New Delhi: The India-EU EV battery recycling partnership has marked a major step toward strengthening clean energy cooperation between India and the European Union. Both partners have jointly launched a ₹169 crore programme to improve electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling capacity, secure critical raw materials, and support sustainable mobility growth.
The initiative comes at a time when India’s EV market is expanding rapidly and demand for lithium-ion batteries is rising across the country.
Details of India-EU EV Battery Recycling Partnership
India and the European Union officially announced the joint initiative under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), specifically under Working Group 2 focused on green and clean energy technologies. The programme has a combined funding pool of €15.2 million, which is approximately ₹169 crore.
The initiative will support advanced technologies for recycling electric vehicle batteries. It will also help in recovering valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and nickel from used batteries. These materials are critical for manufacturing new EV batteries.
Why is India-EU EV Battery Recycling Partnership Important
As electric vehicles become more popular, the number of used lithium-ion batteries is expected to increase sharply in the coming years. Recycling these batteries can reduce dependence on imported raw materials and lower environmental damage caused by mining activities.
According to India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries, India’s EV battery recycling market could grow significantly by 2035. NITI Aayog estimates that India may generate nearly 128 GWh of recyclable battery capacity by 2030.
Experts believe battery recycling can help:
- Reduce battery waste
- Recover expensive raw materials
- Lower carbon emissions
- Build a circular economy
- Strengthen domestic manufacturing
The India-EU partnership aims to address these challenges through technology development and industrial cooperation.
Key Features of the India-EU EV Battery Recycling Partnership
The new programme will focus on several important areas:
Advanced Recycling Technologies
The initiative will support research into high-efficiency recycling methods that can recover more materials from used EV batteries.
Pilot Projects in India
A joint EU-India pilot line will be established in India to test and deploy innovative recycling technologies in real-world conditions.
Safe Collection Systems
The programme will also work on digital and safe battery collection systems to improve battery waste management.
Industry Collaboration
Indian and European industries, startups, research institutions, and policymakers will work together on technology transfer and innovation projects.
Statements from Officials
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood said the initiative represents a major milestone in India-EU strategic cooperation. He highlighted that building a strong battery recycling ecosystem is necessary for India’s resource security and environmental goals.
EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin said batteries are central to the global green transition and stressed the need to move innovations from laboratories to large-scale deployment.
India-EU EV Battery Recycling Partnership: Funding and Proposal Timeline
The initiative is jointly funded through:
- The European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme
- India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI)
Both sides have also launched the third coordinated call for proposals related to EV battery recycling technologies. According to reports, the deadline for submitting proposals is September 15, 2026.
What are the Benefits of India-EU EV Battery Recycling Partnership
The partnership could provide major long-term benefits for India’s EV ecosystem.
Reduced Dependence on Imports
India currently depends heavily on imports for critical battery minerals. Recycling can reduce this dependence and improve supply chain security.
Boost to Make in India
Developing local recycling technologies can support India’s manufacturing sector and create new jobs in clean energy industries.
Environmental Protection
Battery recycling reduces landfill waste and lowers pollution from mining and battery disposal.
Support for EV Growth
A strong recycling system can help India meet its ambitious electric mobility targets and support affordable EV production.
Global Push for Circular Economy
The India-EU initiative also aligns with the global push toward a circular economy, where products and materials are reused instead of discarded.
The European Union has already introduced strong battery sustainability regulations and battery passport systems to improve traceability and recycling standards.
Experts believe partnerships like this can help build sustainable and resilient global EV supply chains in the coming years.
