Electric vehicles can have model-specific requirements for moving, loading and securing the car. A familiar badge or a charged battery does not replace those instructions. Give the coordinator the exact model and year, then make sure the releasing contact can provide the right access and manufacturer guidance.
What to know first
- Use the instructions for the exact model and year.
- Do not apply one universal battery percentage or transport mode to every EV.
- Disclose battery damage or other safety concerns before requesting normal transport.
Start with the manufacturer’s transport instructions.
Find the transport or towing section in the correct owner’s manual. For example, Tesla’s Model 3 guidance specifies transport with all four tires off the ground. That is a model-specific instruction, not a complete loading procedure for every electric vehicle.
Share the relevant manual or instructions with the responsible operator. The transport plan should account for the manufacturer’s requirements and the equipment actually being used.
Make access and controls available.
Confirm that the vehicle can be unlocked and that the pickup contact has a working key, card or fob as required. Explain any steps needed to put the vehicle into the appropriate handling mode. Do not assume the driver can use the owner’s phone account.
A low-voltage battery issue can affect access and controls even when the main battery has charge. If the vehicle has a known electrical problem, describe it before booking rather than treating it as a routine running vehicle.
Discuss charge and special settings.
Follow the manufacturer and assigned carrier’s instructions for the shipment. Avoid a one-size-fits-all battery target copied from another vehicle’s checklist. The right preparation depends on the model, condition and planned handling.
Ask which settings should be left active or inactive and who is responsible for restoring them after delivery. Keep the instructions short and specific so the releasing and receiving contacts can follow them consistently.
Disclose damage and unusual conditions.
Suspected high-voltage battery damage, significant collision damage, leaks or other hazards need specialist review. A standard quote form is not confirmation that a damaged EV can be accepted on ordinary car-hauling equipment.
If the vehicle cannot roll or the controls are unavailable, say so. Describe what is known and what is uncertain. The loading plan should be based on verified condition rather than an optimistic assumption.
- Exact model and year
- Relevant manufacturer transport instructions
- Working vehicle access and authorized contact
- Running, rolling and control-system condition
- Known damage or battery concerns
- Any agreed charge or preparation instructions
Plan the handover at delivery.
The receiving person should be able to access the car and understand any settings used during transport. Keep keys, accessories and paperwork organized, and review the condition record before completing the handover.
For a Driveline request, include the EV model and any special instructions in the notes. If the condition raises a safety or handling concern, call to discuss it before assuming a standard arrangement will work.
Sources & further reading
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Custom & specialty vehicle transport ↗Published by Driveline Logistics. Guides explain planning considerations; shipment-specific equipment, availability and written terms are confirmed before booking.