DHL Supply Chain and Cox Automotive have partnered to establish the United Kingdom’s largest EV battery service center. The collaboration will operate out of DHL’s 146,000-square-foot EV Centre of Excellence in Rugby, incorporating a dedicated 35,000-square-foot space for battery repair, remanufacturing logistics, and storage. This new facility is designed to meet the latest government regulations and battery safety standards, enabling it to process thousands of electric vehicle (EV) batteries annually.
DHL has committed over £800,000 to a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the site, which will discharge EV batteries and recycle energy back into the manufacturing process. This investment underscores the partnership’s goal to enhance battery circularity and support a scalable circular economy for batteries in the UK. The partnership aims to bolster confidence in EV technology and promote wider adoption of electric vehicles by providing extensive battery management and maintenance services.
Cox Automotive’s research indicates that 68% of UK drivers seek transparent information regarding battery health, lifespan, and recycling options. The new service center will address these concerns by offering reliable and comprehensive battery services, leveraging the combined expertise of DHL and Cox Automotive. This initiative follows Cox Automotive’s successful introduction of its EV Battery Solutions business in the United States and its expansion into the UK and Europe.
Paul Stone, Managing Director of Manufacturing Logistics at DHL Supply Chain, stated, “Handling, transporting and storing EV batteries is a complex process, presenting some unique challenges. We’ve been listening and working with the industry to create a more robust end-to-end solution for the EV batteries that effectively and reliably addresses challenges for manufacturers and fleets. Today, alongside Cox Automotive, we are setting the new standard for EV battery circularity and this cooperation represents a major step forward in creating a scalable circular economy for batteries in the UK.”
Martin Forbes, President, Cox Automotive International, added: “As the automotive industry attempts to balance government mandates, consumer concerns about the durability of EVs, and a lack of technical expertise, the market requires tangible solutions and infrastructure to address barriers to EV adoption. With 35,000 square feet of dedicated battery repair space, we can deliver vital battery services to customers under one roof. In addition, this new facility provides our customers with a unique EV handling service as it complements our existing vehicle services location just 13 miles away in Bruntingthorpe.”
The establishment of the EV Battery Services Centre follows Cox Automotive’s global acquisition of Spiers New Technologies (SNT) in 2021, which included operations in Ede, Netherlands. These facilities will continue to play a crucial role in Cox Automotive’s EV Battery Solutions, supporting the company’s efforts to meet the growing demand for reliable EV battery services.
Source: DHL
