CEVA Logistics: Electric vehicles (EVs are here to stay and with them comes a mountain of used batteries. Handling those batteries safely, efficiently, and in a way that recovers valuable materials is one of the clearest challenges (and opportunities) of the energy transition. CEVA Logistics, a global freight and contract logistics provider, has been quietly building a playbook for EV battery reverse logistics and recycling. Below I unpack what CEVA is doing, why it matters, and how it works in practice, with examples, stats and an easy-to-scan table so you can see the end-to-end picture at a glance.
Table of Contents
CEVA Logistics: Why this matters
Think of an EV battery as a big, heavy, value-laden container: inside are cobalt, nickel, lithium and other materials worth recycling — but batteries are also hazardous if damaged, and they must be handled to strict safety and transport rules. Good recycling depends on two linked things:
- Logistics & handling — safe collection, secure storage, triage (deciding second-life vs. recycle), and compliant transport to recyclers or repurposers.
- Processing capacity — facilities that can actually recover valuable metals efficiently.
CEVA is positioning itself on the logistics side of that chain — building the bridges (centres, processes and partnerships) between vehicles at end-of-life and the processors who extract the metals or repurpose the modules.
CEVA Logistics – step by step
1. Collection & secure pickup
CEVA uses its global transport footprint to collect end-of-life batteries from automakers, repair shops, fleet operators or dismantlers. Because lithium-ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods in many states, CEVA’s battery teams apply special packaging, labelling and handling procedures to make initial collection safe.
2. Battery Logistics Centres — the triage hubs
Rather than shipping every battery straight to a recycler, CEVA is building Battery Logistics Centres across Europe. These centres are designed to:
- receive and inspect batteries and modules,
- perform condition assessments (is the pack safe? repairable? good for a second life? must be dismantled?),
- provide controlled temporary storage with fire mitigation and segregation, and
- create shipment lots for either second-life customers or recycling plants.
A pilot centre in Ghislenghien, Belgium, has already been trialled; CEVA announced plans for a network of around 15 centres across Europe.
3. Sorting: second-life vs. recycling
Not all end-of-life batteries are immediately scrapped. CEVA’s process emphasises triage — testing and diagnostics to decide whether a battery can be:
- Repurposed (second life) for lower-stress uses (grid storage, backup power), or
- Recycled to recover metals and materials.
This decision is important because repurposing extends value and reduces demand for raw materials, while recycling recovers critical metals for new cells. CEVA’s centres do the condition analysis and route the packs accordingly.
4. Safe storage and transit
Batteries that fail tests or are scheduled for recycling need secure, compliant storage and specialised transport. CEVA emphasises:
- fire-mitigating storage (segregated bays, suppressed systems),
- transport packaging that meets ADR/IMDG/IATA rules, where applicable, and
- secure chain of custody so that regulators, OEMs and recyclers can trace provenance. CEVA’s “Battery Solutions” pages list secured and compliant battery logistics services across sectors.
5. Deliver to recycling or second-life partners
Once packed and documented, CEVA ships modules to battery recyclers or second-life integrators. While CEVA is building logistics and triage capacity, the metallurgical recycling (smelting, hydrometallurgy etc.) is typically carried out by specialist recyclers. CEVA’s role is to ensure the right material gets to the right processor safely and cost-efficiently. Recent announcements show CEVA investing in this multi-country network to link supply and processing.
Why the CEVA Logistics role is important to the bigger picture
The recycling value chain requires both collection and triage, as well as processing. Many recyclers say their feedstock quality improves when batteries arrive pre-sorted and safe. By creating logistics hubs that inspect and route packs correctly, CEVA helps recyclers get better raw material and helps OEMs and fleets maximise value (second life where possible, materials recovery where needed). In short, CEVA is building the connective tissue the circular battery economy needs.
Conclusion
CEVA Logistics is not a metallurgical recycler; it’s building the logistics network and operational playbook that makes high-quality battery recycling and second-life reuse possible at scale. Through pilot centres (Ghislenghien), EU project participation (RESPECT), and an announced multi-centre European rollout aimed at handling major volumes (target: ~80% of EU volumes by 2030), CEVA is stepping into a pivotal role: trusted mover, assessor and triage operator for EV batteries, enabling safer flows and better feedstock for processors. If they pull off the network and partnerships, it’s a big win for circularity.
Bhakti Rawat is a Founder & Writer of InsureMyCar360.com. This site Provides You with Information Related To the Best Auto Insurance Updates & comparisons. 🔗