'New Trio' Powering Global Green Shift
China's dominance in the green technology sector continues to strengthen, as the nation leads the world in invention patents for its "new trio" industries: electric vehicles (EVs), lithium-ion batteries and solar cells. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, from January to April, the export value of EVs was 18.13 billion USD, lithium-ion batteries 21.63 billion USD, and solar cells 8.66 billion USD.
Despite rising global protectionism, China's exports in these sectors have maintained upward momentum. Industry leaders are not only scaling production but also breaking through technological ceilings. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), a global battery giant, recently launched its second-generation ultra-fast charging battery and debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with one of the largest IPOs in recent years. With over 43,000 patents and patent applications and an R&D team exceeding 20,000 personnel, CATL exemplifies China's innovation-driven progress.
Breakthroughs extend to EV makers and solar firms. BYD claimed first-quarter sales leadership across seven countries and regions, driven by its vast R&D strength and advanced smart-driving strategy. In the solar sector, companies like LONGi Green Energy are setting global efficiency records and running high-speed, AI-powered manufacturing lines that produce a solar module every 18 seconds.
This technological evolution is reshaping the global supply chain. At LONGi's smart factories, the integration of AI, digital twins and big data has slashed production costs and energy consumption while boosting efficiency. China's lithium-ion battery producers like EVE Energy and EV manufacturers like Li Auto are also optimizing output.
Global expansion is also accelerating. Changan Automobile, now active in over 100 countries and regions, recently launched production in Thailand, marking its shift from exporting products to exporting entire industrial ecosystems. Meanwhile, emerging firms like Hithium are exporting large-scale energy storage solutions, showcasing Chinese strengths in design, manufacturing and efficiency.
An official from Germany's trade agency told Science and Technology Daily that Germany's automotive industry is facing significant challenges, and in overcoming these challenges, they need technologies such as charging infrastructure, battery production and autonomous driving. These are being acquired through foreign direct investment and can support the transformation of Germany's automotive sector.
It is China that is offering precisely such cooperation opportunities. According to Germany Trade & Invest statistics, Chinese investment projects in Germany totaled 199 in 2024, with the automotive industry being a key focus.
In the first quarter of this year, China's global market share of new energy passenger vehicles rose to 67.7 percent, contributing 84 percent of the global growth in the sector.
From technology breakthroughs and capacity upgrades to global market expansion, China's "new trio" industries are reshaping international industrial patterns. By providing high-quality, scalable and efficient solutions for the green transition, they are not only redefining China's role in the global economy but also offering a robust model for sustainable development worldwide.