Not every carrier accepts electric vehicles. We book Tesla, BMW i, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron, Polestar, BYD and other EVs onto IMO-compliant RoRo vessels and container services where battery handling protocols are in place.
Every EV booking includes a battery state-of-charge declaration (typically 30–50%), IMDG lithium-battery paperwork and a fire-safety check at port.
Quick Answer
Electric vehicle shipping from the UK uses IMO IMDG-compliant RoRo and container services that accept lithium-ion vehicles. Pre-shipment battery state-of-charge is set between 30% and 50%, the SoC is recorded on the bill of lading, and an IMDG lithium-battery declaration is filed. Accepted brands include Tesla, BMW i, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron, Polestar, BYD, MG and Volkswagen ID.
Not every shipping line accepts EVs. After fires on the Felicity Ace and Fremantle Highway, several carriers paused EV bookings and the rest tightened their protocols. We hold approved-shipper status with the EV-accepting lines and route every electric or hybrid booking onto a vessel with active lithium handling and onboard thermal monitoring.
Right-hand drive UK EVs are in strong demand in the UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, Malta, Hong Kong and Singapore. Battery longevity in hot climates is the main destination concern — we provide pre-shipment battery health printouts and destination guidance on Type 2, CCS and Tesla charger availability.
Why Choose Our Electric Vehicle Shipping
EV-Approved Carriers
We use lines that accept lithium-ion vehicles under the IMO IMDG code.
Battery SoC Compliance
Pre-shipment charge state confirmed and logged on the bill of lading.
Fast-Charge Compatibility
Destination guidance on Type 2, CCS and Tesla connector availability.
Hybrid Shipping Included
PHEVs and full hybrids handled under the same protocols.
Insurance to EV Value
Agreed-value cover reflecting battery replacement cost.
Right-Hand Drive Export
UK RHD Teslas and EVs shipped to UAE, Australia, NZ and Cyprus weekly.
How It Works
EV Survey
Confirm make, model, battery chemistry and SoC.
Carrier Selection
We book onto an EV-approved sailing.
Deliver to Port
Battery charged to declared SoC, immobilised at port.
Ship & Monitor
Carrier monitors temperature and SoC on transit.
Destination Release
Local handover with charging guidance.
Indicative Pricing
Prices are estimates for a standard car. Get an exact quote for your vehicle.
Middle East (UAE, Qatar)
14–21 days transit
USA (East Coast)
14–18 days transit
Australia / New Zealand
35–45 days transit
Cyprus / Malta
10–14 days transit
Transit Times & Indicative Prices
Sample routes for electric vehicle shipping from UK ports. View full schedule.
| Route | Method | Transit (days) | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton → Jebel Ali (UAE) | RoRo (EV-approved) | 14 to 21 | £1,650 |
| Southampton → New York (USA) | RoRo (EV-approved) | 14 to 18 | £2,150 |
| Tilbury → Fremantle (Australia) | RoRo (EV-approved) | 35 to 45 | £2,750 |
| Bristol → Limassol (Cyprus) | RoRo | 10 to 14 | £1,250 |
Documents Required
Paperwork our team prepares or collects for every electric vehicle shipping booking. See the full documents guide.
V5C Logbook
Original DVLA V5C registration document. We submit the V5C/4 export notification on your behalf.
Passport or Photo ID
A valid passport or UK photo driving licence is required for export customs and destination clearance.
Proof of Purchase
Invoice, bill of sale or auction receipt to support the customs declared value.
Proof of Address
Utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months.
Export Declaration
We file the C88/CHIEF or CDS export entry with HMRC and supply the MUCR reference.
Destination Import Documents
Country-specific paperwork such as NOVA, GCC certificate, RAV/SEVS, RIV or EPA/DOT release, prepared by our agent network.
Vehicle Types We Ship
All vehicle classes accepted under electric vehicle shipping.
Popular Destinations
Top corridors for electric vehicle shipping from the UK. Browse all destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a Tesla from the UK?
Are EVs more expensive to ship?
What documents are needed for EV export?
Why is EV shipping more expensive than petrol?
What charge level should my EV be at when I deliver it to the port?
Do you ship plug-in hybrids and full hybrids?
Can I export a Tesla under warranty?
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About this page
Operated by Ship Cars RoRo, a UK-based international vehicle shipping specialist. BIFA-affiliated forwarder with weekly RoRo, container and shared container sailings from Southampton, Tilbury, London Gateway, Felixstowe and Bristol to 150+ countries.
- Author: Zahir Hussain, Head of Vehicle Export, Ship Cars RoRo
- Last updated: 2026-05-12
- +44 (0)1495 320540
- info@shipcarsroro.co.uk
- United Kingdom — serving worldwide
Entities & topics covered
Ready to Ship?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for electric vehicle shipping from the UK. Browse our destinations or use the cost calculator for an estimate.