Ceva invests millions into battery logistics centres in Europe

The logistics provider said the service is designed to provide automotive manufacturers with a reliable, scalable solution that complies with strict regulatory requirements for battery processing.

The service will be built on three pillars, according to Ceva. The company will collect end-of-life batteries from across Europe and transport them to recycling companies after processing. It will also provide battery diagnosis, dismantling, regeneration or reconditioning services at its network of battery logistics centres as part of the processing. Ceva will also track each battery in real time through the reverse logistics and recycling process. 

European network

Battery recycling centres will be set up in France, Spain and the UK by the end of this year. Ceva is planning additional centres in Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic in 2026 and 2027. A trial battery logistics centre was established at Ceva’s finished vehicle logistics hub in Ghislenghien, Belgium in 2022, which remains in operation. 

Ceva organises the collection of batteries from car dealerships, vehicle resellers and end-of-life vehicle centres. It then analyses the status of the batteries to determine whether they should be dismantled or reconditioned. After temporary controlled storage, Ceva delivers the modules and waste to recycling centres or second-life facilities. 

Ceva said that each of the battery centres will be designated specific areas at its finished vehicle logistics platforms in Europe. The centres will include specialised storage zones and secure containment units installed in temperature-controlled containers equipped with racks, temperature and humidity monitoring equipment. Sd safety will be ensured by 24/7 alarm systems. Dedicated workshops will carry out battery diagnostics, deep discharge, dismantling and reconditioning operations. 

“The automotive industry is undergoing major changes with the rise of electric vehicles,” Mathieu Friedberg, CEO of Ceva Logistics. “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.” 

Ceva Logistics became a member of the EU Respect consortium in 2022. The collaboration of 18 companies aims to foster a green recycling process of lithium-ion batteries. Ceva’s contribution is to develop the processes round handling, storing and transporting the batteries. It has identified the different module statuses to complete transport and storage classification, selecting specific transporters for compliant and reliable logistics. Ceva has used its own international network to provide a service for the Respect project, including tracking of the batteries.