Chinese Firms File 62,000 Patents for EV Charging Technology

A recent analysis of patent submissions in electric mobility charging technology indicates that China is a global leader in this field. The country has registered over 62,000 patents, significantly outpacing Japan, Germany, South Korea, and the USA, which collectively have between 4,000 and 6,000 patents.

The Munich-based law firm Grünecker conducted the study, as initially reported by the German business publication *Handelsblatt*. Their research focused on annual patent applications linked to electric mobility.

The report highlights that nearly half of all patent applications now pertain to batteries and charging stations, with a notable surge in charging technology. In 2014, only 10% of e-mobility patents were related to charging; by 2022, this number had jumped to 39%.

This remarkable growth can largely be attributed to advancements in China, which has prioritized the transition from oil dependency for transportation, driven by concerns over pollution. This push has led to a robust ecosystem involving manufacturers, suppliers, universities, and startups. According to Grünecker, China has recorded a total of 62,655 patents in charging technology, while Japan follows with 5,568, the USA with 4,306, Germany with 3,973, and South Korea with 3,942.

Reports from *electrive* have also noted the emergence of powerful charging stations from Chinese companies like GAC Aion, Xpeng, and the Lotus subsidiary of Geely. This trend is further supported by advancements in battery technology from firms such as CATL and BYD, particularly in LFP cell chemistry. For instance, CATL is set to introduce its next-generation Qilin battery, featuring a charging rate of 6C, by the latter half of 2024. Similarly, BYD is reportedly developing a 6C battery.

Grünecker’s study reveals that Chinese patents are not only focused on the charging technology itself but also on the essential data connections with vehicles. Jens Koch, the lead researcher, states that the objective is to create intelligent, high-performance charging stations that communicate effectively.

Chinese companies have also gained a competitive edge in electric vehicle charging by emphasizing both charging and battery swapping technologies, which complement each other. Aulton, a Chinese charging station operator, ranks second in the EV patent landscape.

The Chinese government has heavily invested in electric vehicle advancements, including charging infrastructure, through substantial public funding and subsidies. While the number of registered patents does not guarantee superior products, the volume of applications reflects the significant investment being made in this sector, increasing the probability of meaningful commercial innovations.

In terms of individual companies, Toyota remains a leader in electric car charging technology, despite its stronger reputation for hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. Currently, battery-electric cars and associated charging technology represent a smaller portion of Toyota's offerings, as the company focuses on developing solid-state batteries.

Notably, German automakers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz rank among the top ten patent holders, alongside three Chinese companies: Aulton, BYD, and Beijing Electric Vehicle, which are also significant contributors to the patent landscape.

Original News Website:

electrive.com, handelsblatt.com (in German)