A New Era for EV Batteries: CEVA Logistics Unveils a European Reverse-Logistics Solution

CEVA: CEVA Logistics has launched a pan-European reverse-logistics programme for end-of-life electric-vehicle (EV) batteries, rolling out dedicated Battery Logistics Centres across roughly 10 countries by 2027, aiming to handle as much as 80% of Europe’s end-of-life battery volumes by 2030. The service combines secure transport, specialised storage, diagnostics/dismantling and digital traceability to enable reuse, second-life applications and compliant recycling.

CEVA

What exactly did CEVA announce?

In September 2025, it published a multi-pronged plan that includes:

  • A network of Battery Logistics Centres across about 10 European countries by 2027 (initial roll-out in France, UK, Spain; later Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Czechia).
  • An ambition to handle ~80% of Europe’s end-of-life EV battery volumes by 2030 (the target is described in CEVA’s press material).
  • Services spanning ADR-compliant collection/transport, secure climate-controlled storage, diagnostics, controlled deep discharge, dismantling and conditioning, plus digital tracking for traceability.
  • A multi-million-euro investment and leveraging of existing finished-vehicle logistics hubs (pilot concept tested in Ghislenghien, Belgium, since 2022).

Table: CEVA Logistics Unveils

CEVA
TopicKey detailWhy it matters
Announcement date & sourceRapid scale to match the inflow of retired batteries.Official start point for the programme.
Scope & targetNetwork across ~10 countries by 2027; aims to handle 80% of EU end-of-life volumes by 2030.Collaboration is required across the value chain.
Pilot proofADR transport, secure storage, diagnostics, deep discharge, dismantling, and real-time tracking.Demonstrates feasible operations & reuse of existing assets.
Core servicesGhislenghien, Belgium, pilot since 2022, validated concept.Addresses safety, regulatory and value recovery needs.
InvestmentMulti-million euro rollout (CEVA stated).Shows seriousness and ability to scale.
StakeholdersOEMs, recyclers, second-life integrators, insurers, regulators.The market will consolidate around trusted, compliant networks.
Major riskOther TPLs and recyclers are piloting similar solutions (DHL, DB Schenker, Rhenus, plus specialist recyclers).Could slow adoption or raise costs.
Competitive landscapeSafety incidents, uneven national regulations, and uncertain economics for second life.Safety incidents, uneven national regulations, and uncertain economics for the second life.

Conclusion

CEVA’s European reverse-logistics solution marks an important shift: logistics firms are moving from pure transport providers to circular-supply-chain enablers. By combining secure handling, diagnostics and traceability at scale, CEVA aims to transform retired EV batteries from a hazardous headache into recoverable value. The programme is ambitious and backed by pilots and investment, but success will depend on safe execution, regulatory alignment and whether second-life markets mature. If those pieces fall into place, this model could become the backbone of Europe’s battery circular economy.

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