A Comprehensive Guide on How to Ship Your Electric or Hybrid Car with ShipLux

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Ship Your Electric or Hybrid Car with ShipLux

With the rise in popularity of electric and hybrid cars, it's becoming increasingly common for people to ask us, “Do you transport electric/hybrid cars?”  to which we are happy to report: yes we do! 

So, whether you're relocating, selling your car to a buyer in another state, or simply want to take your electric or hybrid car on a fun little getaway, finding a reliable and efficient way to ship it is essential. In this article, we will share the process of shipping your electric or hybrid car with ShipLux.

But, Why Choose ShipLux?

Before diving into how to ship your electric or hybrid car, it's crucial to understand why ShipLux stands out as your shipment partner. 

We’ve earned a pretty stellar reputation in the industry thanks to our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and environmentally friendly practices. Our team has the skills and expertise to handle electric and hybrid cars. We take security seriously! Our carriers are professionals in loading, unloading, and the transportation process carefully.

When it comes to shipping your eclectic or hybrid car with us, we recommend enclosed transport for additional security and protection, so that your car can arrive in style! Let's get into the details of the shipment below!

Preparing Your Electric or Hybrid Car for Shipping

Is preparing your electric car or hybrid car shipping super different from “normal” cars? Well, yes. 

Our first “to do” is something we ask everyone to do regardless of the car, sure, but we don't want you to forget!  Cleaning your electric or hybrid car is a crucial step before shipping it. 

Here's what you should do for an easy shipment: 

• Clean Exterior: Wash the exterior of your vehicle to remove dirt, grime, and any corrosive substances like bird droppings or tree sap. This ensures that your car looks presentable upon arrival and helps prevent potential damage caused by contaminants during transit.
• Clean Interior: Give the interior of your car a thorough cleaning as well. Remove any loose items, vacuum the carpets, and wipe down surfaces. A clean interior minimizes the chances of items shifting or causing damage during transport.
• Clear Windows and Mirrors: Ensure all windows and mirrors are clean and free from obstructions. This will help our carrier who is handling your vehicle to have a clear, unobstructed view during loading and unloading.

Taking detailed photographs of your electric or hybrid car before shipping is a critical step for both your peace of mind and potential insurance claims.

To ensure comprehensive documentation, use good lighting by taking photos in well-lit conditions to capture all damages, with natural daylight being the best choice.  So if your car lives in garbage, please move it outside for its photoshoot. 

Photograph all angles, including the front, back, sides, and diagonally, as well as the roof and undercarriage. Additionally, don't forget close-up shots of any scratches, dents, or imperfections, and use a ruler or an object of known size to provide scale in the photos. Lastly, if possible, date-stamp the photos! This sounds complicated but using a camera or smartphone will automatically add a date and time stamp, establishing when the photos were taken. 

Next up? It's essential to remove all personal items from the vehicle. 

• ShipLux will not be held responsible for any personal belongings left inside the car. In case of theft or damage to personal items during transit, you don't want to be stuck in a pickle, so please just empty it! 
• Weight Considerations: Shipping costs are calculated on several factors, and weight is one of them, so removing everything will keep costs down. 
• Safety: Loose items inside the car can become projectiles during transit, causing damage to the vehicle or other cars in the trailer.

For electric cars, it's crucial to prepare the battery properly for shipping. Here's what you need to do:

• Check the Charge: While we recommend shipping an electric car with a battery charge level of around 50%, please consult your vehicle's manual or manufacturer's guidelines for specific recommendations.
• Disable the Battery: Some electric vehicles have a "transport mode" or a way to disconnect the battery for shipping purposes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to disable or disconnect the battery safely.
• Give us the Juicy Details: Let us know if there are any specific requirements for your electric or hybrid vehicles. Once we know the specific model details, we may have additional guidelines or recommendations for you to do. 

By following these guidelines for preparing your electric or hybrid car for shipping, you'll ensure a smoother and more secure transport experience with ShipLux or any other reputable vehicle shipping provider. Proper preparation minimizes the risk of damage, helps with documentation, and ensures your vehicle arrives in the same condition as when it was loaded onto the carrier.

