If you're planning to transport an electric vehicle (EV), it is important to know our policies in place prohibiting damaged vehicles on board that pose a fire safety risk. This guide will provide examples of different types of damage and show what may or may not be permitted on board.
The Electric Vehicle (EV) policy referenced on this page will come into effect on May 19th. Information is provided in advance of the activation date for awareness purposes only.
If your EV is immobile (unable to move under its own power), you will need to check whether it exhibits signs of damage listed under the categories of damaged or undamaged/cosmetically damaged. We have included the definitions below along with some visual examples to help you plan accordingly.
If your EV arrives at the terminal under its own power, it must meet the same Motor Vehicle Act & Regulations requirements as any other vehicle, regardless of fuel type. Our crew will make the final determination on travel eligibility based on safety requirements.
Decisions regarding travel with damaged EVs are made for safety reasons. Please treat our staff and fellow passengers with respect at all times. Abusive conduct or comments will not be tolerated and may result in denial of service.
Immobile electric vehicles exhibiting signs of damage listed below and deemed "damaged" cannot travel since they pose a fire safety risk. The battery must be removed from the vehicle and shipped as a dangerous good.
The EV and/or the high-voltage battery is considered damaged or defective if:
The damage in the picture is in the vicinity of the battery pack, which raises safety concerns.
This vehicle's damage is more than superficial or cosmetic. Its frame has sustained significant impact, and the condition of the high voltage battery is unknown and can pose a safety risk.
This vehicle's damage is more than superficial or cosmetic. Its frame has sustained significant impact, and the condition of the high voltage battery is unknown and can pose a safety risk.
The damage in the picture is more than cosmetic. In this case, even though there may not be an obvious correlation with battery location, the vehicle has more than cosmetic damage.
Immobile electric vehicles deemed undamaged or cosmetically damaged are subject to a visual check when they arrive at the terminal to ensure they are safe to travel.
This initiative is part of a new BC Ferries policy, developed in consultation with Transport Canada and with input from industry experts, that allows the safe transport of immobile electric vehicles (EVs) on our ferries.
The EV is considered undamaged/cosmetically damaged if:
In addition, undamaged vehicles also include those undamaged/cosmetically damaged EVs that need repairs to any component not related to the high-voltage battery. These undamaged/cosmetically damaged EVs may include vehicles that require repair or replacement to systems such as:
This level of isolated damage to a mirror does not indicate high risk. The damage is not in the vicinity of the battery and poses little risk.
This level of isolated damage to the windshield does not indicate high risk. The damage is not in the vicinity of the battery and poses little risk.
Vehicles with damaged tires, wheels, suspension and drivetrains (transmissions, axles, etc) are acceptable for transport - as long as there is no indication of damage to the high voltage batteries.
This damage is limited to cosmetic body work has no signs of structural damage – just paint scratches.