The first Horizon Europe projects focusing on battery research and innovation are entering their final stage since their launch. These projects are grouped under the BATT4EU Partnership, a public-private partnership between the European Commission and the Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA), the private voice of research and innovation across the battery value chain.
To date, BATT4EU counts 64 projects, which are delivering groundbreaking results. On September 29th, during the BATT4EU Success Stories webinar, BEPA showcased the achievements of HELENA, PSIONIC, and ADVAGEN.
The HELENA project focuses on developing next-generation halide-based solid-state batteries for electric vehicles and aircraft. The project achieved significant breakthroughs in the development of new halide solid electrolytes (Li–Y-Br/Cl systems) with ionic conductivity up to 5 mS/cm, enhanced particle size control, and stability with active materials. It also developed advanced cathode materials. It also develops NMC cathodes from 622 to high-voltage NMC 811, reaching 210 mAh/g and improved energy density through optimised coatings.
HELENA successfully scaled up from coin cells to multilayer pouch cells (1–10Ah) using thin solid electrolyte membranes (~30 µm) and high-loading composite cathodes (~4 mAh/cm²). Interfacial stability was improved through protective sulphide coatings, extending cycle performance and achieving ~98% coulombic efficiency. Thanks to ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, they have been able to elucidate the reaction mechanism of lithium metal and the electrolyte interface, which is key for high-performance devices. In addition, HELENA validated recycling routes with >70–80% recovery of lithium and transition metals, demonstrating a clear roadmap toward sustainable, industrial-scale halide solid-state batteries.
The PSIONIC project develops a polymer-based solid-state battery using an innovative solvent-free extrusion process. This approach eliminates the use of toxic solvents, offering a scalable and environmentally friendly route to battery manufacturing. PSIONIC optimised the composition of polymer electrolytes by blending polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polycarbonates (PPC and PEC) with lithium salts, achieving ionic conductivity of 4.6 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm at 40 °C and electrochemical stability at 4.58 V. A key achievement was the development of UV-cured crosslinked polymer membranes that are self-standing and flexible (~60 µm), enabling stable lithium plating and stripping for over 600 hours without short circuits. The project demonstrated cells with LFP cathodes delivering 168 mAh/g at C/20 and 99.8 % coulombic efficiency, while NMC-based cells reached 110 mAh/g at C/15 and 40 °C. They are currently studying how the addition of succinonitrile plasticisers could further improve room-temperature conductivity and stability by decreasing the crystallinity of the polymer. PSIONIC thus represents a strong step toward safe, sustainable, and industry-ready solid-state batteries manufactured through solvent-free processes.
The ADVAGEN project focuses on hybrid oxide–sulphide solid-state batteries (LPSCl:LLZO, 80:20) based on European-sourced materials. The project synthesised high-purity LPSCl electrolytes with conductivities exceeding 1 mS/cm and optimised NMC 811 cathodes with precise temperature and oxygen control, achieving over 200 mAh/g. ADVAGEN developed innovative interface engineering solutions, including thin lithium metal deposition on copper and sputtering plasma for AlOx coatings, resulting in stable cycling at >0.1 mA/cm². Hybrid sulphide–oxide cells demonstrated robust compatibility and high energy density, while pouch cells exceeding 1 Ah are under fabrication. They developed multiscale modelling for the battery components, making the battery’s electrochemical working mechanism. These achievements show a fully European supply-chain approach to solid-state battery development, combining material innovation, modelling, and scalable cell prototyping.
Together, HELENA, PSIONIC, and ADVAGEN illustrate the technological progress under the European BATT4EU partnership. From halide to polymer to hybrid solid-state systems, these projects are pushing the boundaries of safety, performance, and sustainability. They demonstrate that Europe is rapidly advancing toward industrially scalable, next-generation solid-state batteries that can power the electric mobility sectors of tomorrow. These are just a few examples of the BATT4EU projects that have been thriving and successful.
These are just a few examples of the BATT4EU projects that have been thriving and successful. BEPA will continue to support these initiatives by highlighting more success stories on Thursday 13 November, 10:00-11:30, with the second webinar dedicated to the BATT4EU Success Stories, connect to hear about NoVOC, BatWoMan, and.
The #BATT4EU partnership projects focusing on battery research and innovation are demonstrating impressive progress and delivering groundbreaking results across the entire battery value chain.
To highlight their achievements and share their success stories, BEPA is organising a dedicated webinar series: #BATT4EU Success Stories.
Going on its 9th edition, the RTR Conference is a unique entry point into the achievements of EU-funded projects in road transport.
Once again this year, participants will learn about EU-funded and Horizon Europe projects’ results and expected impacts, and what the next research steps are in essential areas for road transport: Green Vehicles, Urban Mobility, Logistics, Intelligent Transport Systems, Safety, Automated Road Transport, Batteries.
The conference will deliver a holistic view of how the European research scene is moving forward in these fields, bringing benefits to the environment, economy, and European society overall.
Brussels, 23 October 2025 — RECHARGEandBEPAtoday unveiled their landmark strategic report, “A Battery Deal for Europe”. The initiative calls for a coordinated European effort to build a globally competitive, sustainable, and socially inclusive battery ecosystem — one that anchors Europe’s industrial renewal, supports its climate ambitions, and safeguards its strategic autonomy.
Co-authored by RECHARGE (the Advanced Rechargeable & Lithium Batteries Association) and BEPA (the Batteries European Partnership Association), the report sets out a unified vision and roadmap for Europe’s battery future. By articulating a common direction and fostering collaboration across all levels, the Battery Deal for Europe aims to secure Europe’s place as a global leader in sustainable batteries — driving industrial renewal, climate progress, and technological sovereignty.
