Feature, Freight News, Logistics


DHL to open Netherlands battery centre

[ May 21, 2026   //   ]

DHL Group’s contract logistics division, DHL Supply Chain, has broken ground on a new European Battery Logistics Hub in Holtum, Limburg in the Netherlands. The site offers 17,000sq m of specialized storage and service space for high voltage batteries and is next door to DHL Supply Chain’s existing Holtum automotive operation. The two facilities will, when the battery hub goes live in early 2027, create an integrated campus offering end-to-end solutions for electric mobility and energy systems across Europe.

The batteries handled at the Holtum site are intended for use in electric vehicles as well as battery energy storage systems, including home storage and solar energy applications. DHL says it is seeing strong interest from customers in the automotive, industrial and energy sectors seeking safe, scalable and compliant logistics solutions for battery supply chains.

Holtum is positioned to develop into a central European gateway for EV and energy storage logistics, serving customers across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and neighbouring markets.

DHL Supply Chain Europe chief executive, Rainer Haag, SAID: “The transformation of mobility and energy systems is a key driver of change in global supply chains. By expanding our battery logistics capabilities in Holtum and closely linking them with our existing automotive expertise on site, we are creating a scalable one stop shop solution for the EV sector. This investment directly supports DHL Group Strategy 2030, where New Energy is a decisive growth driver for our business across Europe.”

The new battery facility offers value added and technical services including compliant storage of battery units, diagnostics and testing, charging and conditioning, refurbishment, reverse logistics and preparation for recycling.

DHL Supply Chain Benelux chief executive, John Scherders, added: “For the Netherlands and the region around Holtum, this development reinforces the site’s strategic importance as a logistics and new energy hub. By connecting the new battery operation with our existing automotive and spare parts site right next door, we are creating a centre of excellence that allows us to offer seamless logistics and technical services for electric mobility and energy storage customers across Europe.”

The Holtum campus has direct access to major motorways linking the Benelux and Germany, and a container and barge terminal is available on the Juliana Canal nearby, offering options for sustainable European distribution.

The project forms part of DHL Group Strategy 2030, which focuses on supporting customers in growth sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy and circular supply chains.

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