New Delhi: India and European Union (EU) has launched a joint research call on innovative technologies for recycling End-of-Life Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries, supporting sustainable mobility, resource security, and the circular economy through international research collaboration.
They provide an opportunity for researchers, academic institutions, R&D organizations, startups & industry partners to collaborate under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The submission deadline is 15 September 2026.
Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued a guidelines for Indian applicants. It says, “The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is a high-level bilateral forum established to deepen cooperation between India and the European Union on trade, technology, and security issues. Working Group 2 (WG2) of the TTC focuses on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, identifying battery recycling as a strategic priority.”
India’s EV battery recycling market is rapidly growing. The sector is valued at approximately ₹1,380 crore to ₹3,510 crore (2024-25) and is projected to reach ₹4,14,000 crore by 2035. NITI Aayog estimates 128 GWh of recyclable battery capacity by 2030, driven primarily by the public transport and EV segments. Recycling at this scale can reduce battery production carbon emissions by up to 90%.
The Ministry further writes, “Consequently, Recycling of Lithium-ion batteries as secondary materials sourcing has become one of the focus areas for both the EU and Indian governments to reduce their dependence on international imports. To achieve this, strategic materials once imported should not leave the region, but should be converted into a ‘virtual mine’ consisting of recycled material.”
“To support the global competitiveness of the battery value chain, Europe and India desires to establish the most advanced innovation ecosystem for batteries by 2030, by promoting cutting-edge R&D throughout the entire value chain, including recycling. Building on the 2024 India-EU Startup Battery Recycling Technologies Exchange, this coordinated call — HORIZON-CL5-2026-09-D2-04 — represents the next phase of a joint R&I roadmap designed to industrialise cross-continental battery recycling expertise and foster a circular economy,” Ministry of Heavy Industries added.