“A Battery Deal for Europe aligns industrial ambition with societal benefit. It’s not just about competitiveness — it’s about building a battery ecosystem that delivers jobs, innovation, and long-term industrial growth for generations to come”, said Ilka von Dalwigk, Director General, RECHARGE. “Europe’s battery future cannot be shaped in silos, but through shared ambition. Only by acting together, and based on a robust foundation of innovation, sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness, we will shape Europe’s battery future.”
“Europe has all the ingredients to lead in sustainable batteries — world-class research, skilled talent, and strong industrial know-how,” added Fabrice Stassin, Secretary General, BEPA. “What we now need is coordinated action and policy alignment to turn that potential into lasting global leadership. A Battery Deal for Europe is both a call to action and a framework for collaboration. To secure Europe’s sovereignty and climate leadership, we must act across institutions, Member States, and industries.”
Europe’s battery sector stands at a critical juncture. While the continent has made major strides in research, innovation, and early industrialisation, global competition is intensifying. Without decisive and collective European action, the report warns, Europe risks ceding control of a value chain central to its green, digital, and industrial transitions.
A Coordinated Strategy Built on Four Pillars
The Battery Deal proposes a coherent industrial strategy built on four mutually reinforcing pillars:
INNOVATE – Support European breakthrough research in advanced battery technologies while also investing in innovations.
PRODUCE – Mobilise ramp-up and scale-up support across the European value chain.
BUY – Boost demand for EU-made batteries through incentive frameworks.
SECURE – Strengthen trade instruments to counter unfair competition or dumping practices, while strategically diversifying raw material sources in Europe.
These pillars are underpinned by the guiding principles of Scope, Scale, Speed, and Sustainability, forming a comprehensive framework to translate Europe’s ambition into enduring industrial strength.
“A Battery Deal for Europe provides the missing piece — a blueprint for coordination and implementation”, continued Stassin.
Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra joined the launch of “A Battery Deal for Europe” — a pivotal moment for Europe’s clean tech future: “Europe will be stepping up in the hugely strategic battery sector. We need to position Europe as a leader in battery production. We need to establish a full value chain within Europe, from raw material extraction to cell manufacturing and recycling. This is crucial for our continent’s climate, competitiveness and independence goals.”
About RECHARGE
RECHARGE is Europe’s industry association for advanced rechargeable and lithium batteries, representing a 360° value chain poised to tackle today’s & tomorrow’s challenges. We advocate for the sustainable development of an innovative and competitive rechargeable and lithium batteries value chain in Europe – a battery industry capable of taking Europe to climate-neutrality and industrial leadership.
BEPA is the voice of European research and innovation across the battery value chain. We set the technological priorities, advocate for funding and financing policies, and foster collaboration, with the goal to accelerate research and innovation and its industrialisation for a competitive Europe.
Join our monthly lunch-time webinars and listen to 5 startups developing technologies and innovations in the battery space. Learn about their product(s), their needs, and explore new potential collaborations with key stakeholders evolving in the battery sector.
Whether you are a corporate shark looking for the next innovation to boost your products, an investor hungry for your next big opportunity, or a researcher curious about new developing technologies, join our Battery Startup Lunch to discover, exchange, and build.
In her State of the Union in September this year, Ursula von der Leyen stressed that battery technology “goes to the heart of our independence”. The joint announcement of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs to implement export controls on battery technologies underlines her point. The export controls will be instated along the value chain. From material inputs like synthetic graphite and cathode active materials and their precursors to high-end lithium-ion batteries and key battery production equipment.
In a volatile geopolitical world, similar controls can be instated by other countries for various battery inputs. These controls can encompass the physical, but can touch (and have touched) intellectual property and the export of know-how. If Europe truly wants to strive independence, we need to grow the knowledge necessary to build a local battery value chains to power European cars and grids.
Under Horizon Europe, the BATT4EU Partnership has started to build up the local European R&I community, by uniting all stakeholders within the Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA). if we want to avoid that the words of President Von der Leyen will sound hollow in the future, a continued investment in the build-up of European battery know-how is necessary. To produce and refine raw materials, to create advanced battery technology, and to produce them here in Europe. Only in this way, we can innovate and create the competitive economy that will provide jobs and security.
The renewal of the Batteries Partnership under the next EU budget is not a big ask. It’s not even just a big opportunity. It’s a big necessity.
2 August
Insights & Studies
The Moment of Truth: Opportunities of the battery aftermarket by Porsche Consulting
A Battery Deal for Europe launch event will see the presentation of a strategic report co-written by RECHARGE and BEPA, establishing the actions required for a prosperous European battery ecosystem to thrive.
A Battery Deal for Europe is set to influence Brussels’ decision-making, offering concrete and actionable, and coordinated solutions to build a robust, future-ready European battery ecosystem.
HOW? It sets out the urgent priorities to revive Europe’s battery value chain, not only driving innovation and investment, but also delivering value and security to workers, communities, and industries. It builds on 4 pillars needed to succeed in the global battery race: INNOVATE, PRODUCE, BUY, SECURE.
WHO? In addition to RECHARGE members and members of the BEPA governing bodies, representatives from the European Commission, National Battery Clusters, NGOs and Relevant Associations, are invited to actively participate in shaping the discussions and driving this initiative forward.
The Final Event of the StoRIES project will be held from 7th to 9th October 2025 in Brussels, Belgium, kindly hosted by the project partner, Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC).
This event will convene project partners, stakeholders, and members of the wider research and innovation community to present the project’s achievements and discuss the future of energy storage in Europe.
