Data-driven circular economy for e-mobility ecosystem (2ZERO Partnership)

Overview

Funding for projects advancing circular economy practices in electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, charging infrastructure, and data-driven lifecycle management. Targets consortia developing durable design, predictive maintenance, and digital product passports for EVs.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., businesses, research institutions, public bodies) from eligible EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and specified third countries. Single applicants are not eligible.

Funding Details

• Total budget: €12 million (€7 million for Area A, €5 million for Area B).
• Maximum grant per project: €13.5 million.
• Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs (lump sum).
• Co-funding: Not required.

What Is Funded

Area A: Circular economy for EV powertrains and infrastructure

• Design strategies for extended lifetime and reduced critical raw material (CRM) use in EV drivetrains and charging infrastructure.
• Health monitoring systems for Remaining Useful Life (RUL) assessment of components (e.g., power electronics, electric motors).
• Automated dismantling processes and circularity-focused business models.
• Environmental and economic sustainability analyses of drivetrain performance.

Area B: Data-driven lifecycle management of EVs

• Digital-twin-based product passports interoperable with battery passports and Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
• Track-and-trace systems for EV components (e.g., power electronics, thermal management) with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data standards.
• Real-world operational load measurement and API-based data management for lifecycle optimization.
• Secure, GDPR-compliant data-sharing frameworks across value chains.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4–6 (validation in lab to relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-12-14.
• Deadline: 2027-04-13T22:00:00Z.

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting to the 2ZERO Partnership for KPI monitoring.
• Compliance with lump-sum grant rules, including potential restrictions on ownership transfers or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.
• Use of Copernicus/Galileo/EGNOS for satellite-based data if applicable.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and specified third countries.
• Language: English.

Notes

• Projects must align with outcomes from prior Horizon Europe calls (e.g., HORIZON-CL5-2021-D5-01-04, HORIZON-CL5-2022-D5-01-09).
• At least two highest-ranked proposals per area (A and B) will be funded, subject to thresholds.
• Light-duty and heavy-duty EVs are eligible. Battery cells are excluded from scope.