The Role of Specialised Battery Warehouse in Facilitating Europe's EV Surge

Specialised battery warehouses are a critical component in the infrastructure needed to support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon transportation system.

FREMONT, CA: Over the past decade, electric vehicles (EVs) have been one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in Europe. The arrival of new EVs in Europe has not yet created a significant threat to the dominance of petrol and diesel cars. This is due to issues such as limited mileage range, a lack of charging infrastructure, and the need for bulky battery designs. Consequently, car manufacturers have been slow to adopt EVs in their product lineups. However, with the growing demand for electric vehicles, there is a need for increased supply, which in turn requires a greater supply of batteries.

The European market has been reliant on EV battery imports from Asia, and that trend isn't set a quick change. The reliance on European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) has a significant impact on the logistics involved in incorporating batteries into vehicles. However, coordinating the supply of batteries with production schedules in Europe is a challenging task due to the complex automotive supply chains that involve transportation by different modes such as intermodal and ocean shipping at various stages of the supply chain.

The requirement for electric vehicle (EV) battery storage solutions in Europe serves a dual purpose: firstly, to address any possible disruptions in the supply chain, and secondly, to enable manufacturers to procure batteries promptly and effectively when the assembly line is prepared to receive them.

The Future of EV Batteries

Europe, despite relying on the East for batteries, is determined to reduce its dependence by establishing its industry. The European Battery Alliance was launched in 2017 to develop a domestic battery industry, aiming to have companies within the region supplying 90 per cent of the batteries used in European electric vehicles by 2030.

Although still far away from achieving widespread EV battery assembly line synchronisation, battery storage will be essential when that happens. This is because logistics service providers need to concentrate on acquiring secure and sizable infrastructure for the safe storage of EV batteries. The production of batteries is facing sustainability issues, which has led to increased scrutiny of the recycling of used batteries. There have been significant developments in this area as batteries themselves continue to evolve.

According to Smart Energy International, at present, batteries that have reached their end-of-life are either reused for other purposes or recycled to extract raw materials. However, ongoing efforts are to develop technology that would enable these batteries to have a second life by being used again in vehicles.

Businesses are developing a technology that can perform diagnostic tests on a seemingly worn-out battery, identify damaged or defective cells, and substitute them with new components. The new technology of replacing individual cells in electric vehicle batteries is expected to extend their lifespan by approximately five years, significantly contributing to sustainable efforts.

Specialised battery warehouses play a crucial role in facilitating Europe's electric-vehicle surge. These facilities are designed to store and distribute large quantities of batteries for electric vehicles, making them readily available for manufacturers and suppliers. The warehouses offer various services, including battery testing, charging, and maintenance, ensuring that batteries are in optimal condition when they reach their end users. With the increasing demand for electric vehicles in Europe, the availability of specialised battery warehouses will be essential in meeting the growing demand for batteries. Additionally, battery warehouses can help support the growth of renewable energy, as they can be used to store excess energy generated by renewable sources, such as wind and solar power.