KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Find comprehensive answers to the 50 most common questions regarding vehicle exports, shipping, payments, and warranties.
1. Shipping & Logistics
What shipping methods does EVOVED offer?
We offer two primary methods: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping for standard cost-effective bulk transport, and Container shipping (20ft or 40ft) for maximum protection of luxury or high-value vehicles.
How long does international shipping take?
Transit times vary by destination. Typical timelines: Southeast Asia (2-3 weeks), Middle East (4-5 weeks), Africa (5-8 weeks), Europe (4-6 weeks), and South America (5-7 weeks). Expedited options are available.
Is my vehicle insured during transit?
Yes. All EVOVED shipments include comprehensive marine cargo insurance that covers total loss, theft, and major damage from the port of loading to the destination port.
Can I track my vehicle shipment?
Yes. Once your vehicle is loaded onto the vessel, we provide a Bill of Lading (B/L) number and a vessel tracking link so you can monitor your shipment in real-time.
Do you ship to landlocked countries?
Yes. For landlocked destinations (e.g., Uganda, Zambia, Kazakhstan), we arrange ocean freight to the nearest major seaport and coordinate inland rail or truck freight to your final destination.
How many vehicles fit in a standard container?
A standard 20-foot container typically holds 1 vehicle. A 40-foot container can hold 2 to 3 standard-sized vehicles or SUVs, depending on the models and loading configuration.
What ports do you ship from in China?
Our primary export hubs are Shanghai Port (the largest and most cost-effective), Ningbo, Shenzhen (Shekou), and Dalian, depending on the vehicle's factory location.
Can I arrange my own shipping forwarder?
Yes. We offer FOB (Free On Board) and EXW (Ex Works) pricing if you prefer to use your own trusted freight forwarder. However, most clients utilize our CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) terms for convenience.
Are EV batteries safe for ocean transport?
Absolutely. We adhere to strict IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulations for transporting lithium-ion batteries. Batteries are discharged to a safe state (usually 30-50%) before loading.
What happens if a vehicle is delayed at the port?
While rare, port congestion can cause delays. Our dedicated logistics team actively monitors port conditions and reroutes shipments to alternative terminals if significant delays are anticipated.
2. Payment & Pricing
What payment methods are accepted?
We primarily accept T/T (Telegraphic Transfer/Bank Wire). For large volume fleet orders, we also accept irrevocable Letters of Credit (L/C) at sight from top-tier international banks.
What is the standard payment structure?
Our standard terms are a 30% deposit upon signing the Proforma Invoice to secure the vehicle and begin export procedures, with the 70% balance due before the vehicle is loaded onto the vessel.
What currencies do you accept?
All official quotations and transactions are processed in USD (US Dollars) or EUR (Euros). Payments in CNY (Chinese Yuan) can be arranged for specific regional partners.
Are there any hidden fees in your quotes?
No. EVOVED operates on absolute transparency. Your invoice clearly itemizes the vehicle cost, inspection fees, Chinese export taxes, port handling, and ocean freight. Customs duties in your destination country are separate.
Do you offer wholesale bulk discounts?
Yes. We offer tiered wholesale pricing for international dealerships and fleet operators ordering 5+, 20+, or 50+ units. Contact our sales team for exact margin structures.
Can you provide a price-match guarantee?
We guarantee highly competitive factory-direct pricing. If you receive a lower quote from another certified exporter for the exact same vehicle specification, we will review and aim to match or beat it.
Is my deposit refundable if I cancel?
Deposits are fully refundable only if the vehicle fails our strict pre-shipment quality inspection and a suitable replacement cannot be sourced. Cancellations for buyer's remorse forfeit the deposit to cover allocation costs.
Do you offer financing options?
We do not provide direct financing. However, we can supply all necessary documentation (Proforma Invoices, factory certificates) required for you to secure trade financing or loans with your local bank.
Are the prices locked once quoted?
Quotations are valid for 7 days due to fluctuating ocean freight rates and currency exchange markets. Once your 30% deposit is received, the price of the vehicle is 100% locked.
Do I pay taxes to the Chinese government?
No. We process all vehicles under China's official vehicle export policy, meaning the vehicles are exempt from local Chinese VAT. You only pay import taxes in your destination country.
3. Vehicle Inspection & Quality
Who conducts the pre-shipment inspections?
Every vehicle is inspected by certified, independent third-party automotive assessors (such as SGS or TÜV) to guarantee absolute neutrality and quality verification.
What does the inspection cover?
The inspection is a multi-point evaluation covering the powertrain, EV battery health (SOH), suspension, electrical systems, interior condition, and exterior paint depth to ensure 100% roadworthiness.
Will I see photos of my specific vehicle?
Yes. You will receive a detailed PDF report containing 30+ high-resolution photographs of the exterior, interior, engine bay, chassis, and the dashboard with the exact VIN and odometer reading.
