In-vehicle Air Purifier Market

Market Overview

The global in-vehicle air purifier market size was valued at USD 1,465.27 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 3,580.93 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.43% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

An in-vehicle air purifier is a small one that can be fitted anywhere inside the vehicle, such as near the dashboard, backseat, or headrest. It purifies the air inside a vehicle by filtering pollutants such as dust, pollen, and cigarette smoke. Some advantages of in-vehicle air purifiers include filtering small and large pollutants, eliminating odor and dust particles, and removing mist. An in-vehicle air purifier is a piece of machinery that cleans the air by filtering out harmful substances. People with respiratory illnesses will appreciate how well it eliminates car odors on long trips.

In addition, some models of air purifiers include deodorizers to cover up unpleasant odors. The air purifier can automatically change its output depending on the air quality, and there are individual LED lights to indicate the different settings. The air filtration equipment's high cost and astronomical outputs mean there is only a small market for in-car air purifiers.

Market Dynamics

Global In-vehicle Air Purifier Market Drivers:

Growing Urbanization

Urbanization refers to the increase in population in urban areas. At the moment, urban areas are home to more than 50% of the world's population. Environmental pollution has increased due to the global economy's rapid growth, urbanization, and industrialization. The rising population in cities has a strong impact on air quality. In addition, the growing number of vehicles that emit pollutants is anticipated to generate demand for in-vehicle air purifiers. Therefore, the demand for in-vehicle air purifiers is expected to grow with increasing urbanization and consumer awareness.

Additionally, urbanization affects the environment as it increases the demand for both natural and artificial resources. It leads to congested living conditions. Air quality in urban areas is low due to factory smoke and pollutants from diesel-powered generators, which cause myriad health problems. Such unhealthy living conditions have boosted using in-vehicle air purifiers in urban areas. With increasing consumer awareness, the demand for in-vehicle air purifiers will rise during the forecast period.

Increasing Health Problems due to Air Pollution

Air pollution leads to different types of health problems worldwide. The effects of air pollution include breathing difficulties, cardiovascular problems, and others. Air pollution is caused by inhaling harmful gases such as nitrogen oxide and sodium oxide. These gases come from various sources, including exhaust fumes of vehicles and smoke from burning coal or gas. Therefore, in-vehicle air purifiers are witnessing increasing demand to protect and improve air quality inside vehicles as consumers spend one-third of their weekdays inside vehicles.

Outdoor pollution is caused by vehicular emissions and gases generated by factories and industries. Owing to growth in population and industrialization, outdoor pollution is expected to spike. This is expected to create demand for in-vehicle air purifiers. In the UK, outdoor air pollution caused about 40,000 fatalities in 2020, mostly due to harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) released by diesel engines. Therefore, it is anticipated that one of the major drivers propelling the market's expansion during the forecast period will be increased outdoor pollution.

Global In-vehicle Air Purifier Market Restraint:

In-Built Filters in Air Conditioning Systems

Air conditioning systems have an in-built filter that works as an air purifier. Air conditioners are installed with different layers of filters to work as an air purifier. The demand for air purifier systems that work with air conditioners has grown significantly. With increasing pollution and related health problems, the increasing demand for a two-way purifying appliance is expected to challenge the in-vehicle air purifier market. Consumers, especially in regions with low air pollution rates, are expected to increase their demand for air conditioning systems with in-built air purifiers inside the vehicles. People in these areas do not require high-quality air purifiers and purchase cost-effective products.

In-built filters are incorporated inside AC ducts in automobiles. However, in-built filters have intensified the competition between air purifiers and AC manufacturers. In low and medium-polluted areas, there is an increasing demand for products that clean the air inside the vehicle. However, air conditioning systems with air filters are less effective than in-vehicle air cleaners, particularly in high-altitude and highly polluted cities. The filters in air conditioners are ineffective in absorbing small cleaning particles that cause various health problems. Such features impede market growth.

