Buying an electric car from overseas involves a few additional considerations before the vehicle can be shipped. Unlike conventional petrol or diesel cars, electric vehicles have high-voltage battery systems that shipping companies must account for during transport.
Battery condition, charge level, shipping documents, and the vehicle’s ability to move safely can all affect whether it is accepted for shipment.
So, what actually happens to an electric car before it boards a cargo ship? Here are the main preparations involved in international EV shipping.
1. Choosing Between RoRo and Container Shipping
Most electric passenger cars are transported overseas using either Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels or container ships.
With RoRo shipping, vehicles are driven onto a specialized car carrier and secured on designated vehicle decks. This method is commonly used by automotive manufacturers and exporters moving large numbers of finished vehicles.
Container shipping involves driving or loading the vehicle into a container and securing it before departure. It may be suitable for individual shipments, high-value vehicles, or destinations without convenient RoRo services.
Electric cars can use either method, subject to the shipping company’s acceptance requirements.
For owners shipping a single EV, the first step is to confirm which services are available for the intended route and whether the carrier accepts the vehicle’s battery type and condition.
2. Inspecting the Battery Before Shipment
The high-voltage battery is one of the most important components checked before an electric vehicle is shipped.
A normal inspection may involve reviewing the vehicle’s battery status, warning indicators, and any known history of damage or repair.
Particular attention should be given to vehicles that have experienced collisions, flooding, or battery-related faults.
Damage to a battery pack is not always visible from outside the vehicle. A car may appear relatively undamaged while its battery enclosure or internal components have been affected.
Shipping companies may require additional technical information or refuse vehicles with damaged or defective batteries.
For used EVs, buyers should request information about the battery’s condition and any previous accidents before arranging international transport.
If there is reason to suspect battery damage, the vehicle should be assessed by a qualified technician rather than prepared as an ordinary shipment.
3. Setting the Correct Battery Charge Level
One of the most common questions about shipping an electric car is how much battery charge it should have before departure.
The answer depends on the shipping company and transport method.
The European Maritime Safety Agency’s guidance for alternative-fuel vehicles recommends a state of charge (SOC) between 20% and 50% for battery electric vehicles transported on pure car and truck carriers.
This range is intended to limit unnecessary battery charge while retaining enough power for vehicle movement during loading and unloading.
Container shipping companies may follow different policies. For example, Maersk’s October 2026 guidance recommends that battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles shipped in containers have an SOC of 30% or less.
These figures are guidance or carrier-specific requirements, rather than a universal charge limit for every ocean shipment.
Before delivering an EV to the port, the owner or shipper should confirm the applicable SOC requirement and ensure the battery retains sufficient power for the planned handling operations.
4. Switching Off Vehicle Systems and Preparing the Car
Modern electric cars contain electronic systems that can remain active even when the driver is no longer inside.
Security cameras, cabin climate control, alarms, scheduled charging, and other connected features may continue consuming electricity while a vehicle is parked.
Before shipment, these functions should be configured according to the manufacturer’s transport instructions and the carrier’s requirements.
Some vehicles offer a dedicated transport or shipping mode. Where available and appropriate, this can help prepare the vehicle for extended storage and handling.
The car should also be checked for:
- Correct tyre pressure and working brakes
- Securely closed windows, doors, and charging ports
- Loose accessories or personal belongings
- Visible damage, fluid leaks, or warning messages
- Available keys and instructions for operating the vehicle
The vehicle should be switched off and disconnected from charging equipment before transport.
Some container carriers also require the auxiliary 12-volt battery to be disconnected and its terminals protected. This should only be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures and the carrier’s instructions.
Owners should never attempt to disconnect or modify high-voltage battery components themselves.
5. Preparing Battery and Shipping Documentation
Electric vehicle shipments require accurate information about both the vehicle and its battery system.
Under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code provisions mandatory from January 2026, lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles have a dedicated classification: UN 3556.
Other battery technologies have their own classifications.
Whether particular dangerous goods declarations or exemptions apply depends on the shipping arrangement and relevant provisions. Container carriers may have specific documentation and acceptance procedures for lithium-powered vehicles.
Typical shipment information includes:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN), make, and model
- Vehicle dimensions, weight, and new or used status
- Battery type and relevant technical information
- Battery state of charge, where requested
- Vehicle condition and any damage history
- Commercial invoice and applicable export documents
- Dangerous goods documentation, where required
The carrier or freight forwarder should confirm the complete document list before booking.
Incorrect battery information or missing declarations can result in delayed acceptance at the terminal.
6. Preparing the EV for Port Delivery and Loading
After the documentation and battery checks are completed, the vehicle must be prepared for delivery to the departure port.
For RoRo shipping, the EV normally needs enough power to drive safely through the terminal and onto the vessel. Its brakes, steering, and movement controls must function correctly.
For container shipping, the vehicle must be loaded and secured to prevent movement during transportation. Suitable wheel restraints, securing points, and lashing arrangements are determined by the approved loading plan.
The vehicle’s condition should also be photographed before handover, particularly its body panels, wheels, glass, and visible underbody areas.
For electric cars exported from China, automotive logistics providers such as Sinotraffic help coordinate vehicle preparation, battery-related documentation, port handling, and international shipping arrangements.
Once the vehicle reaches the terminal, the operator checks that it meets the relevant acceptance conditions before loading.
Proper preparation at this stage can reduce delays caused by incomplete information, unsuitable vehicle conditions, or unapproved loading arrangements.
7. Planning for Arrival at the Destination
Preparing an electric car for international shipping also means considering what happens after the vessel arrives.
The vehicle should retain sufficient battery charge for unloading and any necessary movement within the destination terminal.
Owners should arrange collection or onward transportation in advance, especially if the receiving port does not provide EV charging facilities.
For imported EVs, there are additional matters to verify before purchasing the vehicle:
- Whether the model is eligible for import and local registration
- Compatibility with local charging connectors and infrastructure
- Availability of manufacturer support, servicing, and replacement parts
- Applicable import duties, taxes, and inspection requirements
For example, South Africa has specific import controls for used vehicles, and imported vehicles may require regulatory approval before registration. Buyers should confirm eligibility before arranging shipment.
These considerations are separate from the ocean freight booking but can determine whether the imported vehicle can be used after arrival.
Final Thoughts
International electric car shipping involves several preparations beyond booking a vessel.
Battery condition and charge level must be checked, vehicle systems must be prepared for transport, and the necessary shipping documents must be confirmed.
The exact requirements vary by carrier, shipping method, and destination.
For buyers importing an electric vehicle, checking these details before the car reaches the port can help avoid delays and unexpected handling problems during its journey overseas.