Battery manufacturers looking to expand production capacity in Europe can apply for financing through the new Battery Booster Facility. The European Commission has made up to € 1.5 billion available for projects that scale up the production of battery cells for electric vehicles. Eligible projects can receive an interest-free loan of up to € 500 million. The application deadline is 30 September 2026.
Battery Booster Facility supports the scale-up of battery manufacturing
The Battery Booster Facility is a new financing instrument funded through the Innovation Fund. The European Commission formally established the facility on 9 June 2026 as part of its wider Battery Booster Strategy. This strategy, presented in December 2025, aims to strengthen battery manufacturing and the battery value chain in Europe.
Funding for the facility comes from revenues generated by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). However, the financing mechanism differs from standard Innovation Fund calls. Instead of receiving a grant, successful applicants receive an interest-free loan.
The facility specifically addresses the scale-up stage of battery cell manufacturing. This phase can require substantial investment because manufacturers need to move from pre-series production towards full commercial capacity. By providing additional financing during this period, the European Commission aims to accelerate new European production capacity and mobilise further private investment.
What types of battery projects are eligible?
The Battery Booster Facility targets battery cell production projects located in the European Economic Area (EEA). The financing is subject to several specific eligibility requirements. Projects must:
- produce battery cells intended for use in electric vehicles;
- already have entered the scale-up phase when the call opens;
- represent the applicant’s first project worldwide for the full-scale commercial production of battery cells for electric vehicles;
- have a planned annual battery cell production capacity of at least 10 GWh.
The European Commission defines the relevant scale-up period as the phase starting with the production of pre-series C-Samples and continuing until the facility reaches full commercial production. These conditions mean that the Battery Booster Facility is aimed at relatively mature manufacturing projects rather than early-stage research, development or demonstration activities.
How does the Battery Booster Facility financing work?
The European Commission has allocated a total budget of up to € 1.5 billion to the facility. An individual project can receive an interest-free loan covering up to 60% of its eligible costs. The maximum loan amount is € 500 million per project.
By using loans instead of grants, the Commission aims to use public financing alongside private capital. The instrument addresses the financing challenges manufacturers may encounter when their technology and production facility are sufficiently mature, but production has not yet reached full commercial scale.
For applicants, this means that financial viability is an important part of the application. Projects need to demonstrate not only that they meet the technical requirements, but also that the proposed investment and financing structure are credible.
How does the European Commission assess your application?
Applications are evaluated against the criteria included in the Battery Booster Facility call. Among other factors, the European Commission considers the technical and financial maturity of the proposed project and its contribution to the European battery ecosystem.
Applicants therefore need to provide detailed information about their production plans and financial position. The required documentation includes an application form, a business plan and a detailed financial model.
The submission procedure begins through EU Survey. After completing this initial step, applicants receive access to EU Send Web, which they can use to securely submit their complete application to the European Commission.
When is the Battery Booster Facility deadline?
The Battery Booster Facility opened for applications on 28 July 2026 with a budget of € 1.5 billion. The application deadline is set for 30 September 2026. With only a limited period between the opening date and the deadline, potential applicants need to determine quickly whether their battery manufacturing project meets the requirements. Preparing the business plan, financial model and supporting technical documentation can require significant time. Do you want to make use of the Battery Booster Facility? Then now is the time to start your preparations.
Preparing an application for the Battery Booster Facility
Manufacturers considering an application should first assess whether their project falls within the required scale-up phase and meets the production capacity and location requirements. It is also important to determine whether the technical and financial information needed for the application can be completed before 30 September 2026.
Are u considering financing the scale-up of battery cell production through the Battery Booster Facility? Our specialists can assess whether your project meets the requirements and support u in preparing the technical and financial elements of the application. Contact us to discuss the opportunities for your project.
