Guide · Updated October 2026
Shipping an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle: Battery Rules and What Carriers Ask For
Electric and hybrid vehicles can be shipped, but they must be declared when you book and approved by the carrier first. Expect to provide a recent dealer report confirming the high-voltage battery is healthy, to deliver the vehicle with the battery at a set charge level, and to accept that not every sailing will take it. Damaged or recalled batteries are refused.
Declare
At booking, before anything else
Approval
Carrier approval needed per vehicle
Battery report
Recent dealer health check, often within 7 days of delivery
Charge level
Partly charged, often 25–50%
Refused
Damaged, recalled or modified batteries
Loose batteries
E-bikes, scooters and spare packs not accepted on RORO
Can electric cars be shipped by RORO?
Yes, on carriers that accept them, after approval. Carriers have tightened their rules: some accept only newer EVs, some accept hybrids but not fully electric vehicles, and some decline both on certain routes. We check which sailings will take your vehicle when we quote.
What will the carrier ask for?
- The make, model, year and VIN, declared as electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid
- A dealer or manufacturer diagnostic report showing the high-voltage battery has no faults, typically dated within 7 days of delivery to the port
- Confirmation there is no open safety recall on the battery
- The battery's state of charge on delivery, often between 25% and 50%
- For older EVs, some carriers set an age limit
Requirements differ by carrier and route, and they change. We send the exact list with your quote.
What about lithium leisure batteries and e-bikes?
- Lithium leisure batteries in a motorhome or overlander are accepted by some carriers only when fully installed, isolated and declared with the battery data sheet before booking
- There may be a limit on the number of installed batteries
- E-bikes, e-scooters, loose lithium batteries and power banks are not accepted inside RORO vehicles
- In a container, lithium batteries must be declared and may need dangerous-goods paperwork
Is a container an option?
Sometimes. A vehicle with a lithium battery in a container is usually declared as dangerous goods, which adds paperwork and cost, and some lines will not accept it. RORO with carrier approval is often simpler. We advise on the best option for your vehicle and route.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ship an electric car overseas?
Yes, with carrier approval. Declare it when you book, provide a recent battery health report and deliver it at the charge level the carrier sets.
What charge should my EV have for shipping?
Carriers usually ask for a partial charge, often between 25% and 50%. We confirm the exact level for your sailing.
Can hybrids be shipped by RORO?
Yes, on most of the carriers we use, after declaration and approval.
Can I ship an e-bike in my motorhome?
Not by RORO: e-bikes, e-scooters and loose lithium batteries are not accepted inside vehicles.
Does shipping an EV cost more?
Not necessarily. The freight is priced by size, but the battery report and any dangerous-goods paperwork for a container add cost.
Official sources
This guide summarises the rules as published in October 2026. Rules change; we confirm what applies to your vehicle when we quote.
Related routes and guides
Member of
IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.
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