Kuehne + Nagel has launched KN BatteryChain, the first integrated supply chain solution designed for lithium-ion.

According to Kuehne + Nagel, the certified end-to-end solution offers safe, reliable and efficient mass transportation and storage of lithium cells and batteries, which are increasingly being adopted by vehicle manufacturers in response to government regulations on CO₂ emission targets. The number of electric cars around the world is expected to triple over the next five years, in turn boosting the demand for transportation and storage of the key component.

“KN BatteryChain demonstrates Kuehne + Nagel’s leading role in global automotive logistics and our capability to anticipate industry trends from which we derive industry-specific solutions in time,” said Detlef Trefzger, CEO of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, speaking at New Mobility World 2017, part of the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. “I am convinced that this innovative solution developed in close cooperation with our customers and partners will set industry standards for the supply chain along the entire battery life cycle and support our automotive customers and the aftermarket to grow their businesses.”

KN BatteryChain is fully compliant with the respective international dangerous goods regulations, and is also certified under ISO9001 and the automotive standard ISO16949. The solution includes transportation by sea, air, rail and road from the manufacturer to the assembly line, warehousing for production logistics and aftermarkets, as well as returns of used and faulty batteries from dealers.

Value-added services include KN ControlTower support, providing end-to-end logistics management services, real-time monitoring of physical parameters and location, specialized packaging, labelling, testing and inspecting, battery recycling, customs brokerage and environmental performance measuring.

KN BatteryChain is also available for customers in the high-tech and industrial sectors, according to Kuehne + Nagel.