EV Import Process
Our customers are consistently impressed by the quality of their vehicle when it arrives. We love all the pictures we get of our happy customers with their cars. This is why we do thorough vehicle condition checks before we buy our vehicles in the UK or Japan. When we find a car that matches our specification, we buy it and go through the long supply chain process below. You won't need to do anything until the registration stage, but we always keep you updated with your car's progress.
Month 1
Car leaves Japan
Once we buy a vehicle, we get vehicle import approval from the Australian federal government and deal with Overseas paperwork ie: trucking, make payments, get the vehicle deregistered etc etc, leading to getting your car on a ship, bound for Australia. The car is covered by our comprehensive transport insurance for the whole supply chain until delivery to you.
Month 2
Arrives Australia
It usually takes 6-8 weeks to get your car to an Australian port. When it arrives, it gets inspected by our customs officers who make sure it's not bringing any pests with it - bravo to them for keeping our country safe! This can take some time, but unless unique cases occur (read COVID) cars usually pass this step within a week of arrival.
Month 3
Passes Customs
Your EV passes its customs inspection! Now, we drive it through some car-sized regulatory hoops, which generally takes 2.5 - 6 weeks depending on how many tea-breaks the federal department takes. While this is in the hands of the federal department of transport and therefore beyond our control, we will be doing everything that is within our control to get your car to you as quickly as possible (inspecting the vehicle, lodging paperwork, checking department progress and most importantly, updating you once your car gets its compliance plate).
Month 4-5
Compliance plate + finishing
While we're waiting for your compliance plate, we'll be converting the language on the car's system from Japanese to English (if necessary), replacing tyres (if required), replacing key batteries, checking 12V battery health etc etc - basically, everything that we possibly can to make sure that your car is ready for you.
Month 5
Trucked to local area
When we get your car's compliance plate, we will truck it to your local area. The process may differ a bit depending where you are, but generally this stage requires trucking to a mechanic near you.
Month 5 (b)
Mechanics and Roadworthy
The mechanic does the roadworthy inspection, which you'll require to get your car registered. Around their other work, we allow them up to 2 weeks for this stage, but we also get the car detailed during this time, so it is nice and shiny, ready for you to collect. The mechanic will ring you to let you know when your car is ready and will handover your keys.
Month 6
Registration
We will have emailed you with information about the registration process and will send you a video showing the basics of how to to drive your car. You drive off to your local registration centre and we will be on hand to assist if you need us.
You're safe to drive off and enjoy your EV! You're supported by our 7 day return policy (conditions apply) and both mechanical and battery warranty.