Tesla & EV Car Shipping
Door-to-door Tesla, Rivian & EV shipping nationwide — open & enclosed, fully insured, battery-safe carriers. Open transport from $650, enclosed from $910. 55,697 vehicles shipped, rated 4.8/5.
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Shipping a Tesla or other EV works the same way as any car shipment — door-to-door on open or enclosed transport — with a few things that genuinely differ: EVs run heavier than a comparable gas car, which can affect axle loading on a full trailer, and most models need specific tie-down points and the parking brake released or tow mode engaged rather than being shifted into park. A carrier who ships EVs regularly knows this without being told. That's the actual difference — not a special safety category, just carrier experience.
Shipping a Tesla, Rivian, or any electric vehicle
What's actually different about EV shipping — and what isn't
Whether you're relocating with a Tesla Model 3 or Y, moving a Rivian, buying an EV from an out-of-state dealer, or shipping any hybrid or electric vehicle, the process is the same door-to-door service used for any car: a carrier picks the vehicle up, transports it on an open or enclosed trailer, and delivers it to your new address. The price and timeline work the same way too — driven by distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed, not by any special EV surcharge or classification.
Where EVs genuinely differ is in how they get loaded and secured. Electric vehicles run meaningfully heavier than a comparable gas-powered car — a Model S or Rivian R1T can weigh several hundred to over a thousand pounds more than a similar-size gas vehicle — which matters for how a carrier distributes weight across a full trailer. Most EVs also need to be put in tow mode or neutral rather than park before loading, since an EV's electronic parking mechanism can be damaged by winching or rolling it while engaged. Navi's dispatchers confirm carrier EV experience before assigning your shipment, particularly for a Tesla, Rivian, or Lucid on enclosed transport.
Curious about the process end to end, or want a firm number instead of an estimate? Use the instant calculator for your exact route, or see our open vs. enclosed guide for how to decide between the two for a higher-value EV.
Tesla & EV shipping cost by vehicle
Open transport estimates for an average 800-mile move.* Enclosed adds 40–70%.
| Vehicle | Open Transport | Enclosed | Transit (avg. lane) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 / Model Y | $700–$1,050 | $980–$1,785 | 3–6 days |
| Tesla Model S / Model X | $775–$1,150 | $1,085–$1,955 | 3–6 days |
| Rivian R1T / R1S | $825–$1,250 | $1,155–$2,125 | 3–6 days |
| Other EV sedan / hatchback | $650–$1,000 | $910–$1,700 | 3–6 days |
| Other EV SUV / crossover | $775–$1,100 | $1,085–$1,870 | 3–6 days |
*Estimates — verify against current carrier rates before publishing. Want an exact price? Use our instant calculator → · car shipping cost guide
Should you ship your EV open or enclosed?
Most EVs ship fine on open transport. Here's when enclosed is worth the premium.
Open transport is the right call for most EVs — the same 95%+ of vehicles that ship open on any route. It's fully insured, faster to book, and meaningfully cheaper. There's no inherent safety reason an EV needs enclosed transport that a gas car doesn't.
Enclosed is worth the 40–70% premium for higher-value or low-clearance EVs — a Model S Plaid, Rivian R1T/R1S, Lucid Air, or any EV with an aftermarket lowering kit, plus any EV you simply don't want exposed to road debris or weather on a long haul. It's a value and condition decision, not a battery-safety one.
Weather matters more than the "EV" label does. If you're shipping through a hail-prone region and season, or across a long winter route with road salt and debris, enclosed protects the paint and glass the same way it would for any car.
Battery prep & safety during transit
What actually matters for the battery — before, during, and after transport
Charge between 30–50% before pickup. A full charge can heat up during transit; a fully drained battery risks a system lockout that delays delivery. This range gives carriers enough charge to load and reposition the vehicle without either problem.
Disconnect charging cables and turn off smart access systems before the carrier arrives — active alarms or remote-lock features slow down loading for the whole carrier run, not just your vehicle.
