A More Extreme Red-Badged Civic Is Coming

The Civic Type R isn’t going anywhere. Honda’s already confirmed a mid-cycle refresh for the current FL5, which would keep most Type R fans happy. But Honda’s been working on something much more serious behind the scenes.

Honda Racing Corporation’s Civic Type R HRC Concept broke cover at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, and it’s clear this isn’t just a show car. HRC bosses say they’re pushing ahead with production, so that means a true track-focused flagship that sits above the regular Type R is indeed coming. That’s the upside. The catch? This ultimate Civic won’t be cheap.

But That Pricing Is a Talking Point

According to Japan’s Best Car, the HRC-tuned Civic Type R will cost about 10 million yen – about $65,000 at current exchange rates. That’s roughly double the standard Type R’s price in Japan, which starts at 4.99 million yen, or around $32,000.

Japanese pricing rarely lines up with what buyers pay elsewhere. In the US, for example, the Civic Type R already starts at $46,895 – a big jump from its home-market sticker. Obviously, the HRC model is moving into territory usually reserved for serious performance cars, not just hot hatches.

So what do buyers get for the money? Outside, the camouflaged HRC Concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon wore a splitter-integrated front bumper, big canards, new fender outlets, and side steps that channel air toward the rear wheels.

At the back, there’s a larger diffuser and a more aggressive wing with longer end plates. HRC has upgraded the cooling, too. The wheels are still 19-inchers on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, at least for now.

Racing Hardware for the Road

Honda hasn’t shown the interior yet, but we’re not expecting anything luxurious. But perhaps the most important question is what’s under the hood. HRC hasn’t shared final specs, but the concept is tied to Honda’s Super Taikyu program, where a Civic Type R with the HRC-K20C racing engine set a class record in 2025. Development input came straight from active drivers and advisor Takuma Sato, so this car is being shaped by real racing experience.

No question, the price is steep. But if the HRC-tuned Civic Type R delivers real gains in aero, cooling, and chassis, it’ll fill a niche with almost no direct rivals. For buyers chasing the most hardcore factory Type R ever, demand won’t stop at Japan’s borders. Even in the US, where prices are already high, there will be enthusiasts who see the value in a no-compromise Civic with an HRC badge.

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Quick Facts About Car Shipping Costs

• Vehicle shipping price quotes cover a broad range, and many factors affect the cost, but a rule of thumb is $1 per mile for a typical car shipped to a destination 1,000 miles away.
• Driving is almost always cheaper than transporting an automobile after purchasing from far away or shipping your car as part of a long-distance move.
• Shop around, seek recommendations, and verify the credentials of potential shippers. The lowest quote might not be the best deal, and just because a shipping company has the highest prices doesn’t mean it provides the best service.

Several factors can influence the cost of shipping a car, but you can expect to pay an average of $1,020 or $1.02 per mile to transport a vehicle 1,000 miles.

Using car carriers to transport vehicles over long distances is an option for people buying cars from another state or relocating to a new region, as well as for snowbirds escaping cold winters to warmer climates. For many, the cost of shipping a car outweighs the burden of a multi-day drive and vehicle wear and tear.

Continue reading to learn what variables contribute to the overall expense of shipping a car. We’ll provide tips on saving money, offer advice on selecting a long-distance transport company, and outline what to expect during the shipping process.

Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs

The cost of shipping a car can vary based on several factors:

Distance. The most significant factor is the distance between the pickup and delivery locations. Greater distances generally cost more, but the cost per mile is less on long hauls than on shorter hauls.

Vehicle size and weight. Larger vehicles, such as full-size trucks, minivans, and SUVs, are more expensive to ship than smaller automobiles because the car carrier must use more fuel to haul the additional weight.

Shipping method:

• Open transport. Transporting cars on an open carrier is the most common and cost-effective vehicle shipping method. It’s suitable for most automobiles, including pickups, SUVs, and minivans.
• Enclosed transport. Owners of luxury, classic, or exotic cars often opt for an enclosed trailer for protection from weather and road debris. This pampered method is more expensive than open transport.

