India and EU Launch Collaborative EV Battery Recycling Initiative
In a significant step towards sustainable technology and green energy, the Government of India and the European Union (EU) announced on May 5, 2026, the launch of a third coordinated call for proposals aimed at recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The deadline for submissions is set for September 15, 2026. This initiative is part of the India-EU Trade & Technology Council’s framework concerning Green and Clean Energy Technologies.
The main objectives of this call for proposals include securing essential raw materials, expediting the global shift towards a circular economy, and enhancing the partnership between India and the EU. With a generous funding pool of €15.2 million (approximately ₹169 crore), the initiative is primarily backed by the EU’s Horizon Europe program, with additional support from India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).
Focus Areas of the Initiative
This program aims to push the boundaries of recycling technologies, highlighting high-efficiency material recovery and establishing safe, digitalized collection systems. A critical component will be the pilot-scale demonstration of innovative processes. The initiative also plans to set up a joint India-EU pilot line in India, enabling real-world validation and industrial deployment, while bringing together leading academics, industry representatives, and startups. Key areas of focus will include High Recovery Rates, handling of Mixed Chemistry, logistical inclusion, and ensuring safety and second-life applications for vital minerals such as lithium, graphite, and cobalt.
Statements from Leaders
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, emphasized that this launch signifies a crucial milestone in the strategic partnership between India and the EU. As India’s electric vehicle market continues to grow rapidly, it is vital to establish a solid domestic recycling framework to ensure resource security and meet environmental goals.
H.E. Mr. Hervé Delphin, the Ambassador of the European Union to India, underscored the central role batteries play in the green transition. He noted that the aim is to translate developmental innovations into real-world applications, ultimately supporting mineral security and shared climate objectives.
Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary at the Office of the PSA, remarked that this joint effort represents a significant advance in India’s circular economy. It also propels the development of a digitalized and inclusive logistics model that accounts for the informal sector, while ensuring top-tier safety standards for second-life applications.
Mr. Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, highlighted the growing collaboration between the EU and India in the area of green innovation. He expressed the importance of co-developing a resilient, cross-continental value chain to keep strategic materials within their respective economies.
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