Energy Storage Science and Technology

   

A Comparative Study on the Innovation-Driven Development of Vehicle-used Lithium-ion Battery Technology between China and the United States Based on Patent Analysis

Wen Ting Jin(), Yi Sheng Cai()   

  1. National Security College, Southwest University of Political Science & Law, Chongqing 400000
  • Received:2025-03-25 Revised:2025-04-30
  • Contact: Yi Sheng Cai E-mail:1182845374@qq.com;43375217@qq.com

Abstract:

The analysis of patent information pertaining to vehicle-used lithium-ion battery technologies in both China and the United States is conducive to discerning the international mainstream trends of the innovation-driven development of this technology and China's position in international competition. Moreover, it can furnish valuable references for the attainment of high-quality development and high-level security of relevant technologies and industries within China. By analyzing the patent information retrieved from the incoPat database, a comprehensive comparative study of the innovation of vehicle-used lithium-ion battery technologies between the two countries was carried out from three perspectives, namely the patent quantity, patent quality and technical fields and hotspots. China has manifested a conspicuous effect in catching up with the United States in quantity of R&D outcomes. However, its performance in quality of outcomes is relatively less remarkable. In terms of the command of basic core technologies and the market value of outcomes, China still face certain shortage compared with the United States. Both China and the United States possess their respective advantages in the technology life cycle. Whether China can effectuate breakthroughs in key technologies in medium or short term is the determinant of future competitive landscape between the two countries. While both nations have dedicated significant R&D resources to key core technologies in automotive lithium-ion batteries, their technical research priorities and emphasized technological goals vary. Eventually, recommendations for relevant development in China were proffered from three aspects.

Key words: New Energy Vehicles, Lithium-ion Batteries, Innovation-Driven Development, Patent Analysis, China, the United States

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