All Charged Up: Power Batteries & The Patent Race Shaping the Future of Electric Mobility

In the ever-evolving landscape of innovation, the electric vehicle (EV) industry stands as a beacon of technological transformation. As nations globally rally for sustainable alternatives to jurassic invention, the race to crack the EV industry has become a focal point. At the core of this pursuit lies a critical element: advanced power batteries.

Even tech behemoth Apple, recognized for its innovation across diverse markets, has thrown its hat into the EV ring. Amid the rumors and anticipation surrounding Apple’s decade-long quest to launch its electric vehicle—codenamed Titan and T172—the recent revelation of a potential delay underscores the intricacies of navigating this dynamic field. Reports suggest that, despite the industry’s eagerness for Apple’s disruptive entry, the company has reevaluated its strategy, streamlining the design and pushing back the release by two years, now slated for 2028.

As we explore the patents propelling the EV revolution, Apple’s venture serves as a poignant example of the challenges even industry giants face in this competitive arena. Join us on a journey through the global patent landscape, where the quest for superior power solutions unfolds, and where the true pioneers of the EV revolution are making their mark.

The Evolving Landscape of Power Batteries in the NEV Industry

The power battery, a pivotal component of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), plays a defining role as the primary power source, constituting approximately 40% of the total vehicle cost. This integral system sets NEVs apart from their traditional fuel-powered counterparts, positioning power batteries as the cornerstone of the electric mobility revolution.

The surge in demand for NEVs has led to an extraordinary expansion in power battery supply, growing several hundred times in the past decade. Industry leaders like Tesla and BYD have fueled this growth, contributing to a staggering increase from 1.08 GWh in 2011 to 517.9 GWh in 2022—a staggering 500-fold surge. This exponential rise underscores the vital role of advanced and efficient power batteries in sustaining the industry’s growth.

Lithium-ion batteries, dominant in the power arena, face challenges due to rising costs linked to lithium scarcity. Innovation in battery materials and structure, including sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, offers potential solutions. The power battery supply chain, illustrated through the lens of lithium-ion batteries, reveals a complex journey from raw materials to fully integrated components.

The historical evolution of power battery technology unfolds across four phases, culminating in a surge of 113 thousand technologies developed globally between 2002 and 2022. In the present, the industry experiences substantial growth, driven by supportive policies from major nations and collaborative innovations between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and battery companies.

Technical research and development have seen explosive growth in the last two decades as well, with a focus on addressing key challenges related to cost, safety, battery life, and structure.

Silicon Valley Tech vs Global Giants

In the crucible of innovation, Silicon Valley’s tech powerhouses engage in a high-stakes clash with global automotive giants, reshaping the future of electric mobility. Here, patents are the battleground currency, and breakthroughs in solid-state batteries and energy density position the Valley at the vanguard of the electric revolution.

Global Technological Showdown

A global tapestry of innovation unfolds as Silicon Valley challenges traditional automakers, led by China, the undisputed powerhouse commanding a staggering 74% of power battery patent applications. Japan follows at 9%, the US at 6%, Germany at 4%, and South Korea at 3%. Together, these top five origins orchestrate a remarkable 96% of total patent applications, forging the frontlines of the electric battleground.

China’s rise, catalyzed in 2008 by the deployment of lithium-ion batteries in Olympic buses, is a testament to its sustained Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30%, solidifying its dominance in power battery patents.

China showcases the broadest deployment, filing 5,857 overseas patent applications. Meanwhile, the US reveals the deepest global engagement, with an impressive 61.5% of its total power battery patent applications filed abroad—a testament to its global tech influence.

There are a few noteworthy dynamics that have emerged:

1) The US becomes the central target for technology deployment, creating a hub for global technological competition.
2) A unique bidirectional dance unfolds between China and the US, revealing a deeply interwoven innovation relationship.
3) The largest power play occurs as Japan deploys 1,376 power battery patents to the US, symbolizing a critical stream in the global tech arena.

Cell Tech Evolution: Unleashing the Power within Batteries

Powering the electric mobility revolution are diverse cell types—from the historical lead-acid to the cutting-edge lithium-ion. Amidst emerging technologies like magnesium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, the race for supremacy unfolds, shaping the trajectory of electric power.

