The three major factions are positioning themselves in the electric-drive system market, with domestic and foreign players set to "rival each other head-on."
2020-12-11
The three major factions are positioning themselves in the electric-drive systems market, with domestic and foreign players set to "rival each other head-on."
In the new-energy vehicle industry chain, the electric drive system is the core component second only to the power battery. A high-performance electric drive system not only reflects the vehicle’s core competitive edge but also serves as a key driver for the growth and expansion of the entire new-energy automotive industry.
As early as May 2015, the State Council officially issued "Made in China 2025," which, within its key-area technology roadmaps, highlighted the need to overcome technical challenges in electric drive systems—specifically, breakthroughs in areas such as motor and transmission integration, inverter integration, and specialized gearboxes for highly integrated electric drive systems. In 2017, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Development and Reform Commission jointly released the "Mid- to Long-Term Development Plan for the Automotive Industry," emphasizing, under the section "Breaking Through Key Areas to Lead Industrial Transformation and Upgrading," the strategic deployment of six major innovation chains, including motor-driven systems and power electronics assemblies. On October 27, 2020, the "Energy-Saving and New Energy Vehicle Technology Roadmap (Version 2.0)"—hereafter referred to as the 2.0 Technology Roadmap—was officially unveiled, with the "New Energy Vehicle Electric Drive System" prominently listed as one of the nine key technologies receiving focused attention.
Version 2.0 Technology Roadmap: 9 Key Technical Directions (Image source: Screenshot from the Version 2.0 Technology Roadmap PPT)
“China must learn from the lessons of the internal combustion engine industry, stepping up independent R&D and industrial development of electric drive systems. We need to place greater emphasis on the research and innovation of critical materials, core components/devices, as well as master control chips (MCUs) and software architectures, ultimately fostering a self-reliant and controllable automotive industry chain,” repeatedly urged Wang Binggang, head of the National New Energy Vehicle Innovation Project Expert Group.
According to statistics from the China Automotive Technology Research Center, there are currently more than 200 suppliers in China specializing in electric-drive systems for new-energy vehicles, among which domestically-owned enterprises account for 89%. Specifically, the domestic companies actively involved in electric-drive system development can be broadly categorized into three main types. The first category comprises automakers themselves or their affiliated component suppliers, such as BYD, BAIC New Energy, NIO Powertrain Technology (XPT), and Honeycomb Power. These companies enjoy inherent advantages in development, as their electric-drive systems are closely integrated with the overall vehicle design process. As a result, they must consider design considerations right from the initial stages of vehicle development. However, these companies often face limited external competition and offer relatively homogeneous product portfolios.
The second category consists of independent electric-drive manufacturers that were founded and have grown around the core business of electric drive systems, such as Beijing Jingjin Electric Motor and Shanghai Da Jun. These companies boast cutting-edge design concepts and technological perspectives within the industry, and they also maintain a robust pool of skilled technical talent. However, they tend to lag behind in terms of capital mobilization and the ability to effectively integrate resources.
The third category consists of traditional motor and electric-control enterprises, such as Dayang Motor (which has acquired Shanghai Electric Drive), Fangzheng Motor, and Inovance Technology. These companies boast years of experience in the R&D, design, and production of conventional motors, along with strong financial resources and robust R&D capabilities. However, they have relatively limited experience and technical expertise specifically tailored to the demands of new-energy vehicle electric-drive systems.
Analysts at the Gaishi Automotive Research Institute point out that OEMs with vertical integration currently hold a distinct advantage. However, as third-party suppliers rise and component companies form strategic alliances, the market is expected to consolidate into 2 to 3 leading electric-drive system manufacturers—companies that are not only independent but also boast strong technological capabilities and robust integration expertise in the new-energy components sector.
Driven by the continuous growth of the new energy vehicle market, the installed capacity of electric drive systems is steadily on the rise. According to relevant research reports, in 2020, China's market for traction motors and motor controllers is expected to reach 30 billion yuan, representing a 50% increase compared to 2018. By 2023, this figure is projected to surpass 50 billion yuan, with the market potentially reaching 80 billion yuan by 2025.
Facing a market brimming with growth potential, major global automotive component giants have all set their sights on the electric drive system sector, eagerly racing to launch their own products. It is reported that companies such as Continental, ZF, Schaeffler, Magna, Valeo Siemens—and others—have already introduced 70- to 150-kW electric drive systems into the Chinese market, securing orders from leading domestic automakers.
