Accelerating the circular transformation of the EU automotive industry

The main goal of this opportunity is to speed up the shift towards a circular economy in the EU automotive industry. It aims to promote a broad understanding of circular economic principles throughout the entire life-cycle of road transport. The initiative targets increased resource independence, reduced environmental impact, and greater competitiveness for the automotive sector. Focus areas include setting up requirements for a European circular economy ecosystem, developing tools like product passports and digital twins for better reuse and recycling, creating roadmaps for pilot projects, and supporting engagement with stakeholders and AI-based solutions for end-of-life vehicle components. The scope covers eligible countries as defined in the Horizon Europe guidelines, with some non-EU countries also able to participate under specific provisions.

• Promote a harmonised understanding of circular economy principles across the entire automotive value chain in road transport and beyond. 

• Boost Europe’s resource sovereignty, reduce environmental footprint, and reinforce competitiveness across the full life-cycle of automotive products. 

• Define requirements and boundaries for a European circular economy ecosystem in the automotive sector, possibly informing future standard-setting. 

• Support adoption of product passports and digital twins to optimize reuse, remanufacturing, and automotive recycling practices. 

• Develop a roadmap for European lighthouse pilot projects to drive fast and noticeable industrial transformation towards automotive circularity. 

• Map stakeholders and engage industrial, regional, and other key actors throughout the automotive value chain, ensuring full involvement.

• Personnel costs directly related to the project
• Costs for equipment and materials needed for research and innovation
• Subcontracting necessary for project implementation
• Travel and subsistence for project-related activities
• Costs for stakeholder engagement and dissemination events
• Development of digital tools, such as product passports and digital twins
• AI software and data processing expenses
• Costs for pilot and demonstration activities
• Administrative and overhead costs related to project execution

All costs are covered as a lump sum, and must be directly linked to the project objectives.

• Budget for this Call: 2.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Applicants must be from eligible countries as specified in Horizon Europe guidelines.
• Proposals must use the official application templates.
• Applications must follow page limits and formatting requirements.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity to complete the project.
• Projects should align with the circular transformation goals for the EU automotive sector.
• Collaborative projects involving multiple partners are encouraged.
• Applicants may need to form partnerships or networks to address the full value chain.