As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the arrival of new electric vehicles (EVs) has altered the design, manufacturing, and even shipping of cars. For decades, traditional gas-powered vehicles led the market, but now, with technological advancements and increased government support, eco-friendly EVs are quickly catching up. The transition to EVs is not only changing how people drive cars. It affects the way they are transported as well.
In this blog, we will analyze the considerations that the introduction of EVs brings along to car shipping services, the new challenges and opportunities posed by these vehicles, and how the greater demand for EVs is shifting the practices of car shipping companies.
Contents
1. Special Shipping Features of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles differentiate themselves from traditional vehicles in a multitude of ways that are unique to themselves. Such traits can impact the handling of these vehicles during the shipping process, forcing providers to consider new strategies.
EV Battery Safety Measures and Precautions
When compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs have several distinct features. One of the most notable modifications lies within the powering systems. EVs use large-capacity lithium-ion batteries, which create significant issues with shipping options.
- Fire Hazard: Though infrequent, lithium-ion batteries may catch fire in certain situations, which necessitate safety requirements when moving them, whether damage or mishandling occurs.
- Regulations: Some areas, because of the fire risk, have severe restrictions for the movement of Electric Vehicles (EVs) during closed container or overland shipment. EVs also need to be equipped and trained as per stipulated standards in order to be considered as carried during the journey.
- Weight and Size: EVs are usually taller than Gasoline Vehicles (GVs) since their battery pack makes them wider. This increased size can impact the total fuel expenditures and also the amount of space available within the vehicle.
- Impact on Transport Logistics: The increased weight of Electric Vehicles may result in reduced volume of Vehicles (VO) transported in a single truck, hence increasing the total distance/billed transport expenses.
- Specialized Equipment: These amounts of EVs might force some car shipping firms to employ them as a rest of their day-to-day running, especially for forward haulage regions or distant international locations.
2. Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and Logistics*:
This puts extra strain on logistics, even if EVs are taking ground there, their vehicular support needs are still rising.
Charging Infrastructure For Pickups and Deliveries
The majority of car shipping companies have set delivery and pickup points, but EVs need to be fully charged to function. If a move my car service is being utilized, it is crucial to check whether the fetch and set-down locations are within reach of EV charging facilities.
- Short Supply of Charging Facilities: In case your EV is to be shipped to a secluded area, the absence of charging facilities can hinder progress, especially if the EV has to be charged prior to being driven off the carrier.
- Different regions or countries may have different charging standards (CCS, Tesla Superchargers), and this can affect the logistics of picking up or delivering EVs.
Effects on International Shipping
With international car shipping, the absence of a standardized charging network can prove problematic. There may be some countries that do not provide suitable plugs and adapters to access the available charging stations. As the market grows, car shipping companies will need to figure out charging solutions to these problems.
3. Increased EV Shipping Services Demand
There is an upsurge in demand for EV shipping services as more customers are purchasing electric vehicles. The increase in electric cars has necessitated a reassessment of capabilities and offerings by car shipping companies.
Growing Internet of Things EV Awareness Related Services
With customers owning more electric cars like the Tesla Model S or the Rivian R1T, the demand for car shipping services designed specifically for EVs has risen. People who want to move or buy new vehicles from a long distance need to ship electric cars.
- Increased Volume: The number of requests by car shipping companies to transport EVs has increased. Shipments to and from dealerships and to private buyers are also included.
- Specialized Services: Various car shipping companies have had to widen their services to deal with EVs in better ways, such as for safe transport, handling, and insurance.
Innovative EV Transport Techniques
There are new ways of transporting EVs that are being developed by car shipping companies.
- Custom Built Transport Trucks: Custom transport trucks intended for shipping the dimensions of electric vehicles are being adapted by some companies.
- Enclosed Transport: Because of the risks posed by damage, theft, or inclement weather during transport for value, enclosed transport is frequently suggested for EVs.
4. The Environmental Impact of Shipping EVs
Most consumers purchase electric vehicles primarily because of their environmental advantages, like lower carbon emissions. The shipping of these vehicles, however, has its own environmental consequences. More and more car shipping companies are trying to figure out innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint when transporting EVs.
Sustainable Practices in Car Shipping
Aligned with eco-friendly policies, transportation companies seek to enhance their practices in relation to the EV carbon footprint. Some of these practices include:
- Eco-Friendly Shipping Methods: The use of hybrid trucks and electric trucks for transport to mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions of the shipping process.
- Optimizing Routes: Employing modern routing technologies to alleviate fuel consumption and streamline transportation.
- Carbon Offsetting: Some car shipping companies provide carbon offset initiatives to neutralize the emissions of greenhouse gases resulting from the shipping process.
Sustainable Challenges In Shipping EVs
Electric vehicles are promoted as environmentally friendly. However, their freight movement poses a serious challenge due to the emissions produced by diesel transport trucks. These sustainability challenges are bound to arise as the demand for EVs increases and the shipping industry strives to meet green standards and goals.
5. Insurance and Protection for EVs
In the case of transporting an electric vehicle, it is important that the shipment is insured properly. EVs are precious cargo and unique in their design, so obtaining the correct coverage has a fair amount of importance to the shipment’s safety.
Specialist Insurance Underwriters for Electric Vehicles
Most conventional automobile insurance policies leave gaps in coverage for electric vehicles, particularly for long-distance or international shipping. Specialized insurance is increasingly being introduced by car shipping companies to provide better coverage for EVs, which is essential when it comes to varying degrees of damage during transport.
- Battery Damage: Renowned insurance services should ensure the losses are legally bound by damages of replacing or repairing costs to the EV’s battery, which can set a consumer back enormously.
- Liability Coverage: The shipping company protecting the electric vehicle must hold the insurable interest to the benefits provided by the cover, as damages, theft, or loss must be incurred during the shipping. It is crucial that they extend full liability insurance, including breach of control.
Tip: As with any shipping company, it is advisable to obtain detailed information regarding the policies, contracts, and coverage options available. Confirm whether you have adequate insurance for your electric vehicle (EV).
Conclusion
There is no denying the fact that electric vehicles globally are shaping innovations in the car shipping sector. Specialist tools and device handling, catering to an increasing consumer demand for EV shipment, and so forth, are simply some of the things that indicate how much car shipping services require adaptation in order to capitalize on this opportunity. The logistics of safely and sustainably moving electric vehicles will continue to be an area of focus as their adoption climbs among consumers.
If you personally intend to move my car and it happens to be an electric vehicle, make sure to opt for a car shipping service competent enough to meet the distinct requirements of EV transportation. Together with the appropriate partner, proceedings can be put in place in such a way as to guarantee electric vehicle shipment security while minimizing adverse ecological impact.