Hybrid-Electric - Cleantech Forecast
As to be expected, the hybrid-electric patent sector is dominated by the major automotive
manufacturers and their suppliers who seek to protect their positions in the fuel-efficient
auto industry niche. For example, as reflected in the Hybrid Forecast chart, from
2005 to 2008, the major patent recipients include Honda, Ford, GM, Toyota, and Nissan.
Auto parts suppliers are also prominent on the list, including Denso and Hitachi.
Denso supplies high output control units that boost battery voltage and also battery
cooling systems that are used in Toyota’s LEXUS LS600 models. Hitachi develops lithium-ion
batteries for GM.
With respect to the future, as reflected in the Hybrid Forecast chart, Woodcock
predicts that Toyota will obtain the most issued U.S. patents in the hybrid-electric
field through 2012. Toyota’s strategy to accumulate a strong patent portfolio to
protect its fuel-saving technology has recently been reported by the Wall Street
Journal (See “Toyota Builds Thicket of Patents Around Hybrid To Block Competitors,”
The Wall Street Journal, July 1, 2009, available
here). Ford is also expected to continue to be a dominant player, but
its patent filings reflect a significant drop-off in issued patents starting in
2012. In contrast, GM and Honda are expected to increase their portfolio of issued
patents through 2012.
Overall, the hybrid-electric market is still exhibiting strong growth as reflected
in the expected number of U.S. patents to be issued. In 2008, the authors totaled
approximately 750 patents in the sector, but that number is expected to essentially
double to about 1450 patents by the year 2012. These data reflect that the hybrid-electric
market has yet to fully mature.