France and Germany have introduced specifics of a plan to start a top electric battery industry in Europe, from the extraction of raw materials to recycling.

French Economy minister Bruno Le Maire said about 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) should be invested in the Franco-German project, including 1.2 billion euros of public subsidies.

A pilot plant will likely to be based in France and two production plants, each of 1,500 laborers, will be built in both countries.

Le Maire said during a visit by his German counterpart Peter Altmaier to Paris: "This is an example of what Europe can do when united."

European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic appreciated the move as EU production represents no more than 3 percent of the world market and would like to compete with the U.S. and China.

This article is originally posted on manufacturing.net