Electric Vehicle & Tesla Transport
Electric Vehicle and Tesla Transport, Nationwide Door to Door
Yes, American Car Transporters ships electric vehicles and Teslas nationwide, door to door, on open or enclosed carriers. We’re a licensed, bonded, and insured auto transport company, and we coordinate EV moves for individuals, dealers, and relocating families across the country. Because EVs carry heavy battery packs and have their own prep steps, the fastest way to get an accurate rate is to run your details through our quote calculator, request auto transport quotes online, or contact us and we’ll walk you through it.
Can you ship an electric vehicle or Tesla?
Absolutely. EVs from Tesla, Rivian, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, and every other brand ship the same way a gas car does, on a professional carrier with the same care and coverage. The main difference is that an EV has a battery pack that adds weight and a few prep steps, so we like to know the exact year, make, and model up front. Give us those details and where the car is going, and we’ll match it to the right carrier.
Do I need to charge the battery before shipping?
We recommend having a partial charge on the vehicle when the driver arrives, enough to load, unload, and move it around the terminal or truck if needed. There’s no need to arrive fully charged, and you shouldn’t count on charging happening in transit, since carriers don’t plug vehicles in on the road. A charge somewhere in the middle of the range is a safe target. If your EV has a transport or shipping mode in its settings, enabling it can help.
Does the extra weight of an EV affect transport?
It can. Electric vehicles are generally heavier than comparable gas cars because of the battery pack, and weight is one of the factors that goes into carrier planning and pricing. Heavier vehicles take up more of a carrier’s allowable load, so the driver needs an accurate weight and size to plan the load safely. That’s another reason we ask for the specific model rather than just “an EV.” The more precise your details, the more accurate your quote.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport for my EV?
Both work well for electric vehicles. Open transport is the popular, cost effective choice for most daily-driver EVs and moves cars safely every day. Enclosed transport adds a fully covered trailer that shields the vehicle from road debris and weather, which owners of newer, high-value, or specialty EVs often prefer. If you’re weighing the two, our team can talk through what makes sense for your car. Learn more on our open car transport and enclosed car transports pages.
How do I prep my EV for pickup?
Prep is simple. Clean the car so any existing marks are easy to note on the inspection report, remove personal items and toll transponders, and leave the battery at a partial charge. Fold in mirrors if your model allows, disable or set aside any aftermarket alarm, and let us know about aftermarket add-ons like roof racks or lowered suspension that change the vehicle’s dimensions. Have your keys or key card ready for the driver at pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ship a Tesla?
Yes. We arrange Tesla transport nationwide, door to door, on open or enclosed carriers. Teslas ship like any other EV. We just ask for the exact model and a partial charge at pickup so the driver can load and move it easily. Enabling your Tesla’s transport mode is helpful but not required.
Will my EV be charged during transport?
No. Carriers don’t charge vehicles in transit, so plan to hand off your EV with a partial charge already on the battery. A mid-range charge is plenty to cover loading, unloading, and any movement around the truck or terminal along the way.
Are EVs harder to ship than gas cars?
Not really. The process is the same. The main differences are that EVs are heavier and need a partial charge, which is why we ask for the exact year, make, and model. With accurate details we match your EV to the right carrier for a smooth, safe move.
Can you ship an EV that won’t power on?
Sometimes, but it depends on whether the vehicle still rolls, brakes, and steers. An EV that can’t move on its own needs special equipment, so please tell us its exact condition when you request a quote. See our inoperable vehicle transport page for details on non-running moves.
Ready to ship your EV or Tesla?
Tell us your vehicle’s year, make, and model along with your pickup and delivery locations, and we’ll get you an accurate rate. Run the numbers now with our quote calculator, request auto transport quotes, or contact us and a real person will help you plan the move.


