As the global electric vehicle market experiences unprecedented growth, logistics giant DHL is rapidly expanding its footprint to secure a leadership position in the new energy vehicle supply chain. The company has established Electric Vehicle Centers of Excellence (EV CoE) across Asia Pacific, strengthening its end-to-end EV logistics solutions to support the region's booming electric mobility sector.
Asia's Dominance in the EV Revolution
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by electrification, with Asia—particularly China—emerging as the epicenter of this shift. Industry forecasts predict Asia will account for 63% of global EV sales growth over the next five years, representing approximately 115 million vehicles. This massive demand presents unprecedented challenges for supply chain logistics, requiring robust, efficient, and compliant systems to sustain the region's EV industry expansion.
Strategic Expansion Through Centers of Excellence
DHL has responded to these challenges by establishing three EV Centers of Excellence in Shanghai, Singapore, and Indonesia. These hubs serve as integrated platforms combining knowledge, technology, and resources to provide comprehensive support for EV manufacturers and their supply chain partners.
"These centers will function as capability and resource hubs for Asia Pacific's growing EV industry," said Fathi Tlatli, President of Global Automotive Mobility at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
Core Functions of the EV Centers
The EV CoEs operate as knowledge and technology hubs with four primary functions:
- Expertise aggregation: Consolidating DHL's EV logistics knowledge to provide consulting, design, and implementation services
- Technology showcase: Demonstrating advanced solutions for battery transport, parts management, and vehicle distribution
- Capability development: Offering training programs on EV logistics requirements and challenges
- Resource integration: Connecting DHL's global logistics network for end-to-end service delivery
Comprehensive Supply Chain Solutions
DHL's solutions span the entire EV lifecycle, including:
- Capital equipment logistics: Transporting and installing manufacturing equipment for new EV plants
- Inbound logistics: Managing material flows from suppliers to assembly lines
- Finished vehicle logistics: Providing storage, transport, and delivery services
- Aftermarket logistics: Handling spare parts distribution for maintenance and repairs
Global Network with Local Expertise
The Asia Pacific centers connect to DHL's global EV CoE network spanning 10 countries, including Italy, the UK, Mexico, and the UAE. This infrastructure enables resource sharing and consistent service standards worldwide. The company plans further expansion into India, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand to reinforce its EV logistics leadership.
Addressing Battery Recycling Challenges
As the EV market matures, DHL is preparing for growing demand in battery recycling logistics. "This segment will require sophisticated logistics support," Tlatli noted, highlighting plans to leverage the company's European and Middle Eastern experience along with its ASEAN cross-border road freight network.
Minerals-to-Battery Supply Chain Management
Beyond vehicle logistics, DHL provides full-cycle services for companies expanding EV battery mineral extraction and manufacturing operations. The company serves as the preferred partner for multiple automakers in battery storage and transport, utilizing control tower monitoring for real-time tracking of temperature, humidity, and location data.
Within assembly plants, DHL manages internal logistics including material receiving, storage, picking, and line feeding. The company also offers air freight services for urgent battery component deliveries to prevent production disruptions.
Strategic Focus on Sustainable Growth
DHL has identified EV logistics as a core component of its 2030 strategy, with clean energy sectors representing key growth areas. "Our advantage lies in combining specialized expertise with global network capabilities to deliver tailored solutions for each market segment," said Audrey Gerard, Vice President of Automotive Mobility for DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation in Asia Pacific.
The company's strategic investments position it to capitalize on EV industry growth while developing sustainable logistics ecosystems that support the global transition to electric mobility.