New Delhi: The EV battery recycling initiative was launched jointly by India and the European Union with a funding pool of €15.2 million to strengthen recycling capacity and resource security.
The announcement came under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council on May 5. Officials said the programme would support research and innovation in recycling electric vehicle batteries. The Ministry of Heavy Industries will fund the Indian component, while the European Union will contribute through its Horizon Europe programme.
The initiative aims to secure critical raw materials and promote a circular economy. It will also strengthen cooperation between India and the EU in green technology. Authorities have set September 15, 2026 as the deadline for proposal submissions.
The programme will focus on advanced recycling technologies. These include high-efficiency material recovery and safe collection systems. It will also support pilot-scale demonstration of innovative processes in real-world conditions.
EV battery recycling initiative targets advanced technologies
The EV battery recycling initiative will also establish a joint pilot line in India. This facility will help validate technologies and support industrial deployment. Officials said it would bring together researchers, industries, and startups from both regions.
The project will prioritise high recovery rates and handling of mixed battery chemistries. It will also focus on logistics, safety standards, and second-life applications for key minerals such as lithium, graphite, and cobalt.
Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood said the initiative marked an important step in strengthening the India-EU partnership. He noted that a strong recycling ecosystem was essential as India’s EV market expanded.
EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin said the programme would help translate innovation into real-world applications. He added that it would support shared climate goals and mineral security.
Officials also highlighted the role of digital and inclusive systems in recycling processes. They said the initiative would contribute to building a resilient and sustainable value chain for critical materials.
The programme is expected to accelerate green innovation while supporting long-term environmental and economic goals for both India and the European Union.
