China’s EV Lead Is About Innovation, Not Just Volume
China's global power in EV markets is increasingly about brains, not just brawn, a new analysis finds.
Why it matters: The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation report looks beyond vehicle and battery exports, finding that Chinese firms have equaled or surpassed the innovation and quality of Western peers.
State of play: ITIF offers metrics and case studies to illustrate Chinese progress, such as battery chemistry improvements by firms like Gotion and CATL, and digital and vehicle material advancements by EV makers.
- It also looks at Chinese scientists' increasing publications in top auto engineering journals.
The big picture: China produced 62% of the world's EVs and 77% of EV batteries in 2022, and vehicle exports grew 851% from 2020 to 2023.
The bottom line: The report offers lots of ideas for U.S. policymakers such as expanding today's pro-EV policies with more R&D support and tougher penalties on Chinese goods aided by IP theft.
