National Growth Fund Invests in Dutch Battery Consortium for Heavy Duty Transport
Eindhoven – 2 December 2025 - This week marks the launch of the CIMBATT project: an ambitious innovation project in which leading Dutch companies and knowledge institutions are working together to develop a circular battery value chain for heavy duty transport. The project not only brings together leading players such as VDL Groep, DAF Trucks, Damen Shipyards Group, NXP Semiconductors, TNO, Eindhoven University of Technology, and the University of Twente, but is also characterized by the active involvement of innovative start-ups that, through their entrepreneurship and technological innovation, make a crucial contribution to the development of a circular battery value chain.
By integrating the entire value chain—from design to reuse—the partners aim to accelerate the electrification of trucks, buses, ships, aircraft, and other heavy vehicles using next-generation battery technology that is sustainable, scalable, and affordable. Taking manufacturability, disassembly, circularity, recycling, and second-life applications into account from design to production.
“All involved applications (trucks, buses, construction machinery, maritime), have a need for a local production environment where battery modules and packs can be assembled at competitive prices, despite often lower volumes (high-mix, low-volume). The project helps to combine volumes and knowledge and accelerates out time-to-market by open innovation.” — René Vounckx, VDL Groep
The partners are focusing on the development of:
- Six modular new generation battery packs for various applications (truck, excavator, forklift, drone, aircraft, and maritime use)
- Pilot lines for battery assembly and rapid prototyping
- Cloud-based battery monitoring with AI-driven lifespan prediction
- Standards for battery passports, reuse, and recycling
- Stationary battery container systems based on second-life batteries
The cooperation is part of the National Battery Competence Cluster and contributes to strategic independence, material security, and compliance with future regulations. In doing so, the Netherlands is working not only toward a cleaner future but also toward a strong, innovative economy.
‘With the CIMBATT program, we bring together the best knowledge and expertise from the Dutch battery ecosystem in this public-private partnership. This positions us to make a lasting impact with our Cleantech manufacturing industry. For the next four years, €30 million is available to further accelerate this development’. – Mustafa Amhaouch – Battery Competence Cluster - NL
Participating organizations
VDL Groep, DAF Trucks, Damen Shipyards Group, Eleo Technologies, Hyster-Yale Netherlands, TNO, NXP Semiconductors Netherlands, Technical University, Eindhoven, University of Twente, Tracxon, Tulip Tech, Van Meer, PNO Innovation (Project coordination support).
About the Battery Competence Cluster
Battery Competence Cluster – NL (BCC-NL) is an innovation program aimed at developing a strong battery ecosystem in the Netherlands. Industry, knowledge institutions, and trade associations join forces with BCC-NL to build knowledge and competencies in battery technology. This public-private partnership unites the Dutch battery, transport, and energy industries to harness and accelerate the opportunities of the energy transition and battery technology.
More information.
About the National Growth Fund
The National Growth Fund invests in projects that make the greatest possible contribution to sustainable and structural economic growth. It does this in collaboration with project initiators and other investors. Through the National Growth Fund, the Dutch government is investing over €11 billion in 50 projects that strengthen the sustainable earning capacity of the Netherlands.
More information
About Material Independence & Circular Batteries
Material Independence & Circular Batteries, part of the National Growth Fund theme Energy and Sustainable Development, focuses on establishing a strong position for the Dutch manufacturing industry within the global battery value chain, with sustainability and circularity at its core. With an allocated budget of €157.9 million, the project works across three program lines—sustainable material supply, development and scaling of battery technology, and circular battery systems for mobility and grid stability—to create an integrated chain that connects application markets with technology developers. In doing so, the project contributes to a future-proof energy transition and a sustainable economic earning capacity for the Netherlands.
More information.