XPT CEO Zeng Shuxiang told Gasgoo that, both currently and historically, domestic companies have held a relatively high share in the installation volume of electric drive systems—both domestically and internationally. However, as foreign-invested brands progressively roll out their electrified products—such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW introducing their electric drive platforms—along with the accompanying entry of foreign-component suppliers, the installation volume of electric drives supplied by these foreign firms is expected to rise rapidly. "Previously, domestic companies’ electric drive products were mostly focused on outputs around 100 kW or even lower. But as demand for medium- and high-power motors increases, we may see some shifts in the market. Currently, the share ratio between domestic and foreign electric drive products stands at 80:20, yet I believe the future could easily tilt toward a more balanced 50:50 split."
When discussing how local electric-drive companies can continue to maintain their competitive edge, Zeng Shuxiang bluntly stated that the key lies in a company’s investment in product R&D, as well as whether its products can lead the industry and deliver tangible value to customers. At the same time, it also depends on the company’s ability to leverage China’s strengths as a manufacturing powerhouse, ensuring cost-effectiveness through efficient operations. "Currently, Tesla uses two motor models, and XPT also offers two—yet our entire R&D team consists of just over 120 people, whereas Tesla has 220. For the same task, we’re managing with nearly half the workforce. This means our efficiency is already slightly higher than that of other foreign-invested brands."
Under the efficient operation of its R&D team, XPT, established in 2015, has grown into one of the few domestic enterprises capable of independently designing, integrating, and manufacturing electric drive systems. It is reported that XPT currently offers two flagship products: the 240kW EDS electric drive system and the 160kW EDS electric drive system. In 2019, XPT ranked among the top ten in China’s annual EDS electric drive system installation volume, with over 40,000 units installed throughout the year—and topped the market entirely for high-power EDS electric drive systems rated at 150kW and above. From January to October 2020, XPT continued its strong performance, maintaining a position within the top three in China’s electric drive system installation rankings, with total installations exceeding 60,000 units.
On November 17, 2020, XPT’s EDS electric drive system received the ISO 26262:2018 Functional Safety Process Certification from TÜV SÜD, a globally recognized and independent third-party testing organization. The issuance of this certificate signifies that XPT now possesses a product development process framework—and the corresponding capabilities—capable of meeting the highest automotive functional safety standard: "ASIL D." "Being able to achieve this certification in such a short timeframe was made possible primarily because we established a comprehensive, forward-looking R&D system right from our inception, built to exacting standards," said Zeng Shuxiang. "From the very foundation—such as the source code of our core software—to every stage of mechanical design, we’ve secured full intellectual property rights. We believe that only by solidifying our foundational capabilities can we consistently deliver exceptional products." Zeng also revealed that, in the next phase, XPT will focus on developing and certifying additional functional safety features for its EDS products, ensuring they are not only safer and more reliable but also fully equipped to meet the stringent requirements of higher-level autonomous driving systems.
Additionally, Bi Lu, Director of the XPT Electric Drive System Integration and Development Department, also mentioned that, in preparation for the arrival of the autonomous driving era, the EDS system—acting as a key drivetrain component—is not only aligning with functional safety standards but is also working toward certification under the upcoming cybersecurity standard (ISO 21434, scheduled for release in 2021). This ensures that the system's technology fully meets the design requirements of the autonomous driving age.
On the fast-paced track of new-energy vehicles, XPT, with its unwavering commitment to forward-looking R&D, can be said to already be in a relatively leading position. However, the 2.0 version of the technology roadmap clearly emphasizes the need to significantly enhance the integration and performance levels of China's electric-drive systems. It is projected that by 2035, China's new-energy vehicle electric-drive system products will broadly reach international advanced standards. Specifically, by 2025, passenger-car motor specific power is expected to hit 5.0 kW/kg, while passenger-car motor controller power density will achieve 40 kW/L. Meanwhile, the specific power of pure-electric drive systems is targeted at 2.0 kW/kg. Regarding these ambitious goals, Zeng Shuxiang remarked: "Currently, we’ve already met the 2025 targets—but we’re certainly not resting on our laurels." He added that XPT’s focus over the past two years has been expanding its customer base externally, while simultaneously developing a third-generation motor platform tailored to the demands of the autonomous-driving era. Sources reveal that the next-generation induction motor currently under preliminary research boasts an even smaller footprint, superior performance, and enhanced competitiveness.