Season. Demand for car shipping services fluctuates throughout the year. Generally, brokers say the busier half of the year is April through September. Prices can be higher during peak periods in the summer when more people relocate.

Pickup and delivery locations. Shipping to or from rural areas not on interstates or major highways can increase costs. Pickups and drop-offs in urban areas often, but not always, have more competitive rates.

Vehicle condition. Undriveable vehicles require special equipment and handling, which increases the cost.

Speed of delivery. Expedited shipping services cost more than flexible delivery times.

Typical Costs

If you finally locate the car you’ve been searching for, but it’s listed with a private seller or dealership hundreds of miles away, be sure to include shipping costs when calculating its affordability.

Vehicle shipping prices vary. Every situation is unique. Still, this chart shows the average cost of shipping a car, based on the rates quoted from eight transport companies. We asked the shippers how much it costs to carry a 2025 Honda Accord from Orlando to Atlanta, New York City, and Los Angeles. Here is the range and average of price quotes we received for shipping the car to those destinations 500 miles, 1,200 miles, and 2,000 miles away.

Enclosed transport can add 50% or more to the cost of shipping a car.

Shipping a Car to Hawaii

My friend moved to Hawaii from Los Angeles last year and shipped two vehicles. The small coupe and midsize pickup cost about $5,000 to transport and took nearly three weeks to arrive. That transit time includes a week from the Long Beach port to Honolulu, several days to get the cars off the ship, a week of waiting for a scheduled sailing to a neighboring island, and a day to unload that ship.

MORE: How To Buy a Car From Out of State

Is Shipping a Car Worth the Price?

People choose to ship cars for various reasons, and the process has pros and cons. Sometimes, shipping is necessary, but it can also be a convenience with a substantial price tag. Some drivers jump at the chance to take a road trip, while others don’t want to spend more than an hour in a car.

One thing is certain. Driving is almost always less expensive. Still, you should evaluate those costs when deciding between shipping vs. driving. Consider the expenses of driving our Accord example on a 1,000-mile relocation trip.

Gasoline. At 32 mpg combined, the 2025 Accord would use about 31 gallons of gas to drive 1,000 miles. That much fuel costs about $87 at today’s nationwide average price of $2.82 per gallon.

Tolls. In some regions, you’ll need to pay to drive on turnpikes, utilize express lanes, cross bridges, or pass through tunnels. Set aside $25 for those expenses.

Lodging. Planning for one night at a budget motel at a highway or interstate exit can easily add $100 to the trip cost.

Food and drink. You’ll be away from your kitchen, so budget for meals, snacks, and beverages.

Wear and tear. It’s impossible to put a dollar amount on the wear caused by driving 1,000 miles. But it gets you 1,000 miles closer to an oil change and takes that many miles of tread off your tires.

Mileage. Another potential expense adds to the bottom line if leasing the car: Excess mileage. Suppose the lease allows 10,000 annual miles. This two-day drive will account for 10% of the annual mileage allowance. Assuming there’s a 20-cent per mile penalty at the end of the lease, excess lease miles for this trip would cost $200. If buying, the additional miles from a lengthy trip may impact the car’s Kelley Blue Book value a tiny bit.

Time. How much is your time worth? Will you need to use vacation time or unpaid time away from work to drive your car instead of shipping it?

Travel. If you buy a car from a distant seller, how will you get to the car to then drive it home?

The tally of these expenses is roughly $500, about half the average cost of shipping a car 1,000 miles, but the costs can vary based on these factors.

MORE: Car Maintenance Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Tips to Save Money on Car Shipping

Compare quotes. Remember that the least expensive quote doesn’t mean it’s the best. Get quotes from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Book in advance. Planning and booking your car shipment ahead of time will help with scheduling and might help you secure better rates.

Be flexible with dates. Flexibility with your pickup and delivery dates can allow you to take advantage of lower rates if the carrier needs to fill space on a truck.

