Kuehne+Nagel has signed a memorandum of understanding with Contemporary Amperex Technology (Catl) to electrify road transport and manage battery logistics, with the aim of reducing emissions. The agreement, announced on 24 September 2026, initially covers the electrification of Catl's transport operations in Europe and the launch of a truck battery-swapping pilot in China by the end of 2026, using Qiji technology. The memorandum also provides for an assessment of battery-swapping solutions in Asia. The two companies will also explore battery recycling and after-sales services, alongside energy storage and charging systems for logistics sites.
Søren Schmidt, executive vice president of road logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, considers battery-electric trucks essential to reducing freight transport emissions. “Accelerating the transition requires high-performance, operationally viable solutions,” he said, describing the collaboration with Catl as an opportunity to reduce emissions for Kuehne+Nagel and its customers. Demand for batteries for electric commercial vehicles rose by more than 75% in 2024, according to figures cited by Kuehne+Nagel.
Three days earlier, on 21 September, Kuehne+Nagel had announced a long-term agreement with Amazon, an existing customer, to expand their logistics collaboration. The agreement has a broad scope and includes Amazon Web Services (AWS): the infrastructure lifecycle, from construction and equipment installation through to maintenance, upgrades and expansion projects. According to Stefan Paul, chief executive of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, the company's global network, digital capabilities and supply chain expertise can support Amazon's requirements. “We are laying the foundations for a new level of commitment to customer service for Amazon on a global scale,” he said. The Amazon agreement is backed by a call option over existing Kuehne+Nagel shares, for an undisclosed amount, which can be settled in cash or, at Amazon's discretion, in shares. Vesting depends on commercial targets and services provided over a period of up to seven years. To support the arrangement, Kuehne+Nagel has appointed a third-party financial institution to carry out hedging transactions in its shares.
