The new hub will support batteries used in electric vehicles, home storage and solar energy systems
DHL Supply Chain has started work on a new European battery logistics hub in the Netherlands as demand for electric vehicles and energy storage continues to grow.
The company has broken ground on the new facility in Holtum, Limburg, which will provide specialist logistics capacity for high-voltage batteries.
The 17,000 square metre site will support batteries used in electric vehicles, as well as battery energy storage systems.
These include home storage and solar energy applications, which are becoming increasingly important as Europe expands its use of decentralised energy systems.
The new hub will be located next to DHL Supply Chain’s existing automotive operation in Holtum.
DHL said the two facilities would form an integrated campus offering end-to-end services for electric mobility and energy systems across Europe.
The battery logistics hub is expected to become operational in early 2027.
DHL Supply Chain said the investment comes as global demand for electric vehicles and battery storage continues to accelerate.
The company highlighted China’s major role in battery production and innovation, with Chinese manufacturers supplying around 70% of the world’s EV batteries.
It said more Chinese companies were now moving beyond exports and expanding production and infrastructure in Europe.
DHL said it was seeing strong demand from automotive, industrial and energy customers seeking safe, scalable and compliant logistics services for battery supply chains.
The company also said there was growing interest from businesses expanding from Asia, particularly China, into European markets.
Holtum is being positioned as a central European gateway for electric vehicle and energy storage logistics.
The site will serve customers across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and neighbouring markets.
Rainer Haag, chief executive of DHL Supply Chain Europe, said: “The transformation of mobility and energy systems is a key driver of change in global supply chains.”
He said the Holtum investment would expand DHL’s battery logistics capabilities while linking them closely with its existing automotive expertise on site.
Mr Haag added that the company was creating “a scalable one stop shop solution for the EV sector globally”, including support for customers connecting Asia and Europe.
He said the investment directly supported DHL Group Strategy 2030, where “New Energy” is a key growth driver for the business across Europe.
The new facility has been designed to support complex and highly regulated battery supply chains.
Services offered at the site will include compliant battery storage, diagnostics and testing, charging and conditioning, refurbishment, reverse logistics and preparation for recycling.
DHL said these services would help companies meet European regulatory requirements and sustainability standards.
By bringing logistics and technical services together in one location, the company said the Holtum campus would help customers manage the full battery lifecycle more efficiently.
It said the site would also support circular supply chain models and the more sustainable use of resources.
John Scherders, chief executive of DHL Supply Chain Benelux, said the development reinforced Holtum’s role as a logistics and new energy hub.
He said: “By connecting the new battery operation with our existing automotive and spare parts site right next door, we are creating a center of excellence that allows us to offer seamless logistics and technical services for electric mobility and energy storage customers across Europe and globally.”
The Holtum campus has direct access to major motorways linking the Benelux region and Germany.
It is also close to a container and barge terminal on the Juliana Canal, giving customers access to waterborne transport options.
DHL said this would support more efficient, resilient and sustainable European distribution.
The project forms part of DHL Group Strategy 2030, which focuses on growth sectors including electric mobility, renewable energy and circular supply chains.
The company said it would continue investing in specialist infrastructure and services to help customers scale sustainably across Europe.