Shipping electric and hybrid vehicles

Battery-powered cargo is regulated cargo. Lithium batteries are classed as dangerous goods in transport, and the rules decide whether a unit is accepted at the terminal at all. We handle the classification and the documents as part of the booking.

Lithium-ionUN38.3 testedCarrier-approved

Classification

Regulatory Classification

UN number	Covers	Typical cargo
UN3171	Vehicle powered by a battery	Electric cars, e-buses, e-trucks, e-motorcycles, e-handling equipment
UN3480	Lithium-ion cells or batteries alone	Loose battery packs, replacement or spare battery units
UN3481	Batteries contained in or packed with equipment	Battery inside the machine, or packed beside it in the same consignment

Classification depends on whether the battery is the cargo or powers the vehicle it travels in. Getting it wrong means the unit is refused at the terminal, so we confirm the correct UN number before booking.

Before Loading

Carrier Acceptance Requirements

UN38.3 test summary for the battery or the battery-powered vehicle
A valid MSDS (material safety data sheet) for the cell chemistry
State of charge within the carrier limit — commonly 30% or less for transport
Short-circuit protection on exposed terminals and terminals insulated
Packaging or stowage that meets the applicable packing instruction
A declaration of dangerous goods signed by the shipper where required

Preparation

State of Charge and Packaging

State of Charge (SOC)

Carriers limit the charge level of lithium batteries in transport to reduce the energy available in an incident. We confirm the current limit for your service and record the SOC at handover.

Packaging and Stowage

Whole vehicles generally travel as the vehicle, with the battery secured and terminals protected. Loose batteries travel under their own packing instruction, separated from heat and damage. The exact method is agreed with the carrier before the unit moves.

Paperwork

Required Documentation

UN38.3 test summary (per battery type or per vehicle)
MSDS for the battery chemistry
Dangerous goods declaration where the consignment requires one
Battery specification sheet: chemistry, capacity, voltage, weight
Confirmation of SOC at the time of handover
Any destination-specific battery or EV import permit

Rules for lithium batteries change and differ by carrier, mode and destination. This page is a preparation checklist, not a compliance guarantee — the carrier and the consignee’s broker confirm what applies to your shipment.

Shipping an EV or Loose Batteries? Provide the Specification

Battery chemistry, capacity and whether the battery powers the unit determine the class. Provide the specification and we will confirm the booking requirements.

Request a Quote

Questions we get asked often

Can you ship a fully built electric car?

Yes. A complete electric vehicle is usually classed UN3171 and travels as the vehicle, with its battery secured and the SOC within the carrier limit. We confirm the UN number and the documents before booking.

What is the SOC limit for transport?

Carriers commonly require 30% state of charge or less for lithium batteries in transit. Confirm the current figure for your service — it is recorded at handover.

Do you need the UN38.3 test summary?

Yes, for battery-powered vehicles and for loose batteries. It is one of the documents the carrier requires before acceptance.

Can loose spare batteries travel with the vehicle?

They travel under UN3481 (packed with equipment) when beside the unit, subject to the carrier packing instruction. We confirm the method before the unit is booked.

Does this apply to hybrid vehicles too?

Yes — any vehicle with a lithium traction battery is regulated cargo and follows the same classification and documentation rules.