Translated from Sina Auto
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The three major factions are positioning themselves in the electric-drive system market, with domestic and foreign players set to "rival each other head-on."
2020-12-11
The three major factions are positioning themselves in the electric-drive systems market, with domestic and foreign players set to "rival each other head-on."
In the new-energy vehicle industry chain, the electric drive system is the core component second only to the power battery. A high-performance electric drive system not only reflects the vehicle’s core competitive edge but also serves as a key driver for the growth and expansion of the entire new-energy automotive industry.
As early as May 2015, the State Council officially issued "Made in China 2025," which, within its key-area technology roadmaps, highlighted the need to overcome technical challenges in electric drive systems—specifically, breakthroughs in areas such as motor and transmission integration, inverter integration, and specialized gearboxes for highly integrated electric drive systems. In 2017, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Development and Reform Commission jointly released the "Mid- to Long-Term Development Plan for the Automotive Industry," emphasizing, under the section "Breaking Through Key Areas to Lead Industrial Transformation and Upgrading," the strategic deployment of six major innovation chains, including motor-driven systems and power electronics assemblies. On October 27, 2020, the "Energy-Saving and New Energy Vehicle Technology Roadmap (Version 2.0)"—hereafter referred to as the 2.0 Technology Roadmap—was officially unveiled, with the "New Energy Vehicle Electric Drive System" prominently listed as one of the nine key technologies receiving focused attention.
Version 2.0 Technology Roadmap: 9 Key Technical Directions (Image source: Screenshot from the Version 2.0 Technology Roadmap PPT)
“China must learn from the lessons of the internal combustion engine industry, stepping up independent R&D and industrial development of electric drive systems. We need to place greater emphasis on the research and innovation of critical materials, core components/devices, as well as master control chips (MCUs) and software architectures, ultimately fostering a self-reliant and controllable automotive industry chain,” repeatedly urged Wang Binggang, head of the National New Energy Vehicle Innovation Project Expert Group.
According to statistics from the China Automotive Technology Research Center, there are currently more than 200 suppliers in China specializing in electric-drive systems for new-energy vehicles, among which domestically-owned enterprises account for 89%. Specifically, the domestic companies actively involved in electric-drive system development can be broadly categorized into three main types. The first category comprises automakers themselves or their affiliated component suppliers, such as BYD, BAIC New Energy, NIO Powertrain Technology (XPT), and Honeycomb Power. These companies enjoy inherent advantages in development, as their electric-drive systems are closely integrated with the overall vehicle design process. As a result, they must consider design considerations right from the initial stages of vehicle development. However, these companies often face limited external competition and offer relatively homogeneous product portfolios.
The second category consists of independent electric-drive manufacturers that were founded and have grown around the core business of electric drive systems, such as Beijing Jingjin Electric Motor and Shanghai Da Jun. These companies boast cutting-edge design concepts and technological perspectives within the industry, and they also maintain a robust pool of skilled technical talent. However, they tend to lag behind in terms of capital mobilization and the ability to effectively integrate resources.
The third category consists of traditional motor and electric-control enterprises, such as Dayang Motor (which has acquired Shanghai Electric Drive), Fangzheng Motor, and Inovance Technology. These companies boast years of experience in the R&D, design, and production of conventional motors, along with strong financial resources and robust R&D capabilities. However, they have relatively limited experience and technical expertise specifically tailored to the demands of new-energy vehicle electric-drive systems.
Analysts at the Gaishi Automotive Research Institute point out that OEMs with vertical integration currently hold a distinct advantage. However, as third-party suppliers rise and component companies form strategic alliances, the market is expected to consolidate into 2 to 3 leading electric-drive system manufacturers—companies that are not only independent but also boast strong technological capabilities and robust integration expertise in the new-energy components sector.
Driven by the continuous growth of the new energy vehicle market, the installed capacity of electric drive systems is steadily on the rise. According to relevant research reports, in 2020, China's market for traction motors and motor controllers is expected to reach 30 billion yuan, representing a 50% increase compared to 2018. By 2023, this figure is projected to surpass 50 billion yuan, with the market potentially reaching 80 billion yuan by 2025.
Facing a market brimming with growth potential, major global automotive component giants have all set their sights on the electric drive system sector, eagerly racing to launch their own products. It is reported that companies such as Continental, ZF, Schaeffler, Magna, Valeo Siemens—and others—have already introduced 70- to 150-kW electric drive systems into the Chinese market, securing orders from leading domestic automakers.
