Abstract:

A research framework is constructed on the core and non-core technology evolution of Tesla battery electric vehicle. With the data source of the Tesla patents and their references data in USPTO, a patent citation analysis dataset of Tesla battery electric vehicle (BEV) is built. According to the principle of technological evolution path identification, the largest converged sub-groups and smaller key converged sub-groups are extracted with Pajek, the core and non-core technology areas of Tesla are identified and the main path is analyzed. Findings of the study are as follows: battery thermal system for vehicle are the core technology of Tesla, five non-core technology areas include: motor technology, intelligent control, battery pack overcharge protection, battery pressure relief technology and passenger protection, suspension system for a vehicle, high efficiency battery pack as well. Analysis of the evolution history and future trends of Tesla battery electric vehicle technology will provide some decision reference on identifying the technical focus, selecting R&D target, carrying out technical cooperation and improving innovation efficiency for battery electric vehicle industry and related enterprises in China.

Key words: Tesla, battery electric vehicle, core and non-core technology, main path analysis