DHL powers Shanghai E Prix logistics

In preparation for the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix, DHL managed a three-day multimodal transport operation from Sanya, combining ferry and road transport. The move required meticulous planning, extensive documentation, and strict compliance with multiple transport regulations, demonstrating the precision, coordination, and operational expertise needed to deliver every shipment on schedule and meet immovable race-day deadlines.

Federico Cavani, Head of Motorsports Italy, DHL Global Forwarding, said, “Every Formula E race may look seamless on track, but behind the scenes it is a highly complex logistics operation, especially when it comes to transporting lithium-ion batteries safely across borders.” He added that these regulated dangerous goods require meticulous planning, strict adherence to global standards, and specialised handling throughout every stage of the logistics process.

According to Cavani, partnership with Formula E demonstrates how advanced battery logistics can be safely executed at scale, while reflecting the complex challenges DHL customers encounter as electrification continues to accelerate worldwide.

Beyond motorsport, this partnership highlights one of the fastest-growing and most complex areas of global trade: battery logistics. As electrification advances worldwide, the safe, compliant, and efficient transportation of lithium-ion batteries has become increasingly critical, presenting new challenges across global supply chains.

Since 2013, DHL has served as the Championship’s Official Founding and Official Logistics Partner, playing a pivotal role in moving the series seamlessly across continents while ensuring every race is delivered with precision, efficiency, and sustainability.

Each race requires the transportation of approximately 400 metric tonnes of freight, including 21 electric race cars, charging infrastructure, broadcast equipment, and critical power systems. These operations are executed through tightly coordinated multimodal logistics solutions spanning air, ocean, rail, road, and ferry transport to meet demanding race schedules.

China has emerged as the leading hub of the global battery ecosystem, driving the rapid expansion of electrification worldwide. In 2025, global electric vehicle battery deployment reached 1.2 terawatt-hours (TWh), with China accounting for approximately 60% of the total, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest and most dynamic battery market.

The ability to transport batteries safely, compliantly, and efficiently both within China and across international markets has therefore become a critical competitive differentiator.

Returning to Shanghai for the 2025-26 season, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to stage its largest calendar ever, featuring 17 races in 11 global cities, with Madrid and Miami joining the schedule. Highlighting its commitment to sustainability and transparency, Formula E has become the first global sport to earn B Corp Certification, recognising its high standards in social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. 

Barry Mortimer, Paddock and Logistics Director, Formula E, on achieving B Corp Certification said, “It reflects our commitment to operating responsibly as we continue to push the boundaries of electric mobility and sustainable sport on a global stage."