DHL & Cox Automotive: Battery Solutions for European Market

DHL Supply Chain, the world’s leading logistics provider, has partnered with Cox Automotive, a global leader in connected automotive services, to establish the UK’s largest-scale EV battery services centre. The collaboration aims to set a new benchmark for EV battery circularity while addressing industry challenges in battery management and maintenance.

Operating within DHL’s 146,000-square-foot EV Centre of Excellence in Rugby, UK, the new facility features a dedicated 35,000-square-foot space for battery repair, remanufacturing, logistics and storage.

Designed to comply with the latest government regulations and safety standards, the centre can handle thousands of EV batteries annually, ensuring a sustainable and efficient lifecycle for EV power sources.

Investment in battery circularity and energy efficiency

DHL has invested more than US$1m in a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that allows EV batteries to be discharged and their energy recirculated back into the site and remanufacturing process.

The initiative supports sustainable energy usage but helps optimise battery performance, contributing to the broader adoption of EV technology.

The partnership between DHL and Cox Automotive is expected to strengthen confidence in EV battery technology by providing reliable, large-scale services for manufacturers and fleet operators.

Battery performance is a key consideration for EV adoption and recent research by Cox Automotive found that more than two-thirds (68%) of UK drivers seek greater transparency regarding battery health, lifespan and recycling options.

Scaling EV battery services to support industry growth

The launch of the UK facility follows Cox Automotive’s introduction of its EV Battery Solutions business in Europe, building on its successful expansion in the US.

It has been actively developing infrastructure and solutions to address key concerns around EV durability, government mandates and technical expertise within the automotive sector.

Paul Stone, Managing Director of Manufacturing Logistics at DHL Supply Chain, highlights the importance of a comprehensive solution for EV battery handling.

“Handling, transporting and storing EV batteries is a complex process, presenting some unique challenges," he says. "We’ve been listening and working with the industry to create a more robust end-to-end solution for the EV batteries that effectively and reliably addresses challenges for manufacturers and fleets.

"Today, alongside Cox Automotive, we are setting the new standard for EV battery circularity. The cooperation represents a major step forward in creating a scalable circular economy for batteries in the UK.”

A unique EV handling solution under one roof

Martin Forbes, President of Cox Automotive International, points to the role of the new centre in delivering essential services to the market.

“As the automotive industry attempts to balance government mandates, consumer concerns about the durability of EVs and a lack of technical expertise, the market requires tangible solutions and infrastructure to address barriers to EV adoption," adds Martin.

"With 35,000 square feet of dedicated battery repair space, we can deliver vital battery services to customers under one roof. In addition, this new facility provides our customers with a unique EV handling service as it complements our existing vehicle services location just 13 miles away in Bruntingthorpe.”

Building on a global EV battery solutions network

The expansion of EV Battery Solutions into the UK and Europe follows Cox Automotive’s global acquisition of Spiers New Technologies (SNT) in 2021. It included SNT’s operations in Ede, Netherlands, which continue to play a vital role in supporting EV battery services across Europe.

With the increasing shift towards EVs, the partnership between DHL and Cox Automotive marks a crucial advancement in EV battery lifecycle management.

By combining their expertise, the companies are addressing immediate industry needs and laying the groundwork for a scalable, circular economy for EV batteries.

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