First, technological innovation and patent layout in China’s automotive industry were predominantly focused on smart connected vehicles (SCVs) and new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the first half of 2025.

According to the statistics from China's automotive patent database for the first half of 2025, patents related to SCVs and NEVs respectively accounted for 27.38% and 25.10% of all automotive patents, becoming the core areas of innovation in China's automotive industry. Traditional vehicle bodies and accessories, electronics, and manufacturing and assembly collectively accounted for only 23.72% of the total, demonstrating a significant shift in innovation focus toward "smartification" and "electrification."

Second, regarding data on the number of patents authorized and disclosed by independent vehicle groups

1. According to the number of Chinese automobile invention patent authorizations counted by independent vehicle groups in the first half of 2025. Dongfeng Motor ranks first with 1,357 patents, followed by Great Wall Motor Company Limited (GWM) and China FAW Group Corporation Limited (FAW)in second and third place, respectively.

2. In terms of the number of disclosed Chinese automobile invention patents counted by independent vehicle groups in the first half of 2025, Dongfeng Motor ranked first, Li Auto Inc., NIO Inc., Leapmotor, and Xiaomi Auto were among the top 20, reflecting a more diversified and rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem.

3. In terms of granted Chinese automobile invention patents counted by independent vehicle groups in the first half of 2025, GWM ranked first, with all top 10 spots occupied by traditional automakers.

4. According to the number of total disclosed Chinese automobile patents in the first half of 2025, BYD ranked first with 4,470 patents, followed by GWM and Dongfeng Motor in second and third place, respectively.

Third, regarding data on the number of patents authorized and disclosed by innovative entities

1. In terms of the number of Chinese automobile invention patent authorizations counted by innovation entities in the first half of 2025, CATL, BYD, and FAW secured the top three positions, Companies under the Dongfeng Motor Corp. umbrella like VOYAH, Dongfeng Automobile Co., Ltd. (DFAC), and DONGFENG TRUCKS showed significant growth in granted invention patents. Foreign-invested enterprises such as Ford, Toyota, and Bosch also maintained a strong presence in the Chinese patent market, ranking among the top 10. NEV and SCV component suppliers, including CATL, Huawei, and Honeycomb Energy were among the top 20, highlighting a diversified innovation landscape.

2. According to the number of disclosed Chinese automobile invention patents counted by independent vehicle groups in the first half of 2025, BYD and CATL held the first and second positions, respectively, with a clear lead. Overall, leading companies are accelerating their technological accumulation, while newer players like Zeekr and VOYAH demonstrate a trend of "high-quality curve overtaking," showing deeper and broader industry presence.

3. In terms of Chinese automobile invention patent disclosures counted by innovation entities in the first half of 2025, BYD and CATL ranked first and second with 2,670 and 2,069 patents, respectively. GWM showed notable growth, securing third place. NEV companies such as Honeycomb Energy, Gotion High-tech, VOYAH, and Xiaomi Auto also experienced rapid growth in authorizations.

4. According to the total disclosed Chinese automobile patents counted by innovation entities in the first half of 2025, BYD and CATL led with 4,129 and 3,378 disclosures, respectively, showing a dramatic advantage. Among the top 20 entities, component suppliers were predominantly power battery manufacturers. Foreign companies such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Bosch are also actively developing their technological presence in China.

From AutoIP

July 15th, 2025