Melbourne to Brisbane EV Transport: What to Know Before Shipping Your Electric Car
Published 19/10/2026 · Auto Mover Australia
Shipping an electric vehicle from Melbourne to Brisbane works the same way as transporting a petrol or diesel car: it travels secured on a car carrier, not driven on public roads, so there's no range anxiety to worry about. At the time of writing, car transport from Melbourne to Brisbane starts from $770 for a standard running sedan, depot-to-depot, excluding the fuel levy, with transit typically taking 3 to 8 business days over the roughly 1,680 km route. The main things EV owners need to think about differently are battery charge level, a quick pre-transport check and whether to choose depot-to-depot or door-to-door service.
Why electric vehicles need a little extra care in transit
EVs and plug-in hybrids are perfectly safe to transport on a standard car carrier, but their batteries and drivetrains are different enough from a combustion engine that a few extra precautions matter. Carriers need to know the vehicle is electric before loading so they can plan securing points correctly, since some EVs have different jacking and tie-down locations to avoid underbody battery packs. Letting the transport team know in advance, either when you make an enquiry or at drop-off, means there are no surprises on loading day.
What charge level should your EV be at for transport
Most carriers prefer EVs to arrive with a moderate charge level rather than completely full or empty. A battery sitting around a quarter to half charge gives enough power to move the vehicle on and off the carrier and into position at the depot, without carrying unnecessary risk associated with a fully charged pack sitting idle for several days. There's no need to top up to 100% before drop-off, and doing so isn't recommended.
Preparing your electric car before drop-off
A little preparation on your end helps the handover go smoothly at either depot. Before drop-off:
- Charge the battery to a moderate level rather than full or near-empty.
- Switch off any aftermarket alarm systems that might drain the battery or go off during transit.
- Remove or secure any charging cables, portable chargers or loose accessories stored in the boot or frunk.
- Take clear photos of the exterior, interior and odometer reading for your own records.
- Check for and report any existing panel damage, and note the tyre condition.
- Leave the parking brake disengaged if advised by the driver, since some EVs use electronic park systems that behave differently to a handbrake.
If you're unsure how your particular model handles towing or neutral mode, it's worth checking your owner's manual or asking the team handling your booking, since this can vary between manufacturers.
Melbourne and Brisbane depot details
The Melbourne end of the route is handled through the Craigieburn depot at 4/54 Potter St, Craigieburn VIC 3064, in Melbourne's north just off the Hume Freeway, making it straightforward to reach from most parts of the city and regional Victoria. At the Brisbane end, vehicles arrive at the Stapylton depot, 6 Elliot Drive, Stapylton QLD 4207, on the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, about 35 minutes south of the Brisbane CBD. Both depots are set up for EV handling, and full contact details for every location are listed on the locations page.
Depot-to-depot or door-to-door?
Depot-to-depot is the most cost-effective way to move your EV and is what the from-$770 price covers, dropping off at Craigieburn and collecting from Stapylton. If getting to or from a depot isn't convenient, door-to-door collection and delivery is available at both ends for an extra charge based on distance from the depot. This is worth considering if you'd rather not arrange a tow or lift to Craigieburn, or if you need the car delivered directly to a Brisbane address once it arrives.
Cost and timing for the Melbourne to Brisbane route
Prices for interstate car transport depend on the vehicle type, the service level chosen and seasonal demand, so always check current figures when you book. For a standard running sedan on the car transport Melbourne to Brisbane route, pricing starts from $770 depot-to-depot at the time of writing, and this figure excludes the separate fuel levy applied to all bookings — you can read how that's calculated on the fuel levy page. Over the roughly 1,680 km route, typical transit is 3 to 8 business days depot-to-depot; for a broader sense of how timing works across different interstate routes, the transit times page is a useful reference. Larger or non-standard vehicles, including SUVs, utes and larger EVs, are quoted individually, so it's best to confirm pricing for your specific model through the booking form.
Other vehicles on the same route
If you're relocating and need more than just the car moved, the same Melbourne-Brisbane network covers a range of other vehicles. Trucks, vans and larger commercial vehicles can be arranged through truck and van transport, while boats, jet skis, caravans and trailers all have their own dedicated services under boat and jet ski transport, caravan transport and trailer transport. If you're after general background on how the car carrying process works end to end, the car carrying page walks through loading, securing and insurance basics.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship an EV from Melbourne to Brisbane?
At the time of writing, pricing starts from $770 for a standard running sedan, depot-to-depot, plus the fuel levy. Larger EVs, SUVs and premium models may cost more, so it's best to confirm exact pricing through an online booking enquiry.
How long does Melbourne to Brisbane EV transport take?
Typical transit is 3 to 8 business days depot-to-depot across the roughly 1,680 km route, though actual timing can vary slightly depending on carrier scheduling and the time of year.
Can I leave personal items in my EV during transport?
It's best to remove loose items, charging cables and valuables from the car, since most interstate transport policies don't cover personal belongings left inside the vehicle.
Does my EV need to be fully charged before transport?
No, a full charge isn't recommended. A moderate charge level, roughly a quarter to half full, is generally preferred for safe loading, unloading and short movements at the depot.
Can I get door-to-door delivery for my electric car?
Yes, door-to-door collection and delivery is available at both the Melbourne and Brisbane ends for an extra charge based on how far your address is from the Craigieburn or Stapylton depot.
Do I need to tell you my car is electric when I book?
Yes, it's a good idea to mention this when you make your enquiry so the carrier can plan appropriate securing points and handle the vehicle correctly on loading day.
Ready to book?
Auto Mover Australia has helped 10,000+ happy customers move their vehicles safely between Melbourne, Brisbane and every other major Australian city, and our depots at Craigieburn and Stapylton are set up to handle EVs without fuss. Head to the booking page to lock in your spot on the next available carrier, or get in touch if you've got questions about your specific model before you commit.
Route details and booking
See car transport Melbourne to Brisbane for today's from-price, transit time and depot details. Heading the other way? See car transport Brisbane to Melbourne.