Analysis of global patents data held by GlobalData shows that China is emerging as the largest source for patents – applied for and granted – in the area of electric vehicle powertrain batteries.
In the second quarter of the year, China’s patent authorities accounted for almost 14,000 published patent records. The data puts the US was in second place with under 4,000 patents.
China is emerging as a strong growth pole in electrified and electric vehicles as well as in the development of associated technologies and components supplies. Industry analysts also point out that the technologies and chemical make-up of batteries for EVs is a particularly dynamic field.
In batteries, the leading company assignees of patents – again over the Q2 period – were LG Corp and CATL. Both companies are pressing ahead with expansion plans for automotive powertrain battery manufacturing as well as exploring next generation technological refinements.
Chinese battery maker CATL recently said it has developed new materials for lithium ion batteries which it claims sharply improve charging efficiency for electric vehicles, especially in extreme cold.
“This data confirms that China is emerging as a very competitive player in the electric vehicle segment all through the value chain,” said GlobalData analyst Al Bedwell. “In terms of EVs, there is intense activity from Chinese companies in emerging technologies and their essential components, such as batteries.”
Second quarter patents data by source authority
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