DHL Freight offers excellent logistics services for the automotive sector. This is especially evident when it comes to future-oriented electric mobility. NIO, a leading company in the premium electric vehicle (EV) market, has chosen DHL as its EV logistics partner in Europe.
Two Market Leaders Join Forces for Sustainable Mobility
As NIO’s logistics partner, DHL is responsible for European aftermarket services. From its Automotive Campus in Holtum, the Netherlands, DHL handles the storage, distribution, and customs clearance of parts and accessories for NIO customers throughout northwestern Europe. These services cover premium models from both the NIO and firefly brands. firefly offers compact, premium electric vehicles for urban mobility.
NIO
The global company was founded in 2014. Like DHL Freight, NIO aims to shape a sustainable future. To this end, NIO produces high-performance smart electric vehicles marketed under three main brands. Currently, there are eight premium electric vehicles under the NIO brand, two under the ETON brand, and one compact smart high-end electric vehicle under the firefly brand on the market.
As of January 6, 2026, NIO already delivered one million vehicles, establishing itself as the global market leader in the premium battery-powered electric vehicle segment. NIO continuously invests in its own research and development. As of the end of December 2025, this commitment had resulted in over 9,900 patents. NIO currently operates research and development centers and production facilities in more than ten locations, including Shanghai, Hefei, Beijing, Nanjing, San José, Munich, Oxford, Budapest, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi.
In addition, NIO has established a sales and service network in 24 countries and regions, including China, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central America.
Europe is at the heart of NIO’s journey. To deliver on our promise of a truly user-centric experience, we rely on strong partnerships with Europe’s best. With DHL, we gain a global logistics player whose dense network enables us to react quickly and flexibly to our users’ needs in aftersales services – from warehousing to distribution. This collaboration is another milestone in building NIO’s European ecosystem, where innovation, design and sustainability come together to set new standards for mobility.
Thijs Meijling, Head of NIO Europe Business
The Netherlands Is a Hub for European EV Logistics
The partnership highlights the Netherlands’ growing importance as a logistics hub for the European EV market. Strategically located near major European transport corridors, the DHL Automotive Campus in Holtum allows NIO to enjoy short delivery times and scalable solutions. To achieve this, DHL combines the expertise of DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Freight.
We are proud that NIO has chosen DHL. This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to accelerate sustainable mobility. With our Automotive Campus in Holtum and our specialized expertise in the automotive sector, we can support NIO with efficient and future-ready logistics.
Rik van den Broeck, Business Unit Director South East – DHL Supply Chain
Innovative Concepts and Local Logistics Expertise for Sustainable Mobility
NIO stands out in Europe with forward-looking concepts such as its Power Swap Stations and NIO Houses, including the flagship store on Leidsestraat in Amsterdam. With DHL as its new partner, NIO is establishing a robust ecosystem throughout Europe. This ecosystem is based on innovation and local expertise, aligning with the company’s long-term vision and sustainability goals.
This partnership reflects a strong alignment in operational standards, quality expectations, and long-term vision. Together with DHL, we have established a logistics setup that supports efficiency, scalability and reliability – all essential as we continue to grow our presence in Europe and enhance the experience for our users.
Franz Riedlberger, Director Procurement NIO
Resilient Logistics Structures Benefit Electric Mobility
By collaborating with DHL, NIO and its brands can establish a reliable logistics foundation to strengthen customer relationships in Europe and further optimize the user experience. Together, DHL and NIO are building a robust and eco-friendly infrastructure for electric mobility that benefits the environment, people, and businesses.
Partnering with NIO underscores the momentum we see across the electric mobility ecosystem and reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation of sustainable transport. With DHL’s proven expertise in EV logistics and our global network of specialists, we provide compliant, costefficient, and futureready supply chain solutions that enable innovative players like NIO to scale their European footprint with confidence.
Fathi Tlatli, Global AutoMobility Sector President at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation
DHL Freight: Your Source for Concentrated Expertise in EV Logistics
With many years of operational experience, DHL Freight has extensive expertise in EV logistics. We bundle this expertise for our customers at our four Centers of Excellence (CoEs) for electric vehicles, which are strategically located in Germany.
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DHL Freight’s EV logistics solutions are both extremely reliable and highly sustainable. This is especially valuable for an industry offering sustainable vehicles. DHL Freight is also happy to advise on other operational areas to help reduce emissions across the entire value chain. You can count on us – we are the EV logistics experts.