Choose open transport. If your car doesn’t require special protection, selecting an open carrier will save a significant amount of money.

Avoid peak periods. If possible, avoid shipping during high-demand times such as the summer months when more people relocate.

Terminal-to-terminal shipping: If you’re willing to drop off and pick up your car at the shipping terminals, you can save money compared to door-to-door service.

Rail Transport

A lower-cost alternative for people transporting cars from near Washington, D.C., to the Orlando area is Amtrak’s Auto Train. Amtrak will load your car onto the Auto Train at the Lorton, Virginia, station for $285 (vehicles longer than 216 inches cost $295) plus the cost of your train ticket. After 800 miles and about 17 hours of cozy rail travel, the train arrives at the Sanford station in Florida.

How to Select a Long-Distance Transport Company

Choosing the right company to ship your car is necessary for a stress-free shipping experience. Here’s how to select a reputable long-distance transport company:

Research companies. Look for companies with high Better Business Bureau ratings and positive online reviews.

Ask for recommendations. Local car dealerships and people who recently moved to your neighborhood might have experience with shipping cars across state lines.

Verify credentials. Ensure the carrier is registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and has a valid Motor Carrier (MC) number.

Check insurance coverage. Ask for and verify the company’s insurance coverage for your vehicle during transport.

Request quotes. Get detailed quotes from multiple companies. Pay attention to what is included in the price and ask about any potential additional fees.

Read the contract. Carefully review the contract before signing. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy and delivery window.

Customer service. Choose a company that offers responsive and helpful customer service. Good communication is essential throughout the shipping process.

Don’t pay upfront. Reputable automobile transport companies will not ask you for payment, a deposit, or your credit card number when making a reservation to ship your car. In some instances, customers pay a portion when the car gets onto the truck. Other companies collect the entire payment at the final destination.

MORE: VIN Decoder: The Essentials Explained

What to Expect When Shipping Your Car

Understanding the car shipping process can help you prepare and ensure a smooth experience. Here’s what to expect:

Getting quotes. To receive a quote, provide details about your car, the pickup and delivery locations, and your preferred shipping dates.

Booking the shipment. After reviewing quotes and selecting a company, you’ll book the shipment and schedule the pickup date and delivery window.

Preparing your car. Your carrier will give you specific instructions. In general, you will leave the vehicle with a quarter tank of fuel, secure loose parts, deactivate the security alarm, and ensure the car is in good working condition. Take a photograph of the vehicle to document its current condition.

Bring two car keys. Give the spare to the transport company to load and unload your vehicle. Keep the original key with you just in case.

Pickup. The carrier will inspect your car, document its condition, and load it onto the truck. You’ll receive a bill of lading, which protects you and the shipping company from damage and fraudulent insurance claims.

Transport. The carrier will transport the vehicle to the destination, and they might provide updates along the way.

Delivery. Upon arrival, the carrier will inspect the car again and document its condition. You’ll sign the bill of lading and pay any remaining balance. Shippers we spoke to said tipping the driver is optional.

Final Inspection. Thoroughly inspect your car to ensure it has arrived in the same condition as when the shipping company picked it up. Report any damage immediately.

Shipping a car for the first time can be stressful because of the unknown, but it can be a hassle-free experience if you’re well-informed and prepared. By understanding the costs involved, taking steps to save money, carefully selecting a transport company, and knowing what to expect, you can ensure your vehicle arrives at its long-distance destination with no additional miles on the odometer.

Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication. Tawana Campbell contributed to the report.

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• Charging an electric vehicle (EV) battery overnight at home is usually the least expensive option.
• Gas prices fluctuate, and electricity rates vary regionally, but in most cases, it costs less per month to charge an EV than to buy gas for a traditional vehicle.
• While free options are available, public charging stations typically charge fees that are more expensive than home charging. 

Many people ask the single biggest question about electric cars: What will I spend to charge the EV?

