Energy Storage Technology: A Patent Data Analysis of Dual Chemistry Batteries

Patent landscape analysis offers valuable insight into innovation, including helping us to predict the future of a technology. We undertake our patent mapping and data analysis studies using our powerful Orbit Intelligence patent search and analysis platform. This leading intellectual property (IP) intelligence software provides access to the world's largest database of patents and scientific literature. 

After applying various equations and classifications to build the database for our patent data analysis, our study of innovation in dual chemistry batteries produced the following results:

• Patent filing dynamics

The above graph illustrates the patent filing trends for mixed-chemistry batteries, organized by priority year. Overall, there is a steady upward trend in the number of patent families from 2004 to 2022, highlighting growing interest and innovation in this energy storage technology over nearly two decades. Patent filings started at a low level, with 22 patent families in 2004, and then grew steadily, showing notable acceleration after 2010.

The peak year for patent filings was 2022, with a record high of 300 patent families, followed by 283 patent families in 2023. Data for 2023 and 2024, however, may be incomplete due to the standard 18-month delay between priority filing and publication, meaning these counts (129 patent families for 2024 and 283 patent families for 2023) are likely to increase as additional patents are published. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2011 and 2022 indicates that innovation in this field is expanding, with a percentage of ~16%.

Out of the total number of patent families identified, 1,994 are still active ("Alive"), while 1,173 have expired or become inactive ("Dead"). The significant number of inactive patents among dual chemistry battery patent families reflects common trends in fast-evolving fields. Many patents have expired naturally over the years, particularly the older ones, while others have been abandoned as companies pivot away from outdated or less viable technologies. This high rate of expiration does not undermine the growth of the field; rather, it indicates the extensive experimentation typical in the early stages of innovation, where only some approaches ultimately lead to lasting solutions.

At the same time, the notable upward trend in patent filings from 2004 to 2022, particularly in recent years (shown again below), signals a robust level of ongoing innovation and commitment in this field. Companies have increasingly explored new and improved technologies, leading to record levels of patent activity, especially in the last few years. Although a significant number of older patents have expired, the overall growth in filings indicates that the field remains vibrant and full of potential.

In conclusion, the data reflects significant growth in patent activity related to dual chemistry batteries, with recent years showcasing some of the highest levels of filing activity recorded. This trend likely corresponds to the increasing demand for advanced energy storage technology, driven by applications in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions. 

• Patent families by assignee

The data on patent assignments for dual chemistry batteries reveals a dynamic landscape of innovation and competition among various institutions and companies. Notably, State Grid Corporation of China stands out with the highest number of total patents, with 43 dead and 76 alive patent families. This significant number of active patents suggests a strong commitment to advancing energy storage technology, reflecting the corporation's strategic role in China’s energy infrastructure and its dedication to innovative solutions within a rapidly evolving sector. The trends indicate a consistent increase in active filings, particularly from 2013 onward, showcasing the corporation’s focus on enhancing energy storage technology to meet growing demands.

In contrast, North China Electric Power University presents a high number of 29 dead patents alongside 22 alive patents, indicating a substantial number of older patents that may not have yielded lasting innovations or that have been superseded by more recent developments. Similarly, entities like Tesla and GM Global Technology Operations exhibit a healthy number of alive patent families—21 and 29, respectively. Their filing dynamics demonstrate consistent engagement in innovation, with steady patent applications likely aligned with the growing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions. This active patenting suggests that these companies are not only committed to developing new technologies but are also effectively responding to the rapidly evolving market landscape. 

The distribution of dead and alive patents among the top 20 assignees highlights both the competitive nature of this field and the inherent challenges of innovation. For example, while institutions such as Zhejiang University and Tsinghua University possess a strong number of active patent families (21 and 17, respectively), their dead patent counts reveal the common trend of experimentation within the sector. This pattern identified by our patent data analysis illustrates how companies and universities alike often pursue multiple avenues of research, where only a fraction of ideas may lead to commercially viable solutions.

• Filing dynamics by assignee

©Questel 2024

The dynamics of patent filings in this sector show clear ups and downs, reflecting how different organizations respond to market needs and changes in technology. From 2004 to 2024, there was a noticeable rise in patent activity, especially after 2013, as major players like the State Grid Corporation of China increased their efforts to innovate in energy storage technology. This trend is also seen in universities such as Tsinghua and Zhejiang, which adjust their research focus based on the latest developments. However, the high number of expired patents points to the challenges of innovation, where many projects do not result in successful products, highlighting the need for companies and institutions to continuously adapt and change their strategies.

• Patent family velocity by assignee

‘Patent family velocity’ reflects the recent filing activity (number of families whose first application date is within the last five years, divided by five): The further to the right a company appears on the above graph, the more active the company is currently considered in the field.​ ’Portfolio value index score’ represents the value of a patent portfolio calculated based on the coverage and technological impact of each family: The higher a company is on the above graph, the more valuable its portfolio.​ The diameter of each circle is determined by the average number of extensions of a family.

