Europe: Plan to repurpose used batteries of electric vehicles

Background about the company

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is one of the world’s largest companies, with 2022 revenue of $100.3 billion, and provides a broad range of integrated logistics solutions for customers in more than 220 countries and territories. Focused on its purpose statement, “Moving our world forward by delivering what matters,” the company’s more than 500,000 employees embrace a strategy that is simply stated and powerfully executed: Customer First. People Led. Innovation Driven. UPS is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and supporting the communities we serve around the world. UPS also takes an unwavering stance in support of diversity, equity and inclusion. More information can be found at www.ups.com, about.ups.com and www.investors.ups.com.

Challenge

First, UPS’s electric fleet will scale up considerably in the coming years across Europe. This means a lot of battery-driven vehicles who, during their life cycle, are sustainable, but … what do we do with the batteries after?

Currently we recycle them, but we believe there are greener ways. We would like to hear from YOU how you believe a multinational like UPS, who has a worldwide impact, can maximise its planet-preserving efforts in this subject matter.

Good to know: Europe has limited availability to the natural resources necessary for EV batteries, which also makes it paramount to find ways to reuse them.

For this we will need reliable, smart partners.

The legislation regarding sustainability, especially when it comes to mobility, requires the industry to accelerate efforts. While we closely monitor developments in this area, we welcome outside expertise and input to make sure that UPS is using the best solutions possible for our customers, our organization, our world, and the people living in it. 

• An assignment to realise a prototype or pilot
• Contact with one of the biggest logistics service providers worldwide on one of the business’s key areas of focus

The solutions should be developed in the fields of Sustainable Product Development and Creative thinking. 

Published on 2 October, 2023.