India, EU launch EV battery recycling initiative to boost green transition

New Delhi: India and the European Union have launched a third coordinated call for proposals under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), focusing on the recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, an initiative that carries significant environmental importance as the global shift towards clean mobility accelerates.

Announced on 5 May 2026, the programme aims to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges associated with EV adoption: the safe disposal and reuse of battery materials.

With EV demand rising rapidly, the accumulation of used batteries poses risks such as soil and water contamination if not managed properly. By promoting advanced recycling technologies, the initiative seeks to minimise hazardous waste, reduce dependence on mining, and conserve critical natural resources like lithium, cobalt, and graphite.

The joint India–EU effort, backed by a funding pool of €15.2 million, will support the development of high-efficiency material recovery systems, enabling valuable minerals to be extracted and reused in new batteries.

This reduces the environmental footprint of mining activities, which are often energy-intensive and ecologically damaging. The programme also emphasises safe, digitalised collection systems to ensure that end-of-life batteries are handled responsibly and kept out of informal or unsafe recycling channels.

A key environmental benefit of the initiative lies in its push towards a circular economy—where materials are continuously reused rather than discarded.

By establishing a joint pilot line in India, the programme will test and scale sustainable recycling solutions in real-world conditions, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with raw material extraction and battery production.

Experts note that such collaboration is crucial for meeting climate targets. Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood described the initiative as vital for strengthening India’s resource security and environmental commitments, especially as the EV market expands.

EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin underscored that batteries are central to the green transition, and sustainable lifecycle management is essential to ensure that clean technologies remain truly environmentally friendly.

The initiative also promotes the safe “second life” use of batteries, extending their usability in less energy-intensive applications before final recycling. This further reduces waste and enhances energy efficiency.

With the submission deadline set for 15 September 2026, the call is expected to bring together researchers, industries, and startups from both regions to develop scalable, eco-friendly solutions.

The collaboration marks a significant step towards reducing environmental risks associated with EV growth while advancing global climate and sustainability goals.