Pure electric vehicles are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods due to their large lithium batteries, leading to strict shipping regulations. Shipping companies have high requirements for the loading position and fire isolation measures for dangerous goods, and some roll-on/roll-off ships refuse to accept used EVs. As a result, EVs often require more expensive special container shipping and incur additional handling fees for hazardous materials.

A solid contract is your main protection in a cross-border deal. It should specify: 1. Vehicle identification: VIN, year, mileage, trim level, and photos of the actual car appended as an annex — not just「a 2021 Toyota」. 2. Condition guarantees: no accident, no flood or fire damage, no structural repairs, supported by a third-party inspection report referenced in the contract. 3. Price and Incoterm: total amount, currency, the named port, and whether freight and insurance are included. 4. Payment schedule: e.g., 20–30% deposit after contract signing, balance against copy of the Bill of Lading. Avoid 100% upfront. Use T/T to the company's corporate bank account only — never a personal account. 5. Timeline: inspection date, estimated loading date, and latest shipment date, with remedies if delayed. 6. Dispute clause: governing law and arbitration (CIETAC or your local chamber) rather than foreign court litigation. Ask for the contract in English (or bilingual) with the supplier's company chop. A company that refuses a written contract or pushes for full prepayment is a red flag.

Basic perception functions (like Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, Lane Keeping Assist LKA, and Automatic Emergency Braking AEB) rely on the vehicle's local radar and cameras, and can operate normally overseas. However, advanced features that heavily depend on high-precision maps and cloud data (like Navigation on Autopilot NOA and Full Self-Driving FSD) cannot be activated overseas.