The global traction motor market size was valued at USD 18.54 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 59.81 billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.9% over the forecast period (2024-32). There is a global shift towards electrification in the automotive sector, including electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Traction motors are essential components in electric and hybrid vehicles, propelling electrical energy into mechanical energy. The increasing production and sales of electric vehicles worldwide are driving the demand for traction motors.
An electric motor used to propel a vehicle, such as a locomotive, an electric or hydrogen vehicle, an elevator, or electric multiple units, is known as a traction motor; electricity powers traction motors, which generate the force required to turn the train's wheels. Traction motors are used in electrically powered rail vehicles, other electric vehicles (such as electric milk floats, elevators, roller coasters, conveyors, and trolleybuses), vehicles with electrical transmission systems (electric hybrid vehicles, and battery-operated vehicles), and electrically powered rail vehicles. The driving gear unit and axle transmit the turning force generated by the traction motors to the wheels. Typically, traction motors are mounted in trucks where the wheels are located. Low maintenance: The structure is completely sealed to keep out dust. Reduced component count means fewer things needing maintenance and less frequent. Low noise: To reduce noise, the building is completely sealed. Improved accessories like cooling fans also contribute to reduced noise levels. High reliability is attained by brazing the rotor bar and integrating the stator using high-frequency heating. Due to its high starting torque, the AC series motor is the most effective for traction applications.
Electric motors are widely used and well-liked in various industries, making high-tech semiconductors, strong magnets, and other components for their production readily accessible. The cost of production and maintenance for railway traction motors has also been reduced by the numerous applications of traction motors in locomotives, numerous electric units, and heavy machinery in industrial and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Additionally, compared to other conventional power sources, the electrical and magnetism principles governing the operation of these traction motors have simplified their construction and assembly, lowering production and maintenance costs. Thus, the cost advantages of traction motor production and aftermarket services are anticipated to propel traction motor market growth over the coming years. As a result, traction motors have become a crucial part of railroad locomotives. Additionally, it is anticipated that the popularity of metro locomotives, particularly in urban areas, will fuel the demand for traction motors during the forecast period.
Increased global warming, industrial pollution, and resource depletion threats have caused users to focus on sustainable development. Various governments have implemented strict regulations and policies to reduce emissions from different industries. Thus, to reduce emissions for more extended longer-distance stations, electric motors have replaced the steam and diesel engines that previously powered the traction motors for railway coaches. In addition, the development of advanced semiconductors like insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) and thyristors has increased the replacement of traditional diesel and steam engine locomotives and improved the performance delivery capabilities of traction motors without generating excessive emissions. Thus, it is anticipated that the market for traction motors will be driven by the rise in demand for reducing emissions from conventional steam and diesel engines of locomotives.
Traction motors in a vehicle enable the distribution of power evenly among the wheels, producing slow motion at first, followed by faster motion when more power is applied. As a result, the security of the crew, passengers, and cargo on board locomotives is not jeopardized, ensuring safe cargo transportation. Furthermore, the performance of traction motors is made as safe as possible by reduced noise, vibrations at higher torque, and smooth acceleration and deceleration. As a result, the market for traction motors is anticipated to grow in the upcoming years due to decreased performance loss. Extreme temperatures result from friction between moving parts and components in traction motors. As a result, the materials used to produce them are frequently long-lasting, robust, and of excellent quality, like the automotive industry, aerospace, and industrial sectors all demand high-quality raw materials, which drives up the cost of metals and other production-related materials.
Significant change due to increased investment in research and development for improving the regional railway system will create enormous potential and improve product features for various applications. R&D is a major trend driving the railway traction motor market's expansion. Government efforts to promote electric motor use will support the demand for electric motors. It is anticipated that a combination of rising R&D spending and government initiatives will offer significant growth prospects for the global railway traction motor market. Additionally, the performance of traction motor producers is influenced by the expansion and modernization of infrastructure undertaken by various countries around the world. Investments made by governments and various businesses supplement this infrastructure development and motor upgrade. Any change in investments directly impacts the sales/business performance.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 13.9% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 18.54 billion |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 59.81 billion |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
The global traction motor market share is bifurcated into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
Asia Pacific is the highest global traction motor market shareholder and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period. China, Australia, India, Japan, and the rest of Asia-Pacific are all included in the Asia-Pacific market analysis. The growing concern about carbon emissions on a global scale is the primary driver in this area. There are many important players. Additionally, there are significant regional investments in electric traction motors. The market for traction motors is growing due to numerous companies operating successfully in the Asia-Pacific region, including Hitachi, Hyundai, CRRC, and Toshiba. The global market for electric traction systems in this region is anticipated to grow due to the transportation infrastructure's increased development, including railway connections, hybrid electric vehicles, high-speed bullet trains, and metro rail systems. It is anticipated that during the forecast year, rising demand for narrow gauge and industrial railway rolling stock, including diesel-electric, hybrid, and electric locomotives, will contribute significantly to market share.
Europe is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 15.4% during the forecast period. The UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the rest of Europe are all included in Europe’s market analysis. Traction motors are used in various regional applications, and businesses like ABB, Siemens, and Skoda Transportation are involved in the industry. This extensive use of traction motors in various industries supports the expansion of the global market in Europe. This increase in income is attributable to the numerous agreements and contracts made by various businesses, like ABB, to outfit various traction motors for various applications, which fuels the expansion of the market in France. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Russia, Norway, and several other nations have been examined in the global market report as part of the rest of Europe. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Russia, Norway, and several other nations have been examined in the global market report as part of the rest of Europe.
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The market is segmented by application, type, and power rating.
Based on application, the global market is bifurcated into railways, electric vehicles, and industrial vehicles.
The electric vehicle segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.35% during the forecast period. Electric vehicles have more advanced and effective traction motors because they need powerful motors for propulsion. By charging the battery pack, these motors improve the power supply to electric vehicles and boost their overall efficiency. Due to the increased adoption of electric vehicles worldwide, traction motors used in electric vehicles are anticipated to experience significant growth during the forecast period. The availability of speed-torque characteristics for better propulsion, followed by the desired amount of torque, are just a few additional factors that support the growth of the global market.
Based on type, the global market is bifurcated into AC traction motor, DC traction motor, and synchronous motor.
The DC traction motor segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14% during the forecast period. DC traction motors are a staple of the electric traction drives on electric and diesel-electric locomotives, street cars/trams, and diesel-electric drilling rigs. It comprises two components: a rotating armature and fixed field windings mounted around the rotating armature's shaft. A series-wound or phase configuration of a direct current traction motor is available and operates on a direct current supply. Depending on the use and requirements of traction motors, the torque is manually controlled by an operator or automatically through a relay system. Additionally, the initial phase of the current flow produces the most torque for automotive applications, making them more appropriate for uses involving continuous on-and-off machinery operations in the industrial sector.
Based on power rating, the global market is bifurcated into less than 200 kW, 200–400 kW, and more than 400 kW.
The less than 200 kW segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period. For better propulsion, traction motors under 200kW are created for vehicle use. Due to their higher power rating, these motors are better at moving a vehicle, and electric and light rail transit vehicles use them extensively. Due to their extensive use in various vehicles, including electric and light rail vehicles, traction motors that produce less than 200kW have experienced tremendous growth in the global market. Due to the growth in demand for electric vehicles worldwide, this market is expected to experience profitable growth in the future.
