DHL is expanding its global battery logistics network as demand accelerates across the electrified economy, with the group bringing together specialised capabilities to support electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, industrial equipment and energy storage systems.
The initiative combines the expertise of DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express through an integrated network of EV and Battery Centers of Excellence. Together, these facilities cover multiple stages of the battery and electric vehicle value chain, from manufacturing and transportation to warehousing, aftermarket services and battery lifecycle management.
The network currently links more than 20 sites worldwide, with DHL planning further expansion in key markets as the battery, energy storage and electrified mobility sectors continue to grow.
Rising demand for specialised battery logistics
The rapid expansion of electric vehicles, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and renewable energy is creating increasingly specialised supply chains requiring dedicated handling capabilities, regulatory expertise and international coordination.
Electrification is also moving well beyond passenger cars into industrial equipment, mining and energy infrastructure. As a result, logistics operations are becoming more complex, with some battery systems weighing more than 50 tonnes.
The demand for advanced battery logistics capabilities is increasing across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa.
Francisco Milián, Head of Inbound to Manufacturing, DHL Supply Chain EMEA and member of the DHL New Energy Board, said, “Customers need specialized capabilities throughout the entire battery lifecycle, from inbound logistics and manufacturing support to storage, distribution, refurbishment, returns and recycling. By building a connected global network that combines supply chain and transport expertise, we can bring these capabilities closer to production sites, energy projects and end markets while ensuring the safety, compliance and responsiveness that battery supply chains require.”
Christopher Ong, Managing Director Singapore and New Energy Board Member for Express, said, “Through our Heavy Weight Express service and dangerous goods expertise across our global air and intra-European road networks, DHL Express is helping high-energy battery shippers move time-critical shipments reliably between production sites, customers, and end markets. We continue to invest in the network capacity, compliance expertise, and specialized equipment that this fast-growing segment demands across Europe and around the world.”
New trade corridors take shape as electrification accelerates
DHL’s expansion comes as global trade patterns undergo significant changes. While a large share of battery manufacturing capacity and new-energy production remains concentrated in Asia, demand is expanding rapidly in Europe and other regions.
The growing number of gigafactories worldwide is also generating new logistics requirements for capital equipment, raw materials, battery chemicals and finished products.
At the same time, geopolitical uncertainty, energy security concerns and decarbonisation efforts are encouraging additional investment in electrification and renewable energy infrastructure.
DHL is responding by developing resilient battery trade corridors that connect established manufacturing hubs with emerging gigafactory clusters and energy infrastructure projects around the world.
Hendrik Venter, Global CEO, DHL Supply Chain, said, “Customers are redesigning global supply chains to support electric mobility, energy storage and renewable energy deployment at scale. As manufacturing, consumption and infrastructure investments evolve across regions, companies need logistics partners capable of connecting markets seamlessly. DHL’s global network and cross-divisional expertise enable us to support customers from component manufacturing, transportation, warehousing all the way to aftermarket and circularity solutions.”
DHL’s dedicated battery logistics facilities combine specialised warehousing with a range of technical services, including battery diagnostics, testing, charging, conditioning, repairs, reverse logistics and recycling preparation.
In Halle, Germany, DHL has recently made 13,000 square metres of battery-ready warehouse capacity available to meet rising customer demand. In Hungary, the company is preparing another specialised battery logistics facility, which is expected to become operational in 2027.
Several locations also combine transportation, customs and cross-border logistics services to provide end-to-end support for battery manufacturers, automotive companies and energy providers.
Battery logistics is becoming increasingly important in mining electrification and critical mineral supply chains as well, supporting both resource extraction and wider decarbonisation efforts.
Compliance becomes a key supply-chain requirement
As battery and energy storage supply chains become more complex, customers are increasingly seeking logistics partners capable of managing several stages of the value chain rather than individual transport or warehousing activities.
Regulatory requirements are also becoming more detailed at both national and local levels. Accurate documentation, dangerous goods handling, customs compliance and correct classification are therefore becoming increasingly important factors in supply-chain competitiveness.
Expanding support for large-scale energy projects
DHL is also extending its logistics capabilities beyond battery manufacturing and automotive applications to support utility-scale BESS, grid infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
These projects increasingly require specialised project logistics and heavy-lift capabilities, particularly when large energy storage systems have to be transported to remote sites.
During the first half of 2026, DHL delivered more than 1,100 BESS units worldwide, underlining the growing demand for specialised logistics services as energy storage and renewable energy infrastructure expand.
Martyn Lawns, CEO of DHL Industrial Projects and Senior Vice President of Growth for New Energy at DHL Group, said electrification is creating logistics requirements that range from global battery supply chains to the deployment of grid-scale energy infrastructure.
He said DHL Global Forwarding and its DHL Industrial Projects unit combine international freight expertise, dangerous goods compliance, project logistics and heavy-lift capabilities to deliver integrated solutions.
These services cover everything from transporting battery materials across continents to delivering energy storage systems to remote project locations, helping customers scale electrification and energy transition projects.
New Energy identified as a strategic growth sector
New Energy is one of DHL Group’s designated growth sectors under its Strategy 2030. The company is developing end-to-end logistics solutions through its DHL New Energy Logistics sector brand.
The business currently covers eight segments: wind, solar, electric vehicles and batteries, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), EV charging, grid infrastructure, hydrogen and alternative fuels.
DHL is continuing to invest globally in logistics capabilities across these segments as energy supply chains evolve.
The Group is targeting EUR 3 billion in revenue for its New Energy business by 2030, supported by rising investment in electrification, renewable energy, energy storage and more resilient energy infrastructure.
