CEVA Logistics: Battery Circularity & Electrification
Growing electrification is placing considerable pressure on the lithium supply chain, with an estimated eight million lithium-ion batteries projected to reach their end-of-life in Europe within the next five years.
To address this, companies are exploring solutions that move beyond traditional mining and production.
Under current EU rules, there is a mandate that by the end of 2025, 65% of a battery’s weight must be recycled or reused.
While recycling is common, the practice of second-life reuse is less widespread.
This process involves repurposing batteries that are no longer optimal for vehicles for less demanding applications.
An EV battery typically has a lifespan of about 10 years in a vehicle, but it can then serve for up to another decade in roles such as renewable energy storage or as backup power, extending its utility and reducing waste.
Investing in a circular EV battery supply chain
To help manage the end-of-life phase for these components, CEVA Logistics is introducing a reverse logistics service specifically for EV batteries, backed by a multi-million-euro investment.
The initiative will establish dedicated Battery Logistics Centres across 10 European countries by 2027.
This service aims to create a crucial link between the point where batteries are removed from vehicles and their subsequent reuse or recycling, tackling a key logistical challenge in the EV supply chain.
Mathieu Friedberg, Chief Executive Officer of CEVA Logistics, says: “The automotive industry is undergoing major changes with the rise of electric vehicles.
“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.”
Battery logistics centres and second-life strategies
The first of these Battery Logistics Centres will be operational in France, the United Kingdom and Spain by the end of 2025, with further expansion planned.
CEVA Logistics will manage the collection of used batteries from various points including car dealerships and end-of-life vehicle centres.
At these facilities, each battery will be assessed to determine its status.
Based on this analysis, a decision is made whether to recondition the battery for a second life or dismantle it for recycling.
The batteries are then transported to the appropriate facilities.
This process introduces a more circular approach by keeping the raw materials within the supply chain active for a longer period.
Extending the life of batteries through these second-life strategies could substantially lower the environmental footprint of the automotive industry.
By prioritising reuse, the model minimises waste and emissions when compared to a traditional linear supply chain that relies solely on new production and disposal.
Regulatory compliance and a sustainable future
The reverse logistics solution is built around priorities that ensure full compliance with the strict EU regulations governing battery collection and recycling.
- Battery collection and transport across Europe
- A wide range of services, including battery diagnosis, dismantling, regeneration or reconditioning
- Traceability and data management, with each battery being tracked throughout its journey
The service provides a structured pathway for handling end-of-life batteries that aligns with these legal requirements, which are designed to promote sustainability.
The changes introduced by CEVA Logistics could help transform Europe’s EV battery supply chain into a more circular and sustainable system.
This change not only addresses environmental concerns but also aligns with the automotive industry’s broader movement towards meeting climate goals and adapting to a changing regulatory landscape.
