Ceva Logistics intends to offer in the future a reverse logistics solution for the transport, storage and processing of electric vehicle batteries at the end of their life cycle. This will help keep valuable and rare core materials for EV battery production in circulation.
The company headquartered in Marseille, France, operates in contract logistics, air, sea and land transport, and is among other things specialized in the transport of finished vehicles.
Step-by-step network development
According to the company, several million euros are to be invested to gradually establish a European network of battery logistics centers, so-called "Battery Logistics Center", for electric vehicle batteries in about ten European countries.
By the end of 2025, centers in France, the United Kingdom and Spain are to be established. It is planned to open further sites from 2026 to the end of 2027 in Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
A comprehensive logistical and industrial structure for the take-back, collection, assessment and recycling of
batteries is thus to grow. In 2022, Ceva started a first attempt to validate the concept of battery logistics centers. This is currently being carried out at Ceva's FVL hub in Ghislenghien, Belgium.
What happens to decommissioned EV batteries?
The planned logistics centers are intended to underline the commitment to a circular value chain and accompany the automotive sector in its technological transformation. This is necessary because the market for electric and hybrid vehicles has grown steadily worldwide in recent years, and at the same time the batteries of the first generation of electric vehicles are approaching the end of their life.
Ceva says that in the next five years in Europe roughly eight million lithium-ion batteries will be affected. In connection with evolving environmental regulations, the recycling of end-of-life vehicle batteries will become a key economic and environmental task to increase the availability of rare metals and conserve natural resources.
According to its own statements, Ceva pursues this through its expertise in automotive logistics
and an established infrastructure network across Europe. This would enable it to take a leading role in reverse logistics for used electric vehicle batteries and to meet growing market demands with the offering.
Automotive manufacturers should be offered a reliable and scalable solution that complies with regulatory requirements for battery processing. The solution is based on three strategic pillars:
- Europe-wide collection and transport: Adequate transport capacity will be available to collect batteries across Europe and, after processing, to send them to recycling companies.
- A broad range of services: In every center of the network, value-added services should be implemented, such as battery diagnostics, dismantling, regeneration or reconditioning. The aim is to maximize value recovery through reuse or recycling.
- Traceability and data management: Each battery should be tracked in real time throughout its transport and monitored with improved traceability – for full transparency of its delivery status.
Logistics cycle
Ceva will — supported by its ADR transport capacities — take over the pickup of batteries from
car dealers, vehicle retailers and end-of-life vehicle centers, according to the information. After a condition assessment of the battery, a decision will then be made about its dismantling or reconditioning.
And following controlled interim storage, the modules and waste would then be delivered to recycling centers or second-life centers.
Battery logistics centers
Each Battery Logistics Center is located within delineated areas of Ceva's existing vehicle logistics platforms. The centers include specialized storage areas and secure storage units in temperature-controlled containers with shelving systems, temperature and humidity monitoring, and 24/7 alarm systems.
In addition, workshops specifically designed for battery diagnostics, deep discharge, dismantling and reconditioning should be available.
“The automotive industry is undergoing a deep transformation with the emergence of electromobility. Given the challenges of recycling and reuse of batteries, it was essential for us to offer robust and exemplary solutions based on our logistics expertise. With that, we are deliberately supporting the automotive sector in strengthening a functioning circular economy,” explains Mathieu Friedberg, CEO of
