed against the battery pack. The dispute with insurance dragged on for months.
Another owner chose an enclosed, certified service for a Rivian R1T. The experience? Seamless. The vehicle arrived spotless, battery intact, and tracked every mile along the way.
These examples underline the point: when shipping an EV, you get what you pay for. A little caution upfront saves a world of frustration later.
Conclusion
By 2025, EV shipping has become its own field. The mix of powerful batteries and tight regulations demands knowledge, not shortcuts.
Open carriers work for budget-conscious moves. Enclosed transport remains the gold standard for valuable or long-distance shipments. Battery charge levels, compliance with FMCSA rules, and specialized carrier training all play key roles.
The process is safer and smoother today than ever before. But only if owners choose certified carriers and follow the rules. Cutting corners in EV shipping is never worth the risk.
So before shipping your EV, ask yourself: would you trust anyone to handle your phone battery? If not, then why risk a car battery worth thousands?
