DHL launches its first Electric Vehicle Center of Excellence network in the US

DHL, the leading global brand in the logistics sector, has launched its latest addition to the global Electric Vehicle (EV) Center of Excellence (CoE) network to support companies from the auto-mobility industry in their electrification journey, as well as other related sectors. This U.S. network is the latest addition to the existing global network of EV Centers of Excellence in key regions, including Mexico, Indonesia, China, the United Arab Emirates, Italy and the United Kingdom. “DHL has proven expertise in handling EV logistics to the highest standards and we are dedicated to advancing the electrification of auto-mobility. Through our global team of experts, we collaborate with our customers to design compliant, cost-efficient supply chains tailored to their needs, further promoting the growth of this important sector for our environment,” said Fathi Tlatli, Global Auto-Mobility Sector President at DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation (CSI).

Managed by DHL Global Forwarding, the freight specialist of DHL Group, and developed in close cooperation with the electric vehicles team of DHL CSI, the EV CoE network specializes in seamless, flexible, and integrated end-to-end logistics for EV products, including batteries, electric motors, and automotive parts.

“It takes experience, great teams and an entire ecosystem to support the growth of EV makers as they expand globally,” said Tim Robertson, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Americas. “DHL is well-equipped to support the players in this fast-growing sector. We have the know-how, especially in dealing with complex trade and customs regulations, and we offer flexible and adaptable services that enable our customers to seamlessly integrate our solutions into their current supply chain processes.”

In the U.S., EV registrations accounted for 7.7% of the car market in 2023 and could reach up to 40% of new passenger car sales by 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Companies are near- and re-shoring production to the US leading to an extensive increase in local gigafactories and EV production sites either already operating or under construction. This transition means that manufacturers need to revise their supply chains to reflect the new geographic footprint, adapt supply chain flows and incorporate the new EV parts for manufacturing, aftermarket, and reverse logistics. The EV batteries especially stand out, as dangerous goods regulations apply, and with specific handling requirements, increase the need for strategic and compliant storage and transport solutions at both the origin and destination. The network leverages DHL’s expertise in EV and dangerous goods.

“We are in a position to support the growth of vehicle electrification in the U.S., and we are proud to be able to provide our customers with tailored services to meet their needs today as they grow,” added Robertson.

One of the main features of the U.S. EV CoE network is the flexibility and modularity it offers to integrate the logistics solutions where needed in the end-to-end supply chain for EVs and EV batteries. This comprehensive service suite includes:

• Fully flexible and EV-compliant warehousing for aftermarket and Inbound-to Manufacturing (I2M), from temporary storage solutions to longer term, and from variable to dedicated storage, enabling turnkey solutions based on customers’ needs.
• Warehouse Management System with fully capable EDI integration and an option for a cloud-based visibility portal for real-time updates and inventory control.
• Value added services and sorting solutions such as sequencing, inventory control, order fulfillment, nonhazardous repackaging and more with maximum flexibility for specific requirements.
• Delivery management, including shuttle services and specialized transport services using DHL’s transport network within the U.S.
• End-to-end supply chain: Easy combination with compliant multi-modal international transportation solutions based on DHL’s global network, including temperature and humidity monitoring for transportation to I2M plants and aftermarket distribution centers.
• Customs brokerage: Customers can leverage DHL’s global network for reliable and fast goods clearance with full compliance and complete knowledge of the rules and regulations of all the countries where it operates.

The US EV CoE network comprises of more than 49 warehouses and cross-dock facilities leveraged by DHL Global Forwarding with a strong presence in major cities and ports in the U.S. This includes more than 2 million sq. ft. of capacity across the country to store and handle batteries and automotive parts for import and export in cities such as Detroit, New Jersey, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta and Forth Worth.

The EV Centers of Excellence also embody DHL’s commitment to sustainability, offering more environmentally friendly logistics solutions that include the use of sustainable aviation fuels, more efficient aircraft, and EVs and trucks for long-haul and last-mile deliveries. In the U.S., DHL Global Forwarding provides a wide range of green solutions services including sustainable alternatives for all transport modes, and carbon transparency tools to provide insights into green optimization of logistics to improve the carbon efficiency of supply chains.