New Report Details How China Dominates EV & Battery Research

China's rise in the electric vehicle (EV) and battery industries has marked a significant shift in the global innovation landscape. As the country solidifies its position as a leading force in these sectors, examining how its advancements in research and development (R&D) reflect its growing influence is essential. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) report, “How Innovative Is China in the Electric Vehicle and Battery Industries?” provides, among other topics, a comprehensive analysis of China’s dominance in scientific publications, patenting activities, and the overall impact on the industry.

In recent years, Chinese institutions have surged to the forefront of global research on electric batteries, holding a commanding position in high-impact publications. As of 2023, according to ITIF, Chinese institutions account for an impressive 65.4% of high-impact research publications on electric batteries. This dominance significantly eclipses the United States, contributing 11.9% of such publications. This stark contrast highlights China's rapid advancements and substantial investments in electric battery technology, shaping the future of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage.

ASPI finds that Chinese institutions account for 65.4 percent of the high-impact publications on electric batteries. Courtesy of ITIF.

The Rise of Chinese research

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The dominance of Chinese institutions in electric batteries is not a recent trend but rather the result of sustained efforts and strategic investments over the past decade. According to the report, since 2011, China has experienced a dramatic acceleration in scientific publications related to electric vehicle (EV) research, with the number of such publications increasing from 25 to 86 by 2020. This exponential growth underscores a broader trend of increasing research activity and innovation in the sector.

The number of Chinese scientific publications regarding EV research (relative to trillions of GDP) began to significantly accelerate around 2011. Courtesy of ITIF.

The ITIF highlights China’s significant progress: “The Chinese Academy of Sciences is a stand-out performer in the Critical Technology Tracker datasets. It leads in six of the eight energy and environment technologies [and is] number one globally for electric batteries.” China demonstrates its broad and deep commitment to advancing sustainable technologies by excelling in six of the eight energy and environment technologies. It also reflects China's strategic focus on this vital sector and its substantial investments in research and development.

High-impact research and global influence

The high-impact nature of research is a critical measure of scientific contribution, indicating how frequently other researchers reference a publication due to its relevance and quality. China's exceptional performance is illustrated by its substantial share of high-impact publications on electric batteries. ITIF points out, “For electric batteries, China has a 5.5 times lead over the US in its share of high-impact research, and eight of the top 10 institutions are based in China.” This dominance is corroborated by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), which tracks publications on electric batteries and confirms China's leading position with a 65.4% share of high-impact research. This influence translates into a significant global impact on developing new battery technologies, affecting academic research and industrial practices worldwide.

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China is a leader not only in the quantity of publications, but also in “high-quality” publications. Courtesy of ITIF.

As the report mentioned, China's leadership in high-impact research is also evident in its advancements in battery technologies, such as the Blade LFP battery and other innovative solutions. The Blade Battery, launched by BYD in 2020, is a notable example of China's commitment to improving battery safety and efficiency. This technology is designed to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion and offer better energy density, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of EVs. The introduction of BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery in 2024, with advancements such as lighter weight and higher energy density, further exemplifies China’s commitment to pioneering next-generation battery technologies.

Implications for the global market

China’s dominance in high-impact battery research has profound implications for the global EV market and the broader energy storage sector. As Chinese institutions continue to lead research and development, they will likely set the pace for technological advancements and innovations. This leadership positions China as a central player in shaping the future of electric mobility and energy storage solutions.

China’s reputation in this field presents opportunities and challenges for other countries and companies. ITIF notes, “China’s rapid increase in patent filings and research publications in the electric vehicle sector indicates a clear strategic focus on becoming a global leader in this industry.” International collaborations and partnerships with Chinese research institutions could offer access to cutting-edge technologies and insights, fostering innovation and growth in the global battery market. On the other hand, explicit agreements on R&D investments, regulatory compliance, and long-term stability are essential to benefit from these partnerships with Chinese research institutions.

When considering global shares of PCT patent publications in this field, China’s share increased from 2.4 percent in 2010 to 26.9 percent in 2020. Courtesy of ITIF.

The dominance of Chinese institutions in high-impact electric battery research underscores China’s pivotal role in advancing battery technologies. As the world moves towards increased electrification and renewable energy adoption, China's research excellence will likely continue to shape the trajectory of these transformative technologies.