Deadline: 08-Oct-2026
The European Commission has launched a €100 million Horizon Europe funding opportunity to accelerate the industrial-scale production and deployment of next-generation lithium-based batteries for mobility applications. The programme supports the development of advanced battery technologies, including semi-solid-state and all-solid-state batteries, with a focus on manufacturing scale-up, system integration, performance validation, and strengthening Europe’s battery value chain.
Projects must target a single transport sector—automotive, aviation, rail, or waterborne—and demonstrate how the proposed battery technology can meet real-world operational, safety, durability, and performance requirements.
What is the Next-Generation Lithium-Based Batteries for Mobility Call?
This Horizon Europe funding opportunity aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in advanced battery technologies by supporting the transition of next-generation lithium-based batteries from laboratory and prototype stages to industrial-scale manufacturing and deployment.
The initiative focuses on battery technologies beyond Generation 3 lithium-ion batteries and encourages innovations that improve:
- Energy density
- Safety
- Charging performance
- Manufacturing efficiency
- Sustainability
- Cost-effectiveness
- Durability
- System integration
The programme supports the development of complete battery ecosystems, from materials and components to battery packs and manufacturing equipment.
Funding Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Organisation | European Commission (EC) |
| Programme | Horizon Europe |
| Total Budget | €100 Million |
| Indicative Funding per Project | Approximately €33.3 Million |
| Technology Focus | Next-Generation Lithium-Based Batteries |
| Target Sectors | Automotive, Aviation, Rail, or Waterborne |
| Geographic Scope | International Participation |
| Eligible Applicants | Legal Entities Worldwide |
Key Objectives of the Programme
The initiative seeks to:
- Accelerate commercialisation of next-generation batteries
- Strengthen Europe’s battery manufacturing leadership
- Improve battery performance and safety
- Scale pilot manufacturing capabilities
- Enhance supply chain resilience
- Reduce production costs
- Advance battery system integration
- Support strategic transport sectors
- Increase technological sovereignty
Eligible Battery Technologies
Projects may focus on:
Semi-Solid-State Batteries
These batteries combine liquid and solid electrolyte characteristics to improve:
- Energy density
- Safety
- Performance
- Manufacturing scalability
All-Solid-State Batteries
These advanced batteries replace liquid electrolytes entirely and offer:
- Enhanced safety
- Longer lifespan
- Higher energy density
- Improved thermal stability
Other Next-Generation Lithium-Based Technologies
Applicants may propose innovative battery concepts that go beyond current Generation 3 battery technologies.
Target Transport Sectors
Applicants must focus on only one transport mode.
Automotive
Battery solutions for:
- Passenger vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
- Electric mobility applications
Aviation
Battery technologies for:
- Electric aircraft
- Hybrid-electric aviation systems
- Advanced aerospace mobility
Rail
Applications may include:
- Electric trains
- Rail electrification systems
- Energy storage for rail transport
Waterborne Transport
Solutions may target:
- Electric vessels
- Maritime transport
- Inland waterway mobility systems
Projects must clearly demonstrate how the battery technology addresses the specific operational requirements of the selected sector.
Key Focus Areas
1. Battery Performance and System Development
Projects should demonstrate:
- High energy density
- Enhanced safety
- Improved charging performance
- Long operational life
- System-level optimization
2. Manufacturing Scale-Up
Applicants are expected to develop:
- Pilot production capabilities
- Industrial manufacturing processes
- High-volume production methods
- Flexible manufacturing systems
3. Advanced Materials Development
Activities may include:
- Cathode material optimization
- Anode material development
- Electrolyte innovation
- Interface engineering
- Material integration technologies
4. Battery Manufacturing Equipment
Projects may focus on:
- Automated production systems
- Manufacturing machinery
- High-throughput processing technologies
- Smart factory integration
- Production efficiency improvements
5. Battery Pack and Module Integration
Applicants should develop:
- Battery modules
- Battery packs
- Integration frameworks
- Vehicle-ready systems
- Application-specific designs
6. Battery Management Systems (BMS)
Projects are expected to include:
- Advanced BMS technologies
- Sensor integration
- Predictive monitoring systems
- Safety management solutions
- Performance optimization tools
7. Validation and Demonstration
Comprehensive testing should evaluate:
- Safety performance
- Thermal management
- Mechanical durability
- Vibration resistance
- Electrical performance
- Operational reliability
Why This Funding Matters
Battery technology is a strategic pillar of Europe’s clean mobility transition.
