(Yicai) May 23 - German courier giant Deutsche Post DHL Group has set up a new electric vehicle Center of Excellence in Shanghai to help EV makers and related sectors expand locally and globally.

The new center is DHL's first of its kind in China after previously opening such facilities in key regions, including Indonesia, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, the Bonn-based company announced yesterday.

"The Shanghai EV Center of Excellence is supported by DHL Global Forwarding's extensive network of 35 branches strategically positioned to optimize major gateways across China," the firm noted. "It has a network of over 50 warehouses and cross-dock facilities with a strong presence in major commercial cities."

"With the Shanghai EV Center of Excellence, DHL aims to be the partner of choice for customers seeking international business growth," said Niki Frank, chief executive of DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific.

The new center will also have a team of EV and dangerous goods experts working with clients to provide the right solutions in an evolving landscape, DHL pointed out.

EV makers face specific challenges, including the need for strategic storage solutions at the origin and destination to manage increased battery shipments, DHL pointed out. "With batteries classified as dangerous goods, there are stringent safety and regulatory requirements to navigate."

"In 2023, Chinese automakers dominated the global EV market, manufacturing over half of the EVs on the roads worldwide and becoming the largest car exporter," noted Frank. "As a battery powerhouse, China is home to six of the top ten EV battery manufacturers, supplying close to 60 percent of the world's battery cells."

Editor: Martin Kadiev