- India and the European Union launched a EUR 15.2 million programme to accelerate advanced EV battery recycling technologies and critical mineral recovery systems.
- The initiative will support pilot-scale recycling innovation, second-life battery applications, and inclusion of the informal sector in battery logistics operations.
India and the European Union have jointly launched a third coordinated call for proposals dedicated to EV battery recycling technologies under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council Working Group 2 focused on Green and Clean Energy Technologies. The programme includes a combined funding allocation of EUR 15.2 million, equivalent to nearly INR 1.69 billion, aimed at strengthening innovation and collaboration in sustainable battery material recovery systems. The announcement was officially made on May 6, with proposal submissions scheduled to remain open until September 15, 2026.
The European component of the initiative will receive support through the Horizon Europe programme, while the Indian side of the programme will be funded by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The coordinated framework is designed to encourage industrial and research collaboration between Indian and European participants working on advanced recycling technologies for electric vehicle batteries. The programme aligns with broader clean mobility objectives and focuses on strengthening long-term sustainability in the battery value chain.
Key Focus Areas Under the India-EU Recycling Programme
The initiative targets the development of advanced recycling technologies capable of achieving high-efficiency recovery of critical battery materials. Key minerals identified under the programme include lithium, graphite, and cobalt, all of which are considered strategically important for future electric mobility and battery manufacturing. The programme additionally seeks to improve safe and digitalised battery collection systems while supporting the handling of mixed battery chemistries through scalable recycling methods.
Programme Scope and Technology Priorities
The coordinated proposal call also includes pilot-scale demonstrations of innovative recycling processes intended to improve material recovery efficiency and operational safety. Another important objective involves enabling second-life applications for used batteries, which can help extend battery usability across energy storage and mobility sectors. The initiative further highlights the inclusion of the informal sector in logistics operations to improve collection efficiency and support a more structured recycling ecosystem.
India-EU EV Battery Recycling Funding Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Value | EUR 15.2 Million |
| Indian Funding Authority | Ministry of Heavy Industries |
| European Funding Programme | Horizon Europe |
| Proposal Deadline | September 15, 2026 |
| Key Materials | Lithium, Graphite, Cobalt |
The latest coordinated programme reflects increasing cooperation between India and the European Union in clean mobility technologies and sustainable battery ecosystems. By supporting material recovery innovation, digitalised collection infrastructure, and second-life battery deployment, the initiative aims to strengthen recycling efficiency while reducing dependency on newly extracted critical minerals for future EV production and energy storage applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the India-EU EV battery recycling initiative?
The India-EU EV battery recycling initiative aims to accelerate advanced battery recycling technologies and improve critical mineral recovery systems for electric vehicle batteries. The programme focuses on recovering lithium, graphite, and cobalt through high-efficiency recycling processes while also supporting digitalised battery collection systems, mixed chemistry handling, and pilot-scale technology demonstrations. In addition, the initiative promotes second-life battery applications and seeks to integrate the informal sector into organised battery logistics and recycling operations to strengthen sustainability across the battery value chain.
Who is funding the India-EU battery recycling programme?
The programme is jointly funded by the European Union and the Government of India through separate financial mechanisms under the coordinated framework. The European contribution is supported through the Horizon Europe programme, while India’s component is funded by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Together, both sides have allocated EUR 15.2 million for research, development, and pilot-scale recycling projects. The initiative operates under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council Working Group 2 focused on Green and Clean Energy Technologies.
Which battery materials are targeted under the programme?
The initiative specifically targets the recovery of critical battery materials including lithium, graphite, and cobalt due to their strategic importance in electric vehicle battery manufacturing. These materials are essential for supporting future EV production and energy storage systems. The programme encourages development of high-efficiency recovery technologies capable of processing mixed battery chemistries safely and effectively. By improving recycling efficiency, the initiative aims to reduce dependency on newly mined raw materials and strengthen sustainable battery supply chains.
What is the proposal submission deadline for the programme?
The submission deadline for proposals under the India-EU EV battery recycling initiative is September 15, 2026. Organisations and research participants interested in advanced recycling technologies, battery material recovery systems, and second-life battery solutions can submit proposals within the specified timeline. The programme supports collaborative innovation projects involving pilot-scale demonstrations, digitalised battery collection methods, and sustainable recycling infrastructure development. The initiative is intended to strengthen long-term clean mobility cooperation between India and the European Union.
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