For a single vehicle the shipping method is usually decided for you by what sails from the loading port. Above about four units it becomes a real cost decision, and electric vehicles add a constraint that fuel cars do not.
The EV-specific part
Lithium batteries are regulated cargo. Vehicles ship at a 30–50% state of charge with UN38.3 documentation for the pack, and some carriers apply their own additional conditions on EV stowage. This is routine, but it has to be arranged rather than assumed — an EV booked as a generic used car will be held.
Container
A 40ft high cube typically takes two SUVs or three hatchbacks depending on dimensions. Fully enclosed, so it is the right answer for new, high-value stock and for routes where quay handling is rough. It also lets you load spare parts alongside the vehicles in the same consignment.
Roll-on roll-off
Cheaper per unit at volume on serviced routes, and faster to load and discharge. The vehicle is driven aboard a dedicated car carrier and is exposed to handling by port staff at both ends. For larger fleet orders on established lanes it is usually the economical choice.
What to weigh up
- Unit count — container wins low, RoRo wins at volume.
- Whether your destination port has a RoRo berth and a regular sailing.
- Vehicle value and your appetite for handling damage claims.
- Whether you need parts or accessories shipped in the same consignment.
- Insurance terms, which differ between the two methods.
Tell us the port and the quantity and we will price both, with the loading plan shown, so the comparison is on landed cost rather than on freight alone.
