Ceva Logistics presents solution for battery transport
The French company has already tested its first battery logistics centre at a site in Ghislenghien, Belgium, according to a statement from Ceva’s headquarters in Marseille. “Thanks to a multi-million-euro investment, CEVA is targeting the gradual expansion of Battery Logistics Centers dedicated to EV batteries across 10 European countries by 2027,” the company said.
Up to 15 such logistics centres are planned. Locations in France, the United Kingdom and Spain are to be implemented by the end of the year. According to its own statements, Ceva is planning further centres in Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic for 2026 and 2027.
The freight forwarder considers itself well-positioned to become a ‘pioneer’ in the return logistics of used electric car batteries, as it has “deep expertise in automotive logistics and an established infrastructure network across Europe.” “CEVA has the transport capabilities to collect batteries throughout Europe and ship them to recyclers after processing,” the company said. With its ADR transport capacities, the freight forwarder organises the collection of batteries from car dealerships, vehicle dealers and end-of-life vehicle centres.
At its own battery logistics centres, Ceva analyses the condition of the batteries to decide whether they should be dismantled or reprocessed. After controlled temporary storage, Ceva delivers the modules and waste to recycling centres or second-life facilities. To this end, the centres are equipped with “specialized storage zones and secure containment units installed in temperature-controlled containers equipped with racks, temperature and humidity monitoring equipment and 24/7 alarm systems.” Battery diagnosis, deep discharge, dismantling and repair are carried out in special workshops.
“ The automotive industry is undergoing major changes with the rise of electric vehicles,” says Ceva CEO Mathieu Friedberg. “Given the challenges of recycling and reusing batteries, it seemed essential to us, drawing on our logistics expertise, to propose robust and virtuous solutions to support the automotive sector in strengthening the circular economy.”
Other freight forwarders are also preparing for the increased transport volume of end-of-life electric car batteries. DHL, for example, opened the first Centre of Excellence for Electric Mobility on the European mainland in Pozzuolo Martesana, Italy (near Milan) in 2024. There is another location in the United Kingdom, but DHL is already focusing on Asia.
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