Open Call: Coordinated Topic on EV Battery Recycling under Horizon Europe

The programme focuses on improving sustainability, safety, affordability, recycling efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, recovery of lithium and graphite materials, innovative and digitalised waste collection systems, advanced sorting systems, safe and cost-efficient battery discharging and deactivation technologies, environmental impact assessment through Life Cycle Analysis, battery passport implementation, Safe and Sustainable by Design approaches, collaboration between EU and Indian researchers and industries, and alignment with India’s Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 and National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage.

Projects under this coordinated topic are expected to establish a jointly operated recycling pilot line in India capable of demonstrating advanced recycling processes for lithium-ion batteries beyond the current state of the art. The pilot line must process black mass with mixed battery chemistries and recover lithium suitable for Cathode Active Material production. Recovery of graphite and silicon/graphite materials must also be addressed while ensuring compatibility with current and future battery technologies.

The initiative further encourages the development of innovative logistics and waste collection systems for end-of-life batteries. Proposals are expected to include digitalised collection mechanisms, safe storage systems, advanced sorting technologies, and large-scale discharging and deactivation solutions for damaged batteries and manufacturing scraps. Particular emphasis has been placed on involving the informal sector, including end users, collection points, and sales channels, to improve safety and efficiency across the recycling supply chain.

Environmental sustainability remains a key requirement of the call. Applicants must assess the environmental impacts of the piloted recycling innovations through comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis. Projects are also expected to align with ongoing European battery recycling initiatives under the BATT4EU partnership and contribute towards implementation of the EU Batteries Regulation and Battery Passport framework.

The call strongly promotes genuine EU-India collaboration. Coordinated projects from both regions must have aligned start dates, durations, targets, and research plans. Independent proposals that are not aligned with corresponding projects from the partner region will be considered ineligible. Applicants are required to clearly explain coordination mechanisms, joint research activities, task distribution, and scientific added value arising from bilateral cooperation.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, has committed funding support for the Indian side of the coordinated projects. Balanced efforts and matched budgets between Indian and European partners are expected to maximise synergies in scientific expertise, technological resources, and innovation capacity related to battery recycling technologies.

The funding opportunity is offered under Horizon Europe Innovation Actions with an overall budget of approximately €9.4 million. The submission process follows a single-stage application procedure.

The opportunity is open to any legal entity regardless of place of establishment, including entities from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided the conditions under the Horizon Europe Regulation and topic-specific requirements are fulfilled. Affiliated entities, associated partners, and certain entities without legal personality may also participate subject to the applicable eligibility conditions. All participating organisations are required to register in the Horizon Europe Participant Register and obtain a Participant Identification Code before grant agreement preparation.

For more information, visit European Commission.