Global In-vehicle Air Purifier Market Opportunities:

Growth in Automotive Sector

The demand for automotive electronics and equipment is anticipated to rise in response to the expansion of the automotive sector and the rising global vehicle production. This is expected to increase the demand for in-vehicle air purifiers dramatically during the forecast period. Increased demand from the Gen Z population in countries such as India, China, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. The young population in these countries is expected to drive the demand for technologically advanced products in the coming years. In addition, various technologies are anticipated to convert cars into marketplaces by allowing consumers to perform activities such as refueling, purchasing services, paying for tolls, etc. Hence, all the features mentioned above provide immense potential for market growth.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global in-vehicle air purifier market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global in-vehicle air purifier market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.89% during the forecast period. China, Japan, and India are some countries witnessing high growth in the in-vehicle air purifier market in the Asia-Pacific region. There have been major shifts because of the increasing pollution in these countries. Demand for in-car air purifiers is also expected to rise during the forecast period as consumers become more educated about the technology's many advantages. In addition, China is one of the most established markets because of the high production of raw materials like plastic and glass fibers, which are the key raw materials for manufacturing in-vehicle air purifiers. For instance, as of July 2020, plastic production in China is estimated at around 6.8 million, and glass fibers are expected to grow by around 2-3% by 2025.

Additionally, China is one of the largest suppliers of in-vehicle air purifiers globally, with the highest penetration level. With its robust distribution channels and high demand, the market is expected to witness improved growth rates during the forecast period. The demand for HEPA and ionic air purifiers is anticipated to increase significantly during the forecast period due to the rise in particulate matter levels.

Europe is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 10.51% over the forecast period. The market for in-vehicle air purifiers in Europe is expected to grow because of the increasing disposable income and growing consumer awareness regarding the benefits of air purifiers. HEPA air purifiers are expected to have a higher penetration rate, followed by ionic and activated carbon air purifiers during the forecast period. Toxic gases released by industrial units and an increase in vehicle fleet size are some of the major factors driving the demand for in-vehicle air purifiers among Europeans. In addition, increasing air pollution due to rising construction activities and growing vehicular emissions increase the prevalence of health diseases such as lung and respiratory problems. In-car air purifier usage is driven by rising public awareness of the threatful impacts of dirty air on human health. Energy demand- and money-efficient air purifiers are anticipated to increase significantly over the forecast period. Several nations, including France, the UK, and Germany, will produce significant revenue during the projected period.

In North America, the market for in-vehicle air purifiers is driven by increasing disposable income, high pollution levels, and consumer awareness. Owing to the increase in ozone in the atmosphere in North America, some cities, such as California, have reduced or banned the use of air purifiers that emit ozone gas. Therefore, North America is expected to witness significant demand for different types of filters, including ionic, HEPA, and others. In addition, ionic air filters are expected to witness a higher growth rate owing to their effectiveness and filterless technology. Smart air purifiers are expected to witness a higher penetration rate in the market due to their wireless features and new technology.

In the Middle East and Africa, the consumption of air purifiers in high-rise constructions and industrial spaces is expected to propel the air purifier market growth over the forecast period. The market for in-vehicle air purifiers in the Middle East and Africa is propelled by increasing investments in infrastructure and construction activities, coupled with the level of pollutants in the air that surged between 2017 and 2020. Among the major growing countries in the Middle East and Africa, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to witness the surging growth of the air purifier market due to the rising number of construction activities expected to be completed by the end of 2030.

Additionally, several governments in the Middle East and Africa region have implemented stringent norms and measures to reduce air contamination. Energy-efficient and cost-effective air purifiers that can provide high performance are expected to boost the market for in-vehicle air purifiers in the Middle East and Africa region. Rising awareness toward the benefits of air purifiers and rapid urbanization are expected to increase the demand for air purifiers in the Middle East and Africa during the forecast period.