If you’re looking at an electric car versus a gas car, doing some upfront research on charging compared with gas costs will help you make an informed decision. Remember that some new EVs come with a limited amount of free charging at public stations, and charging networks typically offer subscription plans that help reduce charging fees for EV drivers who frequently use them.

To answer the question of cost, we enlisted the help of John Voelcker, a longtime automotive journalist and industry analyst specializing in electric vehicles. He’s heard every argument made for (and against) electric vehicle ownership, including recharging costs compared to traditional refueling.

You Need to Do Some Math

Don’t sweat it. The math involved is pretty simple. It helps to have a recent electric bill for the most accurate estimate. You’ll want to calculate the amount you pay for electricity in a given month. Then, we’ll provide examples so you can determine how much you spend on each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity used.

“For home charging, find your electric bill, then divide the [number] of kilowatt-hours you used into the bottom-line dollar total. That’ll give you the price you paid per kWh,” Voelcker explains.

According to the United States Energy Information Administration, U.S. households paid an average of 17.98 cents per kWh in September 2025, the most recent figures available at the time of this writing.

Let’s apply this rate to a typical electric car. This example does not take into consideration any discounts provided by your utility.

RELATED: Electric Cars 101: What You Need to Know About EVs

What Is the Cost to Charge an EV in kWh?

“A conservative rule of thumb is that an electric car gets three to four miles per kWh,” Voelcker says. “So divide the total miles you drive each month by three to get the kWh you would use monthly. Multiply that number by your cost per kWh. The dollar amount you get will most likely be lower than what you pay each month to buy gasoline.”

To put this into perspective, let’s give an example. Suppose you drive about 1,015 miles per month (Americans go an average of about 12,200 miles annually). For an EV, you will use about 338 kWh in that time frame. Using the most recent U.S. household average estimate of 17.98 cents per kWh, charging an electric car at home would cost about $60.77 per month. Using a DC fast charger at a public charging station when away from home, an EV driver might pay 50 cents per kWh, or $169 for that much energy.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take To Charge an Electric Car?

Is EV Charging Cheaper Than Gas?

According to AAA, the average price of gas currently hovers around $2.86 per gallon. So, filling a 12-gallon gas tank currently costs about $34.32. Things get a little tricky because, as we all know, cars and trucks use vastly different amounts of fuel.

Let’s say you’re driving a car that brings a combined average of 30 mpg during a mix of city and highway driving. Using that same 12-gallon tank as a reference point, you’ll have 360 miles of driving range for each fill-up. If you’re driving the national average of 1,015 miles per month, you’ll need to refuel about three times each month and spend about $102.96 ($34.32 x 3) for gas, compared to $60.77 for charging an EV at home in the example above.

Again, this is only an estimate since gas prices and fuel efficiency vary. Few cars and SUVs come close to delivering a 30 mpg combined average, so our fairly conservative number-crunching in this scenario makes it clear that recharging will cost less than refueling a car. The financial gap narrows with a more fuel-efficient vehicle, but it remains.

[Editor’s Note: I drive a lot of EVs and often need to charge when I’m away from home. Since charging at home is so much more affordable, I limit my charging at pay stations to the bare minimum. I calculate how far I’ll need to drive before I can park at home again and charge to just that level, plus 10% for safety, rather than charging to 80% or higher. Every little bit of savings helps. — Jason Fogelson, managing editor]

Costs of Charging an EV at Home

Electricity rates are subject to many factors, including the region where you live, the time of year, and even the time of day when peak charges apply. For the most part, electricity usage and costs are at their lowest late at night. That’s good news for anyone considering an EV, according to Voelcker.

“While shoppers worry about access to public charging stations, they need to know that as much as 90% of electric car charging is done overnight at home,” Voelcker said. “The cheapest way to charge your electric car is almost always at home, overnight. Some utilities have special low rates for the overnight period when their demand is lightest.”

Where you live directly impacts your electric bill. People in Vermont pay an average of almost 25 cents per kWh of energy use, twice the cost in Idaho (an average of 12.46 cents per kWh in October).