Selecting The Right Shipping Method

When it comes to shipping your electric or hybrid car with ShipLux, you have options to tailor the transport method to your specific needs and preferences. Here are the two methods we offer for land shipping your electric or hybrid vehicle. 

Open Auto Transport

Open carrier shipping is a popular choice for many car owners due to its cost-effectiveness! With open carrier transport, your electric or hybrid car is loaded onto an open trailer along with other vehicles. While this option is budget-friendly and efficient for most situations, it comes with some considerations: 

• High Exposure to the Elements: The key trade-off of open carrier transport is that your vehicle is exposed to the elements during transit. While it's generally safe for the majority of vehicles, it may not be the best choice for luxury or high-end electric cars.
• Weather and Debris: Your car may be subjected to weather conditions like rain, snow, or dust, as well as road debris such as gravel and small rocks. Although this exposure rarely results in significant damage, it's essential to weigh the potential risks against the cost savings.
• Mass Vehicle Transport: Open carriers can transport multiple vehicles at once, making this method an economical choice for shipping companies. This affordability can translate into competitive pricing for you. 

Enclosed carrier transport is our recommended option when it comes to maximizing protection for your electric or hybrid car. Here's what you need to know about this method:

• Enhanced Protection: Enclosed carrier transport involves shipping your vehicle in an enclosed trailer. This enclosed environment shields your car from various external factors, such as adverse weather conditions and road debris. It's an ideal choice for luxury or collector's electric cars, as well as any vehicle you want to provide an extra layer of protection.
• Specialized Handling: Enclosed carriers are better equipped to handle valuable and delicate vehicles. The personnel loading and unloading your car in an enclosed trailer are usually experienced in handling luxury and high-end vehicles, minimizing the risk of any mishaps.
• Higher Cost: While the benefits of enclosed carrier transport are substantial, it often comes at a higher cost compared to open carrier transport. If you have a luxury electric or hybrid car or a vehicle of significant value, the added expense is well worth the peace of mind.

Ultimately, the choice between open carrier and enclosed carrier transport depends on your vehicle's value, your budget, and your preference for protection. We provide both options to cater to a wide range of our lovely customers, ensuring that your electric or hybrid car arrives at its destination safely and securely, no matter which method you choose.

Getting a Quote and How Much Shipping Costs

At ShipLux, it all starts with the quote! Our comprehensive 5-minute quote is super straightforward. We do ask for specific details about your electric or hybrid car and your shipping preferences. 

The make and model of your electric or hybrid car serve as crucial pieces of information for accurately pricing the shipment. Different vehicle makes and models vary in size, weight, and value, all of which can affect the shipping cost. Be sure to provide the correct make and model to ensure an accurate estimate! 

Precise information about the pickup and delivery locations is vital for determining the shipping distance and logistics. The quote will need to know the complete street addresses, including any specific directions, if necessary. This helps us plan the most efficient route for you.  Inform the shipping company if there are any challenges or restrictions at the pickup or delivery locations, such as narrow streets, gated communities, or low-hanging branches that could affect the transport process.

Choose your preferred shipping method based on your specific needs and preferences. As discussed earlier, ShipLux offers both open carrier and enclosed carrier. 

And…voila! A quote will be pumped out, personalized just for you. 

At ShipLux, we don't provide a set price but rather a personalized quote for every single vehicle we ship! 

The Shipment Process

Once your electric or hybrid car is on its way, it's essential to stay informed and maintain open communication to ensure a smooth shipping experience. 

One of the advantages of working with ShipLux is the ability to track your shipment in real-time. You'll receive a tracking number and access to a personal customer agent just for you, so you know the status of your car during transit.

Tracking your shipment provides peace of mind, especially if you're shipping your electric or hybrid car over long distances. You can check the estimated time of arrival and stay informed about any delays or unexpected events. If you have questions or concerns about the tracking information, our customer support team is here to assist you, 24/7! They will provide good updates, address inquiries, and offer assistance as needed.

Conclusion

When you ship your electric or hybrid car with ShipLux, we strive for a completely smooth and hassle-free process!  With the ShipLux team on your side, you can ensure the safe and secure delivery of your electric or hybrid vehicle, inviting you to enjoy the benefits of eco-friendly transportation wherever you go! Never stop adventuring with the help of ShipLux!