Kuehne+Nagel and CATL partner to advance battery logistics and fleet electrification

● Support Scope 3 emissions reduction across both companies' value chains 

● Collaborate on electrified transport, battery logistics and battery storage initiatives 

● Explore battery swapping solutions in Asia provided by Qiji

Kuehne+Nagel and CATL, a global leader in new energy technologies, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic collaboration in battery logistics, transport electrification and emissions reduction initiatives.

The partnership will initially focus on practical initiatives including the electrification of CATL transport flows in Europe and a battery-swapping pilot for heavy-duty trucks provided by Qiji, which is set to launch in China this year. Additional areas of collaboration include battery recycling and aftersales support, as well as energy storage and charging solutions for logistics sites. Together, these activities support both companies' Scope 3 emissions reduction ambitions across their logistics and transportation value chains.

"As global leaders in our respective industries, CATL and Kuehne+Nagel share a commitment to accelerating the energy transition and achieving a net-zero emissions future," said Akin Li, Executive President of CATL Overseas Business. "Our elevated partnership will not only contribute to both parties' sustainability targets, but also help advance a greener future."

"Battery-electric vehicles are essential to decarbonising road freight," said Søren Schmidt, Executive Vice President Road Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel. "Accelerating the transition requires solutions that are both high-performing and operationally viable. By combining CATL's battery expertise with our logistics knowhow, we can advance initiatives that help reduce our own emissions and those of our customers."

The partnership comes at a time of rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. In 2024, demand for EV batteries increased by more than 75%, while battery manufacturing capacity continues to expand through a growing network of gigafactories worldwide.