The analysis of global patent numbers indicates that US auto manufacturers have moved ahead of the pack in the electric vehicle category, despite reports of declining levels of innovation floated earlier this year by the likes of Thomson Reuters. According to data compiled by IPWatchdog, it’s actually the conventional giants of the America automobile industry as opposed to groundbreaking upstarts like Tesla who are leading electric vehicle R&D, with both Ford and General Motors Company taking out first and second place, respectively, for IP in the sector.