Electric vehicle sales are rising across Europe, but the continent still relies heavily on Asia for the most valuable part of an EV: the battery cell. In response, the European Union is backing a new generation of battery manufacturers with billions of euros in funding, aiming to strengthen Europe's industrial base and reduce dependence on China.

Yet building battery factories is only part of the challenge. Europe also needs access to critical raw materials such as lithium and graphite, while competing against well-established Asian producers with lower costs and years of technological experience. From gigafactories in France to some of Europe's largest lithium deposits, the race is on to create a homegrown battery industry. The outcome could shape the future of the European automotive sector, green technology and the continent’s economic competitiveness for decades to come.