India–EU Partner On Advanced EV Battery Recycling Push Worth ₹169 Crore

India and the European Union (EU) have launched a €15.2 million (~₹169 crore) joint initiative to strengthen EV battery recycling and circular economy systems under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), Working Group 2 on green and clean energy technologies.

Announced on 5 May 2026, the initiative aims to develop advanced recycling technologies , secure access to critical raw materials , and support the creation of a sustainable battery value chain as electric mobility expands rapidly in India and Europe. The programme is funded through the EU’s Horizon Europe research framework , while India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries will support the domestic component.

A key feature of the initiative is the establishment of a joint India–EU pilot line in India , which will act as a real-world testing and demonstration facility for recycling technologies. However, the announcement does not specify the exact location of the plant; it is expected to be set up through partnerships with industry and research institutions within India’s existing EV and industrial ecosystems.

The project will focus on multiple technology streams, including high-efficiency material recovery systems , safe and digitally enabled battery collection and logistics networks , and pilot-scale validation of innovative recycling processes. These systems will be designed to ensure safer handling of used batteries while improving traceability and efficiency.

A major technological focus will be the recovery of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite from spent batteries. The initiative is expected to deploy a combination of mechanical processing, chemical (hydrometallurgical) extraction techniques, and hybrid recycling methods to achieve high recovery rates and material purity. These approaches are intended to reduce dependence on imported critical minerals and strengthen domestic supply chains.

The programme will also promote second-life applications for EV batteries , where batteries that are no longer suitable for vehicles can be repurposed for energy storage systems and grid support applications, extending their lifecycle and reducing waste.

Another important component is the development of a digitalised and inclusive logistics model , which aims to integrate informal sector workers into formal recycling systems while ensuring safety standards for battery handling and storage . This is expected to improve efficiency and reduce environmental risks associated with improper disposal.

Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood described the initiative as a key milestone in India–EU strategic cooperation , highlighting its importance for resource security and environmental sustainability. EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin emphasised that batteries are central to the global clean energy transition , while stressing the need to translate innovation into real-world deployment.

Officials from both sides noted that the initiative will strengthen collaboration between research institutions, startups, and industry players , and help build a resilient cross-continental supply chain for strategic materials.

Overall, the project marks a significant step towards building a circular EV battery ecosystem , where used batteries become a source of valuable raw materials rather than waste.