Electric vehicles, or pure electric vehicles, have a history of over a hundred years. The world's first research on electric vehicles was completed in 1828 by Hungarian engineer Ányos Jedlik using a telemetry device in his laboratory.
The first actually manufactured electric vehicle was invented by American James Anderson between 1832 and 1839. The battery used in this electric vehicle was relatively simple and was non-rechargeable.
In 1899, German engineer Porsche invented a hub motor to replace the chain drive commonly used in automobiles at the time. He subsequently developed the Lohner-Porsche electric car, which used lead-acid batteries as its power source and was directly driven by hub motors in the front wheels. This was also the first car to bear the Porsche name.
Porsche also installed two hub motors on the rear wheels of the Lohner-Porsche, thus creating the world's first four-wheel drive electric vehicle.
The main reason why electric vehicles have not been able to develop on a large scale for nearly two hundred years is the limitation of battery technology.
It is evident how significant the impact of batteries is on the development of pure electric vehicles. For over a century, battery technology had not seen any revolutionary progress worldwide until breakthroughs in materials science in the 21st century, which led to new developments in battery technology.
Today, YiMaoJun will talk to you about the development history of automotive battery technology worldwide.
Japan has a clear advantage in the development of electric vehicle power batteries.
Research on batteries for pure electric vehicles primarily focuses on lithium batteries, followed by lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and sodium batteries. In terms of total patent applications worldwide, Japan holds the largest number of patent applications related to batteries and management systems for pure electric vehicles. Domestically, over 90% of patent applications originate from Japanese applicants. Whether considering the total number of patent applications worldwide or the share of Japanese applicants in Japanese patent applications, Japan is the strongest player in the field of batteries and management systems for pure electric vehicles, controlling the vast majority of patent technologies.
The second type of battery used in American pure electric vehicles
As the world's largest automobile producer and consumer, the United States focuses its research on batteries for pure electric vehicles primarily on lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion battery-related patents account for over 70% of all power battery patents, followed by lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, air batteries, and sodium-ion batteries. In terms of total patent applications worldwide, as of June 2010, the United States ranked second only to Japan in the number of patent applications related to batteries and management systems for pure electric vehicles. However, within the United States, Japanese applicants accounted for the largest share of patent applications related to batteries and management systems for pure electric vehicles, nearly 60% of the total, while US applicants ranked second.
Batteries for German electric vehicles seem optional.
Their research primarily focuses on lithium batteries, followed by lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, sodium batteries, and air batteries. In terms of total patent applications worldwide, as of June 2010, Germany ranked 6th globally in the number of patent applications related to batteries and management systems for pure electric vehicles, significantly lagging behind Japan, which ranked first, and accounting for only 11% of Japan's applications.
In terms of domestic patent applications, German applicants hold approximately 43% of the total, higher than Japan, which ranks second. Globally, Germany's technological strength in the field of batteries and management systems for pure electric vehicles lags far behind Japan. However, within Germany itself, Germany possesses a strong technological advantage, with a higher number of patents than Japan.
China's electric vehicle battery technology is developing rapidly.
China, Japan, and South Korea continue to dominate the market, with market shares of 37%, 28%, and 33% respectively in 2012. China had the largest share, which to some extent boosted the development of electric vehicles.
While my country's electric vehicle battery technology is developing rapidly, it suffers from two significant drawbacks. The first is a lack of in-depth technical expertise, particularly regarding battery chemistry, physics, temperature control, and structural issues. Research in these areas is insufficient, and mathematical models haven't been established to fully understand these problems. The second drawback is the lack of an evaluation system. Although some electric vehicles in my country are performing well, a robust evaluation system is lacking. For example, there's no adequate assessment of battery safety or its ability to function properly under high and low temperatures.
A report released in Shanghai on June 7, 2013, by Roland Berger, a well-known European consulting firm, stated that the global prospects for electric vehicle manufacturing are not very optimistic, except in China.
my country's automotive power batteries have transitioned from research and development to industrialization, and are showing signs of accelerated development. The main performance characteristics of electric vehicle power batteries have reached international advanced levels, but some weaknesses still need to be addressed. Currently, domestically produced automotive power batteries have demonstrated a significant cost advantage.
Summarize
The global power battery industry is currently facing technological and cost constraints. Only when the performance of power batteries is improved, the cost is significantly reduced, and they are applied on a large scale can other more mature segments be vigorously developed.
Therefore, the power battery is the most valuable investment segment in the electric vehicle industry chain and is most likely to generate excess returns. Other segments, such as motors and electronic control systems, have relatively mature technologies and market foundations, but also have many competitors and may only generate average returns.