Brazil leads Latin American nations in market revenue generation, followed by Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. The region is predicted to witness a significant growth rate due to rapid urbanization, growth in construction activities, and the deterioration of air quality. Rising vehicular emissions have created opportunities for vendors in Latin America's in-vehicle air purifier market. Better supply chain networks in Brazil and other countries are expected to boost the supply of in-vehicle air purifiers in the Latin American market.

Segmental Analysis

The global in-vehicle air purifier market is segmented by product type, technology, power application, distribution channel, and end market.

Based on product type, the global in-vehicle air purifier market is bifurcated into air purifiers and hybrid air purifiers (air purifiers + air ionizers). 

The air purifiers segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 11.24% over the forecast period. In-vehicle air purifiers are used in passenger and commercial vehicles (taxis and rentals, emergency vehicles, public buses, corporate fleets, and others). In-vehicle air purifiers use the same mechanism as room air purifiers. They release positive and negative ions with electrically charged poles. In addition, the filters inside the air purifier absorb impurities and release clean air into the atmosphere. The consumer base of the in-vehicle air purifier market has expanded from personal vehicles such as sedans and SUVs to heavy commercial vehicles.

Additionally, the market is witnessing increasing demand for commercial vehicles such as school buses, vans, and corporate fleets. The automotive industry is dynamic and has occasionally adapted to various technological changes, enhancing customer experience. Vehicle interiors are being developed with several new gadgets and automotive electronic systems. However, the concentration of pollutants such as dust, smoke, and toxic fumes in cabin spaces is high in cities. This, in turn, is escalating the demand for in-vehicle air purifiers.

Based on technology, the global in-vehicle air purifier market is divided into HEPA, activated carbon, ionic, and others. 

The HEPA segment is the largest revenue contributor to the market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 10.72% over the forecast period. The demand for HEPA filters is increasing as they effectively remove small particles and pollutants. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a high need for in-vehicle air purifiers due to the rise in pollution and commercialization. In addition, the increase in population in countries such as India, China, and others is creating major opportunities for the HEPA in-vehicle air purifier market. Strict government regulations regarding air quality and increasing consumer spending are further expected to drive the demand.

Based on application, the global in-vehicle air purifier market is divided into personal and commercial vehicles. 

The commercial segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.57% over the forecast period. Commercial vehicles in the in-vehicle air purifier market consist of small automobiles used for commercial purposes and large passenger cars (SUVs). The market is expected to grow further as many car manufacturers are expected to invest in light or small commercial vehicles. In addition, the commercial segment is predicted to witness high investments in the coming years. This is anticipated to be a key growth factor for the air purifier market. The commercial segment is divided into taxis and rentals, emergency vehicles, public buses, corporate fleets, and others.  

Based on the distribution channel, the global in-vehicle air purifier market is segmented into online and offline. 

The online segment owns the highest market share and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 9.52% during the forecast period. Owing to the increasing penetration of online platforms, consumers have shifted to purchasing products online while sitting in the comfort of their homes. In addition, distributing products through online websites is one of the ways forward for the growth of the market. In-vehicle air purifiers are witnessing increasing sales through online channels. Online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and eBay are increasing their sales by offering discounts and other services free of cost. Therefore, several customers have switched to online shopping.

Based on the end market, the global in-vehicle air purifier market is segmented into OEMs and aftermarkets.  

The OEMs segment dominates the global market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.89% during the forecast period. Various in-vehicle air purifiers, such as standalone and hybrid air purifiers, are available in the in-vehicle air purifier market. The majority of the products are aftermarket or retrofit products. Presently, aftermarket products are easily accessible to end customers. However, due to an increase in pollution levels and standardization of air purifiers, automobile manufacturers are expected to provide in-built air purifiers as a standard vehicle accessory during the forecast period. Such factors are thereby providing growth opportunities to OEMs.

Recent Developments

• January 2023 - The nanoeTM X portable in-vehicle air cleaner, which maintains cabin air purity and is available in North America, was launched by Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, a tier-one automotive supplier. In addition to reducing odors, this air purifier also aids in preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, viruses, and allergens on surfaces and in the air.