Exploring Electric Vehicle Patent Trends through Technology Life Cycle and Social Network Analysis

Yuan Chen and Seok Swoo Cho ()
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Yuan Chen: Department of Mechanical-Computer-Industrial Engineering, Graduate School, Kangwon National University, 346 Jungang-ro, Samcheok-si 25913, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
Seok Swoo Cho: Division of Mechanical Design Engineering, Kangwon National University, 346 Jungang-ro, Samcheok-si 25913, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-27

Abstract: In response to environmental and energy challenges, electric vehicles (EVs) have re-emerged as a viable alternative to internal combustion engines. However, existing research lacks a comprehensive analysis of the technology life cycle of EVs in both global and South Korean contexts and offers limited strategic guidance. This study introduces a novel approach to address these gaps by integrating the S-curve model with social network analysis (SNA), time series analysis, and core applicant layouts. The study specifically utilizes the logistic curve to model technology growth. It applies SNA methods, including International Patent Classification (IPC) co-occurrence analysis and the betweenness centrality metric, to identify the stages of technological development and sustainable research directions for EVs. By analyzing patent data from 2004 to 2023, the study reveals that EV technologies have reached the saturation phase globally and in South Korea, with South Korea maintaining a two-year technological advantage. The research identifies sustainable research directions, including fast charging technology and charging infrastructure, battery monitoring and management, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Additionally, the study also determined the sustainability of these research directions by examining the sustainability challenges faced by EVs. These insights offer a clear view of EV technology trends and future directions, guiding stakeholders.

Keywords: electric vehicle; technology life cycle; the logistic curve; social network analysis; International Patent Classification (IPC) co-occurrence; betweenness centrality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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