Electric Vehicle (EV) Shipping from the UK — Tesla, Polestar, BMW i Worldwide

Most ocean carriers require EVs to ship with battery state of charge between 20% and 50% — high enough to allow loading/unloading manoeuvres, low enough to minimise thermal risk in transit. Some carriers cap SOC at 30%. We confirm the exact requirement at booking and arrange a final charge check at port.

Every EV shipment is declared as IMDG Class 9 UN3171 (vehicle, battery-powered, lithium-ion). We prepare the Multimodal Dangerous Goods Declaration and Container Packing Certificate as part of the booking, and use only DG-approved carriers and sailings.

RoRo accepts EVs subject to SOC limits and carrier approval — most major lines (Höegh, Wallenius, K-Line) take EVs without issue. Container shipping is preferred for high-value EVs (Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT) where collision risk on RoRo decks is unacceptable. Air freight for EVs is highly restricted due to battery weight and DG limits.

Charging infrastructure, plug standards and homologation vary by country. Tesla cars use Type 2 (CCS2) in Europe and the Middle East, NACS in the USA and Canada (from 2024), and adaptors may be needed. Australia requires Type 2 CCS — our destination agents advise on local compliance.

EV shipping is priced at standard car rates plus a typical DG handling surcharge of £75–£150 per vehicle. No premium for the freight itself.

All-risks marine insurance for EVs covers traction battery damage, fire and total loss. Premium typically 2%–2.8% of agreed value — slightly above ICE vehicles due to battery replacement cost.