With EVs growing fast in Malaysia, this question comes up more and more: "Can I ship an electric car to Sabah/Sarawak?" The answer is yes — but by container, not RoRo. RoRo vessels to Sabah/Sarawak don't accept EVs due to lithium-battery fire safety. Here's what matters.
Can You Ship an EV?
Yes — but by container. RoRo vessels to Sabah/Sarawak don't accept electric cars due to lithium-battery fire safety, so the EV is loaded inside an enclosed container. Aside from the loading method, the process is similar: pickup → inspection → load into container → sailing → clearance & delivery.
Battery Considerations
- 🔋 Moderate charge level: as a safety practice, EVs are usually shipped with the battery at a moderate level (not full, not empty) — enough to drive on/off the vessel.
- 🚗 Transit mode: turn off unnecessary systems; make sure the car can go into neutral/tow mode if needed.
- 🛡️ Safe handling: the EV is lashed and handled like any other vehicle. We confirm charge requirements at booking.
Documents & Permits
No special permit for a private EV — the documents are the same as a normal car: registration (VOC), owner's IC, valid road tax & insurance, and a booking form. If the EV is still under loan, include a bank release letter. Full list: documents to ship a car.
Why EVs Ship by Container (Not RoRo)
For the Sabah/Sarawak route, RoRo vessels don't accept EVs — lithium batteries are classed as a fire risk on board, so the domestic RoRo operators won't load electric cars. EVs therefore ship by container (fully enclosed), which also gives better protection. See how the methods differ in the RoRo vs container guide. The container rate depends on vehicle size — check with our officer.
Charging at the Destination
Your EV arrives with enough charge to be driven off and to your address. After that, charge as usual at home or public charging stations — the EV charging network in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and major Borneo towns is expanding. Plan your first charge location ahead for peace of mind.
FAQ
Can you ship an electric car (EV) to Sabah/Sarawak?
Yes — but EVs must ship by CONTAINER, not RoRo. RoRo vessels to Sabah/Sarawak don't accept EVs due to lithium-battery fire safety. The other documents and process are much like a regular car; we confirm the details at booking.
Should the battery be full or empty?
As a safety practice, EVs are usually shipped with a moderate battery charge (not full). Make sure there's enough power to drive on/off the vessel. We confirm the recommended level at booking.
Is there a special permit for EVs?
No special permit for a private EV — it's treated as a normal passenger car. Same documents: registration, IC, valid road tax & insurance, booking form (+ bank release letter if under loan).
Is my EV insured during transit?
Yes. Allianz Marine all-risk insurance covers your EV throughout transit, just like any other vehicle. Your normal motor insurance still applies for on-road driving.
Can I charge my EV after it arrives?
Your EV arrives with enough charge to be driven off and to your address. After that, charge as usual at home or public charging stations in Sabah/Sarawak.
EVs are heavy — is there a surcharge?
EVs tend to be a bit heavier. Most EV sedans/SUVs fall under the normal vehicle class, but for certain models, check with our officer for an exact rate.
⚡ Ready to ship your EV?
Tell us your EV model + destination, and we'll confirm the battery requirements and an exact rate including insurance.
// Rentaka Logistics — vehicle shipping since 2023