• Tesla stands out in the upper left quadrant with a relatively low patent family velocity but a high portfolio value index score. This indicates that Tesla has filed fewer recent patents in this area, yet its portfolio is of high value, signifying strong technological impact and market potential. The large circle size further suggests that Tesla's patents have extensive jurisdictional coverage, reflecting a strategy focused on protecting high-value innovations across multiple regions.
• GM Global Technology Operations is positioned slightly to the right of Tesla, with a moderate portfolio value index score and a higher patent family velocity. This suggests that GM has been more active in recent patent filings than Tesla, potentially seeking to expand or enhance its portfolio in dual chemistry battery technology. However, GM's patents appear to have less extensive global reach compared to Tesla’s. The moderate value score still indicates a notable technological impact, suggesting that GM is focusing on innovation but possibly with a narrower jurisdictional scope.
• State Grid Corporation of China is located far to the right on the chart, showcasing the highest patent family velocity among the assignees. This high velocity reflects significant recent activity in filing patents related to dual chemistry batteries, demonstrating the corporation’s strong focus on rapidly expanding its technological presence. While State Grid's portfolio value index score is moderate, its placement on the chart underscores an aggressive strategy aimed at establishing a presence in this field through ongoing patenting, potentially aiming to secure a competitive edge through volume and recent activity.
• Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, and other universities appear lower on both scales. This suggests that these academic institutions possess patent portfolios with relatively lower impact and fewer recent filings. Their position on the graph indicates that their contributions may be less focused on achieving commercial dominance or extensive protection, reflecting the typical academic approach of research-driven rather than market-driven patenting activity.
   

Overall, this chart highlights contrasting strategies among assignees in mixed-chemistry battery technology. Some companies, like Tesla, focus on maintaining a high-value, well-protected patent portfolio with limited recent filings, emphasizing quality and reach. In contrast, entities such as the State Grid Corporation of China are prioritizing recent activity, potentially seeking rapid advancement and broader coverage in this technology field. This differentiation underscores varying approaches to innovation and patent strategy within the sector.

• Invention origins

The above graph highlights the origins of inventions in dual chemistry batteries, segmented by geographical areas based on patent filings. Asia leads with a total of 2,640 patent families, overwhelmingly driven by China with 2,291 filings, followed by South Korea (173) and Japan (94). This strong representation underscores Asia, particularly China, as a major hub for innovation in this type of energy storage technology.

In North America, 338 patent families have been filed, with the United States (U.S.) dominating at 322 filings, while Canada and Brazil contribute only 8 filings each. Europe has a comparatively lower total of 122 filings, led by Germany (49), the European Patent Office (25), and France (22). The distribution suggests that while North America and Europe are active in this area, Asia—especially China—plays a leading role in the global development of dual chemistry battery technology.

• Market coverage

The data on patent filings related to dual chemistry batteries reveals significant disparities in the number of patents across different countries. China stands out as a dominant player, with a staggering 1,548 patent families, indicating a robust investment in research and development (R&D) of dual chemistry batteries. This suggests that China is not only leading in innovation but also in establishing a strong foothold in the energy storage technology market.

Following China, the U.S. and South Korea also exhibit substantial patent activity, with 288 and 203 patent families, respectively. This reflects a competitive environment in which these countries are actively pursuing advancements in dual chemistry battery technology to meet both domestic and global energy needs. The presence of a significant number of patents from Germany (120) and Japan (121) further emphasizes the importance of these nations in the battery innovation landscape.

In contrast, countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and various European nations, while contributing to the patent landscape, show much lower filing numbers. For instance, Brazil has 13, and Mexico has 14 patent families, suggesting that while there is some activity, it may not be as focused or extensive as in the leading countries. The relatively higher numbers from countries such as Canada (30), Taiwan (31), and Hong Kong (18) indicate a growing interest in dual chemistry batteries, yet they remain far behind the leaders. Overall, this patent data underscores a concentrated innovation effort in a few key countries, while others may need to enhance their R&D initiatives to catch up in this rapidly advancing field.

• Landscape by technology clusters

This patent landscape map shows several high-density clusters around dual chemistry battery applications, indicating distinct areas of concentrated R&D. The prominent clusters, such as those labeled with ‘hybrid electric vehicles,' ‘energy storage power supply,’ and ‘supercapacitors,’ reflect key application areas where dual chemistry batteries are actively pursued to enhance energy performance and efficiency. The high density in these areas suggests substantial competition, as multiple entities are innovating to meet similar technological challenges or market needs, such as extending the battery life of electric vehicles or optimizing grid energy storage.

Additionally, some clusters show overlap or adjacency, which points to areas of technological convergence. For example, hybrid power systems and composite power supplies are positioned near hybrid vehicles, indicating that advancements in power management and energy storage could serve both automotive and broader power grid applications. This overlap suggests a strategic opportunity for companies to leverage innovations across sectors—such as applying grid storage advancements to hybrid vehicle systems or vice versa. Meanwhile, smaller, more isolated clusters such as ‘zinc ion hybrid capacitor’ and ‘graphene composite material’ represent emerging or niche areas. These lower-density clusters might signal white space in the market, where fewer patents exist, and the potential for innovation is higher, especially in developing alternative chemistries or materials for specialized applications.

In summary, the map above not only reveals areas of intense innovation but also highlights strategic zones for cross-industry applications and potential white spaces in materials research. This multi-dimensional approach to patent data analysis provides insights into both established and emerging directions within dual chemistry battery technology.