XPT CEO Zeng Shuxiang told Gasgoo that, both currently and historically, domestic companies have held a relatively high share in the installation volume of electric drive systems—both domestically and internationally. However, as foreign-invested brands progressively roll out their electrified products—such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW introducing their electric drive platforms—along with the accompanying entry of foreign-component suppliers, the installation volume of electric drives supplied by these foreign firms is expected to rise rapidly. "Previously, domestic companies’ electric drive products were mostly focused on outputs around 100 kW or even lower. But as demand for medium- and high-power motors increases, we may see some shifts in the market. Currently, the share ratio between domestic and foreign electric drive products stands at 80:20, yet I believe the future could easily tilt toward a more balanced 50:50 split."
When discussing how local electric-drive companies can continue to maintain their competitive edge, Zeng Shuxiang bluntly stated that the key lies in a company’s investment in product R&D, as well as whether its products can lead the industry and deliver tangible value to customers. At the same time, it also depends on the company’s ability to leverage China’s strengths as a manufacturing powerhouse, ensuring cost-effectiveness through efficient operations. "Currently, Tesla uses two motor models, and XPT also offers two—yet our entire R&D team consists of just over 120 people, whereas Tesla has 220. For the same task, we’re managing with nearly half the workforce. This means our efficiency is already slightly higher than that of other foreign-invested brands."
Under the efficient operation of its R&D team, XPT, established in 2015, has grown into one of the few domestic enterprises capable of independently designing, integrating, and manufacturing electric drive systems. It is reported that XPT currently offers two flagship products: the 240kW EDS electric drive system and the 160kW EDS electric drive system. In 2019, XPT ranked among the top ten in China’s annual EDS electric drive system installation volume, with over 40,000 units installed throughout the year—and topped the market entirely for high-power EDS electric drive systems rated at 150kW and above. From January to October 2020, XPT continued its strong performance, maintaining a position within the top three in China’s electric drive system installation rankings, with total installations exceeding 60,000 units.
On November 17, 2020, XPT’s EDS electric drive system received the ISO 26262:2018 Functional Safety Process Certification from TÜV SÜD, a globally recognized and independent third-party testing organization. The issuance of this certificate signifies that XPT now possesses a product development process framework—and the corresponding capabilities—capable of meeting the highest automotive functional safety standard: "ASIL D." "Being able to achieve this certification in such a short timeframe was made possible primarily because we established a comprehensive, forward-looking R&D system right from our inception, built to exacting standards," said Zeng Shuxiang. "From the very foundation—such as the source code of our core software—to every stage of mechanical design, we’ve secured full intellectual property rights. We believe that only by solidifying our foundational capabilities can we consistently deliver exceptional products." Zeng also revealed that, in the next phase, XPT will focus on developing and certifying additional functional safety features for its EDS products, ensuring they are not only safer and more reliable but also fully equipped to meet the stringent requirements of higher-level autonomous driving systems.
Additionally, Bi Lu, Director of the XPT Electric Drive System Integration and Development Department, also mentioned that, in preparation for the arrival of the autonomous driving era, the EDS system—acting as a key drivetrain component—is not only aligning with functional safety standards but is also working toward certification under the upcoming cybersecurity standard (ISO 21434, scheduled for release in 2021). This ensures that the system's technology fully meets the design requirements of the autonomous driving age.
On the fast-paced track of new-energy vehicles, XPT, with its unwavering commitment to forward-looking R&D, can be said to already be in a relatively leading position. However, the 2.0 version of the technology roadmap clearly emphasizes the need to significantly enhance the integration and performance levels of China's electric-drive systems. It is projected that by 2035, China's new-energy vehicle electric-drive system products will broadly reach international advanced standards. Specifically, by 2025, passenger-car motor specific power is expected to hit 5.0 kW/kg, while passenger-car motor controller power density will achieve 40 kW/L. Meanwhile, the specific power of pure-electric drive systems is targeted at 2.0 kW/kg. Regarding these ambitious goals, Zeng Shuxiang remarked: "Currently, we’ve already met the 2025 targets—but we’re certainly not resting on our laurels." He added that XPT’s focus over the past two years has been expanding its customer base externally, while simultaneously developing a third-generation motor platform tailored to the demands of the autonomous-driving era. Sources reveal that the next-generation induction motor currently under preliminary research boasts an even smaller footprint, superior performance, and enhanced competitiveness.
Translated from Sina Auto
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