Are test drives performed before shipping?
Yes. A rigorous road test is performed at our Shanghai facility to verify acceleration, braking, steering alignment, and suspension behavior before the vehicle is approved for export.
What happens if a vehicle fails inspection?
If a vehicle fails to meet our "100% Roadworthy" standard, it is rejected entirely. We will immediately source an identical replacement model at no additional cost or delay to you.
How do you verify battery health on used EVs?
For certified used EVs, we use advanced OBD2 diagnostic tools to extract the exact State of Health (SOH) and cell voltage differentials from the battery management system (BMS).
Can I hire my own inspector in China?
Yes. You are welcome to hire your own independent inspector to visit our warehouse in Shanghai. We will provide full access and cooperation for their evaluation.
Do you clean the vehicles before shipping?
Absolutely. Every vehicle receives a comprehensive professional detail, including interior sanitization and exterior compounding, prior to port loading and protective wrapping.
Are software languages changed before export?
Yes. Where supported by the manufacturer, we flash or update the vehicle's infotainment system to English or your requested regional language prior to shipment.
Is the odometer reading guaranteed accurate?
Yes. Mileage is strictly verified through the vehicle's ECU and cross-referenced with official Chinese maintenance records to prevent any odometer tampering.
4. Import Procedures & Documentation
What documents will EVOVED provide?
We courier all original documents required for clearance: Bill of Lading (B/L), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and the Chinese Export License.
Do you handle customs clearance in my country?
We handle all export clearance out of China. Import clearance at your destination port is the buyer's responsibility, though we can recommend trusted local customs brokers in many major ports.
How much will import taxes be?
Import duties vary drastically by country, ranging from 0% (for EVs in some regions) to over 50%. We highly recommend consulting a local customs broker with the HS Code provided in our quote.
Are the vehicles left-hand drive (LHD)?
Yes. By default, all vehicles manufactured for the Chinese domestic market are Left-Hand Drive (LHD). We can source specific RHD models for export upon request.
Can you provide homologation certificates?
For bulk and institutional orders, we assist in acquiring necessary COC (Certificate of Conformity) or homologation data sheets required by European and Middle Eastern transit authorities.
What about age limits on used vehicles?
Many countries (especially in Africa and South America) have strict rules against importing vehicles older than 5 or 8 years. Our sales team cross-checks your order against your country's age laws to ensure compliance.
Is the VIN globally recognizable?
Yes, vehicles from major Chinese manufacturers use standard 17-digit VINs that are internationally recognizable for registration and insurance purposes.
How are Original Documents sent?
Once the vessel departs and the final payment is cleared, original documents are shipped to your physical address via DHL, FedEx, or UPS with tracking provided.
What is a Telex Release?
A Telex Release is a digital surrender of the Bill of Lading. It allows you to claim the vehicle at your port without needing physical paper documents, speeding up the clearance process.
Do Chinese cars meet global emission standards?
Yes. Most modern Chinese ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles meet strict China 6 standards, which are equivalent to Euro 6 emission standards globally.
5. Warranty & After-Sales Support
What warranty comes with a new vehicle?
New vehicles are supported by a standard 1-year exporter's warranty covering major powertrain components. Many Chinese manufacturers are also establishing global service networks for direct warranty support.
Do you supply spare parts?
Yes. EVOVED operates a dedicated parts division. We can supply OEM replacement parts, filters, body panels, and diagnostic tools for all vehicles we export via air freight.
How do I claim a warranty issue?
In the event of a powertrain failure within the warranty period, simply contact your dedicated account manager with a mechanic's diagnostic report and photos. We will ship the replacement part free of charge.
Is the EV battery covered under warranty?
Yes. Brand new EVs typically carry an 8-year or 150,000 km warranty on the battery pack and drive motors directly from the manufacturer.
Can I get English owner's manuals?
Yes. We provide digital PDF copies of the owner's manuals translated into English for all popular export models.
How do OTA (Over-The-Air) updates work abroad?
Many Chinese EVs support global OTA updates via local Wi-Fi or hotspot connections, ensuring your vehicle software and UI remain up to date regardless of location.
What if there is a factory recall?
If a manufacturer issues a global safety recall, EVOVED will notify you immediately and supply the necessary updated hardware components required by the factory fix.
Do you provide technical support for mechanics?
For wholesale dealers, we provide access to technical schematics, wiring diagrams, and direct communication lines with our mechanical team to assist your local technicians.
Are diagnostic tools included?
OBD2 scanners and specialized brand-specific diagnostic tablets are not included with vehicle purchases, but they can be ordered through our parts division for your dealership.
How long is your after-sales support valid?
Our after-sales parts sourcing and technical consultation support remains available to you for the entire lifetime of the vehicle.