Technological Competitiveness of the Global Electric Vehicle Industry: Focusing on the Five Major Countries

This study analyzes the competitiveness of the electric vehicle (EV) industry in five major countries— China, the United States, Japan, Germany, and Korea—through trade, technology, and market perspectives. Global EV exports grew from USD 40.6 billion in 2017 to USD 325.2 billion in 2024, with Germany leading (21.8%), China rising rapidly to second place (13.7%), Japan falling to third (13.0%), the U.S. declining to seventh (4.1%), and Korea maintaining fourth. Patent analysis across batteries, drive systems, charging, hybrids, and control systems was combined with the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework. Results show China’s dominance in batteries and charging, Japan’s strength in stabilization and control, Germany’s edge in hybrids, the U.S. in software and autonomous driving, and Korea’s focus on battery R&D. This multidimensional approach highlights national strengths and suggests further research on supply chains, convergence technologies, and policy support.