After delivery, check for software alerts, tire pressure, and state-of-charge before your first drive. Reconnect your charger and inspect for any temperature warnings.
Preparing your EV for shipping
Five steps that keep pickup fast and avoid avoidable delays
Charge to roughly 40–60%. Enough for the carrier to load and reposition the vehicle on the trailer, without carrying a full charge you don't need for a multi-day transit.
Disable alarms and auto-lock features. A vehicle that re-locks itself or triggers an alarm during loading slows down pickup for everyone on that carrier's run.
Provide both key fobs if you have them, and confirm with your dispatcher whether the carrier needs the vehicle in tow mode or neutral before loading — this varies by model.
Document the vehicle's condition with photos before pickup, matching what goes on the Bill of Lading.
Remove personal items and any aftermarket charging equipment you're not shipping with the vehicle — carriers aren't responsible for loose contents.
How it works
From quote to delivery — 4 steps
Get Your Instant Quote
Enter your pickup ZIP, delivery ZIP, and vehicle details — including make and model, since EVs factor into carrier weight planning.
We Match an EV-Experienced Carrier
Your dispatcher assigns a vetted, insured carrier. Ask directly for confirmation they've shipped your specific model before.
Delivery & Inspection
Driver calls ahead. Walk around together, confirm condition against the pickup report, sign the Bill of Lading. Done.
Tesla & EV shipping — common questions
The questions people actually ask before booking.
Will Tesla deliver my car to me, or do I need a separate shipping company?
Tesla handles delivery of a new vehicle purchase to your local delivery center or, in some cases, your home. If you're relocating an existing Tesla, buying one from a private seller or out-of-state dealer, or need it moved somewhere Tesla isn't delivering to directly, that's a standard car-shipping job — it works exactly like shipping any other vehicle door-to-door.
How long does it take to ship a Tesla or EV?
Transit time depends entirely on distance, the same as any vehicle — typically 2 to 3 days for a short regional move, up to 6 to 7 days for a coast-to-coast haul. Pickup is usually arranged within 1 to 4 days of booking. There's no added time for the vehicle being electric.
How does EV shipping actually work?
The same way as gas-vehicle shipping: you get a quote, a carrier is assigned, the vehicle is inspected and loaded at pickup, transported on an open or enclosed trailer, and delivered with a final inspection. The one EV-specific step is loading — most electric vehicles need to be in tow mode or neutral rather than park, which an experienced carrier handles as routine.
Is it safe to ship a Tesla or EV long distance?
Yes. EVs are shipped daily nationwide on both open and enclosed carriers. The vehicle isn't treated as a special hazard category — it's treated as a heavier vehicle that needs correct tie-down points and loading procedure, which any carrier experienced with EVs handles as routine.
Should I choose open or enclosed for my EV?
Open transport is right for the large majority of EVs, the same as any vehicle. Enclosed is worth the 40–70% premium for higher-value models like a Model S Plaid, Rivian, or Lucid, or for any vehicle you want extra protection on a long or weather-exposed route.
How do I prepare my Tesla or EV for shipping?
Charge to roughly 40–60%, disable alarms and auto-lock, provide both key fobs if you have them, photograph the vehicle's condition, and remove personal items and loose charging equipment. Confirm with your dispatcher whether your specific model needs tow mode or neutral before loading.
How much does it cost to ship a Tesla or EV?
Open transport for a Model 3 or Y typically runs $700 to $1,050 on an average 800-mile move; larger models like the Model S, Model X, or Rivian run somewhat higher. Enclosed adds 40 to 70 percent. Exact cost depends on your specific route — use the calculator for a firm number.
Do I pay anything upfront?
No. There is no deposit required to book. You pay when the vehicle is delivered and you've signed off the final inspection. Every shipment moves with a licensed, insured carrier.
Ship your Tesla or EV nationwide
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