Resumo

Developments in electrical energy storage has attracted research due to its solutions multiplicity. The research focus was to identify the main features of battery global value chain for electric vehicle in South Korea and Japan. Data were gathered through interviews in these countries. From the data analysis, it can be inferred that there are global integration prospects of the chain with the production of some components out of these Asian countries with Brazil a potential participant.

The research problem of this study can be stated as follows: What are the main features of battery global value chain in South Korea and Japan? The research focus is to identify the main features of battery global value chain for urban light electric vehicle versions in South Korea and Japan.

The global value chain is utilized to analyze company core competencies to achieve cost reduction and product differentiation, thereby increasing productivity and profits, and finally, the macroeconomic growth of a country. Fournier et al. (2011) state that in the electric vehicle industry, batteries and its electronic components stand out in the value chain as result of significant technological challenges.

This exploratory research has mixed methods of data gathering, i.e., triangulation. With regards to data collection, documents available from companies were analyzed; plants and R&D centers were visited to performing interviews with executives. Interviews were utilized to obtain primary data. The interviews lasted about 90 minutes and were performed over the months of April and May 2015 at Japanese and South Korean companies, that were involved in the production and sales of batteries.

Within the global value chain, ensuring lithium supply has become priority for companies. Thus, lithium mining could be a path for Brazil to become part in the battery global value chain. This argument is justified in two ways. First, Brazil has technology and experience in mining provided by the Vale Company. Large lithium reserves are in neighboring countries in South America. Second, Argentina is a MERCOSUL member and it could be beneficial to both countries to extract lithium for batteries.

The main technical challenges faced by electric vehicle are the battery lifetime as well as the need for a specific charging infrastructure. Furthermore, Brazil will face challenges and opportunities in developing high-value activities within battery global value chain. In a public policies context for developing battery global value chain, it is suggested to map the value chain of components and highlighting those that can or should be produced in Brazil for strategic technology development.

DINGER, A et al. (2010). Batteries for electric cars: challenges, opportunities, and the outlook to 2020. BCG. Available on: . DUFFY, M. E. (1987). Methodological Triangulation: A vehicle for merging quantitative and qualitative research methods. v. 19, n. 3, September, p. 130-133. FOURNIER, G. et al. (2011). The new mobility paradigm: Transformation of value chain and business models. Enterprise and Work Innovation Studies, v. 8, p. 9-40.