Lead-Acid:

A stalwart since 1859, lead-acid batteries, though aged, boast advantages like high capacity and safety. Thriving in low temperatures, they continue as vital starters in electric vehicles.

Ni-Cd Obsolescence:

Ni-Cd batteries fade into obsolescence due to environmental hazards and memory effect, eclipsed by their upgraded successor, Ni-MH.

Ni-MH Prowess:

Ni-MH, the ‘upgraded version,’ dominates hybrid vehicles, exemplified by the Toyota Prius. With a service life exceeding 200,000 cycles, Ni-MH secures its niche.

Lithium-ion Reign:

The go-to for NEVs, lithium-ion batteries dazzle with higher energy density, ushering in a new era. Because of lithium scarcity, sodium-ion batteries emerge as a potential game-changer.

Sodium-ion Promise:

Tapping into sodium’s abundance, sodium-ion batteries present a promising alternative, albeit with lower energy density. Surging at a remarkable CAGR of 32%, sodium-ion technology emerges as the fastest-growing power battery tech. China spearheads this surge, contributing 88% of all sodium-ion technologies, promising a cost-effective alternative.

Patsnap’s Innovation Capability Evaluation Model reveals 50 companies that have made remarkable strides in power battery technology in the past year, positioning themselves as global pioneers.

These trailblazers, marked by exceptional innovation, now stand as luminaries in the field, creating a global standard for power battery advancements. Their transformative achievements and milestones have not only impacted the industry but have become the cornerstone for ongoing research and development, shaping the trajectory of power battery technology. Their unwavering dedication and exceptional accomplishments have unearthed new possibilities, opening doors to unprecedented opportunities for the entire sector. As we look ahead, it is imperative to acknowledge and glean insights from the triumphs of these visionary companies.

Patsnap’s Innovation Capability Evaluation Model identifies the top 50 global innovative leaders in power battery technology, revealing a substantial network of 64 research and development (R&D) partnerships among them. These collaborations have led to the joint development of an impressive 1,250 power battery technologies, showcasing the industry’s collective commitment to pushing technological boundaries.

Noteworthy collaborations include Samsung SDI and Bosch, which have spearheaded extensive efforts resulting in 701 power battery technologies. Additionally, partnerships between DENSO and Toyota, as well as Nissan Motor and Renault, have significantly contributed to the innovation landscape, yielding 124 and 105 power battery technologies, respectively. The collaborations underscore a global trend, with Japanese and German leaders actively engaging in R&D partnerships.

Further analysis of the data reveals that 43 out of the total 64 cooperative R&D relationships involve innovative leaders from Japan, emphasizing a high level of engagement in collaborative efforts. In contrast, Germany has only five combinations of R&D cooperation. The vehicle industry’s leaders primarily collaborate within their sector, with 55% of the 24 global innovative leaders in the vehicle industry engaging in cooperative R&D. Additionally, there are 12 combinations of R&D cooperation between vehicle companies and Energy and Electrical companies, 8 between vehicle companies and battery companies, and 7 between vehicle companies and Machinery & Equipment companies.

Citations from Samsung SDI, a prominent player in the power battery industry, further highlight the interconnected nature of innovation. With 9,626 citations, Samsung SDI extensively draws on technological advancements from global leaders like Toyota, Bosch, LG Energy, and Nissan, emphasizing a collaborative approach to innovation. The high number of citations from various entities underscores the substantial contributions of these companies to the power battery industry.

Notably, Samsung SDI’s acknowledgment of the significance of collaborating with major vehicle manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, and BMW, emphasizes the critical role of diverse partnerships in advancing power battery technologies. Similarly, LG Energy’s power battery technologies, with 10,422 citations, serve as a reference for battery and vehicle companies alike, emphasizing the influential role played by leaders in shaping the industry’s technological landscape. These insights highlight the intricate web of collaboration and knowledge exchange driving innovation in the power battery sector.

In conclusion, the dynamic landscape of EV innovation is steered by the pivotal role of power batteries. The emphasis on collaboration, exemplified by 64 R&D partnerships among global innovative leaders underscores the collective commitment to pushing technological boundaries together.