Structural Evolution and Factors of the Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion Battery Trade Network Among European Union Member States

Liqiao Yang, Ni Shen, Izabella Szakálné Kanó, Andreász Kosztopulosz and Jianhao Hu ()
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Liqiao Yang: Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Szeged, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
Ni Shen: School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Izabella Szakálné Kanó: Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Szeged, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
Andreász Kosztopulosz: Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Szeged, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
Jianhao Hu: School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-20

Abstract: As global climate change intensifies and the transition to clean energy accelerates, lithium-ion batteries—critical components of electric vehicles—are becoming increasingly vital in international trade networks. This study investigates the structural evolution and determinants of the electric vehicle lithium-ion battery trade network among European Union (EU) member states from 2012 to 2023, employing social network analysis and the multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure method. The findings demonstrate the transformation of the network from a centralized and loosely connected structure, with Germany as the dominant hub, to a more interconnected and decentralized system in which Poland and Hungary emerge as the leading players. Key network metrics, such as the density, clustering coefficients, and average path lengths, reveal increased regional trade connectivity and enhanced supply chain efficiency. The analysis identifies geographic and economic proximity, logistics performance, labor cost differentials, energy resource availability, and venture capital investment as significant drivers of trade flows, highlighting the interaction among spatial, economic, and infrastructural factors in shaping the network. Based on these findings, this study underscores the need for targeted policy measures to support Central and Eastern European countries, including investment in logistics infrastructure, technological innovation, and regional cooperation initiatives, to strengthen their integration into the supply chain and bolster their export capacity. Furthermore, fostering balanced inter-regional collaborations is essential in building a resilient trade network. Continued investment in transportation infrastructure and innovation is recommended to sustain the EU’s competitive advantage in the global electric vehicle lithium-ion battery supply chain.

Keywords: electric vehicles; lithium-ion batteries; social network analysis; European Union (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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