The programme contributes to:
- Decarbonisation of transport
- Energy security
- Industrial competitiveness
- Supply chain resilience
- Technological leadership
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Economic growth
- Green mobility innovation
By strengthening domestic battery production capabilities, Europe can reduce dependence on external suppliers while creating high-value industrial opportunities.
Expected Project Outcomes
Successful projects should deliver:
Industrial Impact
- Scalable battery production technologies
- Improved manufacturing efficiency
- Stronger European battery value chains
- Enhanced industrial competitiveness
Technological Impact
- Higher-performing battery systems
- Advanced solid-state battery solutions
- Improved battery safety and reliability
- Innovative manufacturing processes
Economic Impact
- Job creation
- Increased investment opportunities
- Growth of battery-related industries
- Strengthened supply chain resilience
Environmental Impact
- Reduced transport emissions
- Improved energy efficiency
- Sustainable battery production
- Support for climate neutrality goals
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Participation is open to:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Battery manufacturers
- Automotive companies
- Aviation companies
- Rail industry organizations
- Maritime companies
- Technology developers
- SMEs
- Large enterprises
- Industry associations
- International organizations
- Legal entities from EU Member States
- Legal entities from Associated Countries
- Legal entities from non-associated third countries
Participation Requirements
Applicants must:
- Comply with Horizon Europe eligibility rules
- Register in the Participant Register
- Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Complete validation procedures before grant agreement signature
How to Apply
Step 1: Select the Target Transport Sector
Choose one transport mode:
- Automotive
- Aviation
- Rail
- Waterborne
Step 2: Build a Strong Consortium
Include expertise in:
- Battery chemistry
- Materials science
- Manufacturing technologies
- Automation systems
- Mobility applications
- Testing and validation
- Industrial scale-up
Step 3: Develop the Technology Roadmap
Clearly define:
- Battery concept
- Manufacturing strategy
- Scaling pathway
- Market deployment plan
Step 4: Design Validation Activities
Demonstrate how the technology will be tested under realistic operational conditions.
Step 5: Register and Obtain a PIC
Ensure all participating entities have valid Participant Identification Codes.
Step 6: Submit the Proposal
Complete and submit the proposal through the Horizon Europe Funding and Tenders Portal before the deadline.
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
Competitive applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear industrial relevance
- Strong scalability potential
- Innovative battery technologies
- Comprehensive validation plans
- Strong manufacturing strategies
- Commercialisation pathways
- Robust consortium expertise
- Contribution to European strategic autonomy
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following:
- Targeting multiple transport sectors
- Weak manufacturing scale-up plans
- Insufficient validation activities
- Limited industrial participation
- Poor commercialization strategies
- Lack of system integration planning
- Incomplete testing frameworks
- Weak supply chain considerations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total budget available?
The European Commission has allocated €100 million for this funding opportunity.
2. How much funding can a project receive?
The indicative contribution is approximately €33.3 million per project.
3. Which battery technologies are supported?
The call primarily supports next-generation lithium-based batteries, including semi-solid-state and all-solid-state battery technologies.
4. Which transport sectors are eligible?
Projects must target one of four sectors: automotive, aviation, rail, or waterborne transport.
5. Can organizations outside Europe participate?
Yes. Participation is open to legal entities worldwide, subject to Horizon Europe eligibility conditions.
6. Is industrial-scale manufacturing required?
Projects should demonstrate clear pathways toward pilot-scale and industrial-scale production capabilities.
7. What are the expected outcomes?
Projects should deliver scalable battery technologies, advanced manufacturing capabilities, validated battery systems, and stronger European competitiveness in advanced energy storage.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s €100 million Next-Generation Lithium-Based Batteries for Mobility Call represents one of Europe’s most significant investments in advanced battery innovation and manufacturing. By supporting the development, scale-up, and validation of next-generation battery technologies, the programme aims to strengthen Europe’s industrial leadership, accelerate clean mobility adoption, and build a resilient battery value chain capable of supporting the future of automotive, aviation, rail, and maritime transportation.
For more information, visit EC.