Deadline Date: October 08, 2026
The European Commission is inviting proposals to support the integrated production and product development of next-generation lithium-based batteries for mobility applications, aiming to strengthen Europe’s leadership in advanced battery technologies and manufacturing.
The focus areas of this opportunity include fulfilling performance targets at cell and system levels, boosting competitiveness in next-generation battery technologies, developing pilot manufacturing capabilities, strengthening the battery value chain through manufacturing equipment and automation, advancing the understanding of battery interfaces at industrial scale, ensuring manufacturability, durability and cost-effectiveness, scaling up component production technologies, developing advanced cell concepts and manufacturing machinery, enabling flexible and high-throughput production methods, designing and demonstrating battery modules and packs, integrating sensors and Battery Management Systems (BMS), and conducting comprehensive validation under realistic operational conditions.
This opportunity aims to support the transition of next-generation lithium-based batteries, including semi-solid-state and all-solid-state technologies, from prototype stages to scalable production and system-level demonstrations. The initiative focuses on technologies beyond generation 3 batteries and encourages the development of innovative solutions that can meet the requirements of strategic transport sectors.
Projects are required to address the needs of a single transport mode, specifically automotive, aviation, rail, or waterborne applications. Applicants must clearly identify the targeted transport sector and demonstrate how the proposed battery technology will meet the operational and performance requirements of that sector.
The programme places significant emphasis on scaling up the production of battery components. This includes optimising anode and cathode materials compatible with next-generation electrolytes and integrating these materials into pilot-scale production processes. Such developments are expected to contribute to more efficient and advanced battery manufacturing capabilities.
Another important aspect of the opportunity is the development of manufacturing equipment and machinery tailored to next-generation lithium-ion battery production. Projects are expected to develop flexible and high-throughput processing methods, including advanced production technologies that support large-scale manufacturing and improved production efficiency.
Applicants are also expected to develop and demonstrate battery modules and packs suitable for integration into vehicles or relevant operational environments. This includes the development of sensors and Battery Management Systems that facilitate seamless integration while meeting regulatory and application-specific requirements.
Comprehensive validation activities are required to ensure that the developed battery systems achieve the necessary standards of performance, durability, and safety. Testing should be conducted under realistic operational conditions and should address factors such as thermal management, mechanical stress, vibration resistance, and electrical performance at relevant scales.
The total budget allocated for this funding opportunity is €100 million, with an indicative contribution of approximately €33.3 million per project. Participation is open to any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment, including organisations from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided that the applicable Horizon Europe conditions and topic-specific requirements are fulfilled.
Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register to obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) and complete the validation process before signing the grant agreement. During grant preparation, applicants will be required to provide documentation confirming their legal status and origin.
For more information, visit EC.
