Automotive Traction Motor - Global Market Outlook (2021 - 2028)

Automotive Traction Motor - Global Market Outlook (2021 - 2028)

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Automotive Traction Motor Market is accounted for $4.10 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $28.18 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 31.7% during the forecast period. An automotive traction motor constitutes an electric motor that converts electrical energy into torque energy, and it is connected to a shaft, resulting in linear motion. These motors offer superior reliability, simplified construction, and better performance as compared to conventional steam and diesel engines. Technological advancement has led to development of superior semiconductor devices such as insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and thyristors, reliable AC induction motors, and electrification of locomotives & railroads, which is expected to provide increased profits to the manufacturers in the coming years.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing demand for high-performance motors

There is a growing demand for compact and energy-efficient motors. In electric vehicles, permanent magnet motors are widely used as traction motors due to their higher efficiency level, power density, smaller size, and lower weight as compared to induction motors. In comparison with large motors, smaller motors are cheaper, more efficient, and easier to use. High-performance permanent magnet IE4 and IE5 motors offer immediate benefits to OEMs as well as various other end-users. They require low maintenance and can produce high torque at low speeds. Electric motors have completely replaced steam engines for powering locomotives, thereby driving the market for automotive traction motors.

Restraint:

Fluctuating prices of raw materials

The automotive traction motor market has witnessed numerous innovations and technological advancements in electric vehicles (EVs). An electrical drive train is a major component in EVs. Major issues associated with its manufacturing include less material availability and cost competitiveness. Alternate technologies that have been considered include reduced NdFeB (Neodyium iron boron) magnet, ferrite permanent magnet, copper rotor induction, wound rotor synchronous, and switched reluctance motor. The preponderance of these materials is exported by China, which holds almost 35-40% of the world reserves of rare earth elements such as neodymium and dysprosium. These materials are critical to all manner of magnetic products. Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB). These materials have witnessed an increase in price, compelling the industry to look for alternatives with more availability and sustainability. For instance, Toyota is developing electric motors that include up to 50% less rare-earth metals due to concerns over a supply shortage. The company has created a new type of magnet for motors that can reduce the use of neodymium by half and eliminate the usage of elements like terbium and dysprosium. Toyota has proposed to use lanthanum and cerium instead, which cost 20 times less than neodymium.

Opportunity:

Introduction of stringent emission norms & regulations

The stringent regulations formulated to reduce C02 emissions are likely to change the automotive sector in the US, China, and Japan over the next decade. While automotive OEMs are focused on the electrification of vehicles, consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of vehicular emissions on the environment. Governments are also taking effective measures, such as tax subsidies, to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. The increasing number of electric vehicles will create new opportunities for traction motor companies. Thus, the shift toward electric vehicles will help the global automotive traction motor market grow further in the coming years. For instance, Ford announced its plan to have around 40 electrified models in showrooms by 2022, including 16 all-new battery-electric vehicles.

Threat:

Concerns regarding overheating

Excessive heat causes rapid deterioration of the motors. Leading standardization organizations have concluded that 30% of motor failures are attributed to insulation failure, while 60% of these are caused by overheating. Increases in the temperature of traction motors reduce their lifespan. Power conditions often result in overheating. Poor power is associated with the use of variable frequency drives (VFDs), although the VFDs may not be the primary cause of the problem. Operating electric motors in poor environmental conditions also leads to excessive heat. Associated problems include clogged ducts and high ambient temperature.

The passenger vehicles (PVs) segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The rising production volume is expected to be the major driver for the growth of the automotive traction motor market. Passenger vehicles are the most focused segment for traction motor manufacturers. The technologies used in these vehicles are frequently changing due to the high demand from consumers for luxurious and fuel-efficient features. Also, government regulations for emissions are frequently changing, which is influencing manufacturers to increase the power output range of passenger vehicles and offer energy-efficient as well as low maintenance technologies to consumers. Due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles, the implementation of traction motors has surged among automotive makers, which is also supporting the market growth.

The permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Permanent magnet synchronous motors are similar to DC brushless motors and contain permanent magnets on the rotor. While these motors also have traction characteristics like high power density and high efficiency, they have sinusoidal back EMF. PMSMs are available for higher power ratings and best suited for high-performance applications like cars and buses. Although PMSM motors are expensive, they are highly energy efficient. Most automotive manufacturers use PMSM motors for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share owing to the increase in demand for transportation connectivity. An all-around effort by the governments of various countries within the region to reduce greenhouse gases and the strong emphasis on reducing carbon emissions has led to a tremendous focus on manufacturing electric vehicles in the region. The Indian government has announced a zero-rated goods and services tax (GST) and the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme run by the Department of Heavy Industries to increase the adoption of electric vehicles. State authorities are rolling out contracts for electrifying the public transport fleet. For instance, in 2018, BYD supplied 25 electric buses to the city of Pune and is expected to supply more in other cities.

Region with highest CAGR:

Europe is projected to have the highest CAGR due to the prominent presence of OEMs such as VDL Groep (Netherlands) and AB Volvo (Sweden) which offers opportunities for the growth of the automotive traction motor market in the region. The increasing focus of the government on imposing stringent environmental regulations encourages market players to develop advanced vehicles and set up facilities wherein various critical vehicle parts are tested, which will further propel the growth of the market for high-power-output traction motors. For instance, in July 2019, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, to expand its expertise in E-Mobility research, inaugurated a new building for R&D, administration, and sales at its divisional headquarters in Schweinfurt, Germany. The new R&D center has 16 Test Benches and facilities wherein electric and hybrid drives and their components are tested.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Automotive Traction Motor Market include Robert Bosch, Tesla Inc., Continental AG, Eaton Corporation, Valeo, Magna International, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Denso, Schaeffler Group, Johnson Electric, Nidec Corporation, MITSUBA Corporation, BorgWarner, MAHLE GmbH, and BYD Company.

Key developments:

In February 2021: Schaeffler Group announced that, starting from 2024, it will design and manufacture a hybrid EV drive unit comprising two electric motors and transmission with integrated power electronics. A system power rating of 120 kW will offer high-performance with low fuel consumption. This is in line with the recent order for dedicated hybrid drives.

In November 2020: ZF Friedrichshafen AG introduced a new concept of EV Plus Plug-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that will help in the permanent reduction of CO2 emissions in PHEVs. This would be achieved by plug-in hybrid drive, a mixture of internal combustion engine and electric motor. The vehicle drive would be efficient enough to run a PHEV for 100 kilometers in a single charge using efficient motor and regenerative braking. This would reduce the dependence on IC engines in vehicles, thus reducing carbon emissions.

In August 2020: BorgWarner Inc. announced that it is building a power-packed Integrated Drive Module (iDM) for Ford. The iDM comes complete with a BorgWarner thermal-management system and gearbox integrated with motor and power electronics. The iDM enables handling of high torque of up to 4,278 Nm and high input speeds up to 13,800 rpm.

In March 2019: Nidec Corporation presented a prototype of a traction motor designed to be fitted inside the wheel hubs. The in-wheel motors are incorporated directly into the wheels of the automobile. Benefits of this set-up include higher efficiency because of driving the wheels directly and bypassing the need for conventional power transmission mechanisms. A single in-wheel motor can achieve a power output of over 100 kW motor and is compatible with all the common car layouts.

In August 2018: Robert Bosch GmbH announced the development of a new electric powertrain for urban vans/trucks named Bosch’s eCityTruck powertrain in two versions, with or without a transmission system. The powertrain integrates the electric motor, the electronics, and the transmission in a single housing, thus reducing the complexity of the electric drive and making the powertrain less expensive and more compact and efficient. The modular axle drive is also suitable for light commercial vehicles.

Vehicle Types Covered:
Passenger Vehicles (PVs)
Commercial Vehicles (CVs)

Power Outputs Covered:
Less Than 200 kW
200-400 kW
Above 400 kW

Motor Types Covered:
Alternating Current (AC) Induction Motors
Direct Current (DC) Brushless
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM)

Operating Currents Covered:
Direct Current (DC) Operated Traction Motor
Alternating Current (AC) Operated Traction Motor

Connection Types Covered:
Parallel Connection
Series Connection

Applications Covered:
Railways
Electric Vehicle

Regions Covered:
North America
US
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
Company Profiling
Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
Regional Segmentation
Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances