China and Korea Dominate EV Tech, But Japan Leads in Numbers

A recent report highlights that Chinese and Korean electric vehicle (EV) patents rank among the world’s best in terms of technological impact—even if they don’t hold the most patents overall.

According to research by Japan’s Mitsui & Co. Global Strategic Studies Institute (MGSSI), as reported by Nikkei Asia, Chinese battery players like CATL, Huawei, Aulton, and BYD may have fewer EV-related patents, but those they do own are considered highly influential. Their patents are often cited by others and have a longer lifespan, which boosts their overall value.

In a global patent scoreboard compiled using data from LexisNexis PatentSight+, CATL leads with a score of 2.7, followed closely by South Korea’s LG Energy at 2.6. Huawei and Aulton share third place with a score of 2.3, while BYD ties with Japan’s Hitachi Astemo in fourth.

Interestingly, while Japanese and German automakers like Toyota and Volkswagen hold more EV patents overall, their average technological impact is lower compared to their Chinese and Korean counterparts.

For the Malaysian market, this shows that EV brands from China and Korea—especially those like BYD—are backed by strong, future-proof technologies. It’s something local car buyers and industry players should take note of as Malaysia continues its push towards EV adoption.Want to sell your petrol car before switching to an EV? Download the Motorist app to get a free valuation and make the transition smoother!

Rounding out the list of the most influential electric vehicle (EV) technology patent holders are several major names from the West and East—namely the U.S.-based General Motors and Ford, South Korea’s Hyundai Motor, and Volvo, the Swedish brand now under China’s Geely Group.

Leading the charge is China’s CATL, which remains the top player in the EV battery space. Last year, CATL accounted for a massive 38% of the global EV battery market by volume. Its batteries power more than 50 car brands globally—including familiar names like Tesla, Honda, Volkswagen, and Geely.

For Malaysians considering an EV, it’s important to know that CATL technology is already powering many of the electric cars available locally. Since the battery itself represents 30–40% of an EV’s total manufacturing cost, choosing a brand with proven battery tech can make a real difference in long-term performance and reliability.

In a global study on electric vehicle (EV) innovation, Japan’s Mitsui & Co. Global Strategic Studies Institute (MGSSI) ranked the top 20 companies by the number of EV-related patents (including pending ones) across China, Japan, the US, South Korea, Germany, and Sweden.

Topping the list is Toyota Motor (including Lexus), with an impressive 6,135 EV patents. That figure accounts for nearly 60% of Japan’s total 10,466 patents, contributed by major names like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and parts supplier Denso.

Volkswagen Group takes second place with 2,464 patents, followed closely by South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group (which includes Kia) with 2,250. Germany’s total is further boosted by Bosch and BMW Group, with 1,203 and 986 patents, respectively.

The report also highlighted a sharp increase in patents related to EV battery monitoring, charging, and control systems. As automakers aim to extend driving range and improve safety, these components are becoming central to vehicle performance.

Additionally, patents are gaining importance as the industry shifts toward software-centric and autonomous vehicles. Technologies once unrelated to cars—like wireless communication, sensors, cloud computing, and AI-driven cameras—are now crucial for the next generation of smart vehicles.

Interestingly, while Chinese companies have fewer patents overall, they tend to file only for high-impact innovations. “Chinese players have fewer patents, but they carefully select the ones they apply for,” said MGSSI’s intellectual property expert Ryusuke Ishiguro.

For Malaysian buyers and EV enthusiasts, this global patent race shows where the future is heading. If you're thinking of switching to an EV, make sure it’s backed by innovation and strong tech. And don’t forget—use the Motorist app to get a free car valuation and sell your current ride before going electric!

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