In 2023, exports of China's "new trio", electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products, experienced a significant surge, boasting a growth rate of nearly 30%. This impressive expansion was largely fueled by ongoing advancements in intellectual property rights, which not only enhanced the global competitiveness of these sectors, but also played a crucial role in promoting a worldwide shift towards green energy powered by China's innovative contributions.

New energy vehicles gain momentum at the right time

Domestic new energy vehicles, a key component of China's "new trio" in foreign trade, have emerged as a new catalyst for export growth. According to data from the National Development and Reform Commission of China, exports of new energy vehicles increased by 77.6% in 2023. These vehicles now account for more than 60% of the worldwide production and sales. The rising demand for domestic abroad new energy vehicles reflects the international community's strong endorsement of China's independent innovation in this sector.

Recently, the AITO Wenjie M9 has been drawing crowds at the Huawei authorized experience store located in Beijing's Changying Paradise Walk Shopping Center. Sales staff have highlighted that this new energy vehicle is a collaborative effort between Seres Automobile and Huawei, featuring cutting-edge technologies including Huawei's self-developed HarmonyOS.

Beyond cross-sector partnerships, numerous automotive firms are intensifying their focus on specific domains through vertical integration. For instance, BYD has launched subsidiaries such as FinDreams Battery and BYD Semiconductor within the new energy vehicle industry chain sector. These entities are dedicated to the in-house research, development, and manufacturing of essential components at various critical junctures, thereby fortifying their grasp on the pivotal technologies and cost structures within the industrial supply chain. As of date, BYD has owned over 16,000 patents, constructing technological moats across the entire industry chain. Since 2023, BYD has made significant inroads into the European market, introducing 5 vehicle models across 19 countries and opening more than 230 stores internationally.

Lithium batteries demonstrate mastery through patent innovations

Fueled by independent innovation, China's new energy battery industry has ascended to global leadership, commanding more than 60% of the international market share. In the realm of electric vehicles, Chinese lithium battery enterprises stand out not only in volume but also in their robust patent portfolios, showcasing formidable prowess in technological advancements.

According to the 2023 China Automotive Patent Data Statistics and Analysis released by China Auto Information Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Chinese companies including CATL, CALB Group, and BYD, secured 18 positions in the TOP 20 rankings for publicly disclosed patents related to power battery systems in 2023. Their technological edge is particularly pronounced in crucial aspects such as charging speed and cycle life.

As of May, 2023, the global tally for patent applications pertaining to key solid-state battery technologies stood at 20,798, of which China contributed 7,640 patent applications, representing 36.7% of the global total.

"In recent years, China's automotive industry has seized the opportunity of electrification, intelligence, and interconnection, continuously promoted technological innovation, and stridden towards a new stage of high-quality development with globalization," said Wang Junlei, chief expert at the China Automotive Technology and Research Center. This is particularly evident in the domain of lithium batteries, essential components of new energy vehicles, where China has established itself as a frontrunner in technology on the global stage, according to Wang.

Data from market of Republic of Korea research firm SNE Research indicated that in January 2024, the global installed capacity for power batteries hit 51.5 GWh. Of this, CATL contributed a significant 20.5 GWh, marking an impressive 88.1% growth from the same period in the previous year. This substantial increase further cements CATL's status as the top player in the global battery industry.

Photovoltaic products harness the "golden light"

Photovoltaic products, as a crucial component of the green and low-carbon industry, showcase immense potential for growth. In 2024, supportive policies are expected to persist in propelling the new energy sector forward. These initiatives will likely focus on the accelerated development and infrastructure build-out of new energy systems, aiming to boost energy self-reliance capabilities.

"The photovoltaic industry has been continuously innovating and growing, and officially entered the era of N-type batteries in 2023. Various links in the industry chain have ushered in new technological upgrades centered around cost reduction and efficiency improvement," said an officer of State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) New Energy Science and Technology Co., Ltd. The company has built the world's first production trial line for efficient Copper-Heterojunction with intrinsic Thin film (C-HJT) in Longgang, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, and has developed a comprehensive set of C-HJT production technology with independent intellectual property rights.

The Smart Photovoltaic Industry Innovation and Development Action Plan (2021-2025) jointly issued by National Energy Administration and other four departments proposes that by 2025, the intelligence level of the photovoltaic industry will be significantly improved, and industrial technological innovation will achieve breakthroughs. In recent years, JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd., in particular, has embraced digitization and intelligence as pivotal accelerators for its transformation and upgrading processes, independently developing the "Jingbao" system based on production grid management mode for fault repair and submitting related patent applications. As of December 2023, JA Solar had owned 1,263 patents.

Amidst the soft caress of the sea breeze and the vibrant bloom of spring flowers, China's "new trio" embarks on a voyage fueled by innovation.