Europe Motor Starter Market Size - By Product, By Protection System, By Control System, By Voltage, By Current, By Application, By End Use, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Europe Motor Starter Market Size

The Europe motor starter market was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 1.7 billion in 2025 to USD 2.5 billion by 2034, reflecting a 4.6% CAGR, according to Global Market Insights Inc.

• The European Union’s Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 mandates high-efficiency standards for electric motors and variable speed drives, directly influencing demand for advanced motor starters. From July 2023, motors between 75kW and 200kW must meet IE4 efficiency levels, making the EU the first region globally to enforce such stringent norms. This regulatory push is driving upgrades across industrial systems, boosting the motor starter market.
   
• Germany’s special climate and transformation fund (KTF) allocated significant funding in 2024 to promote electromobility and industrial electrification. This initiative supports the deployment of electric motor-driven systems across sectors, increasing the need for efficient motor starters. The fund is part of Germany’s broader strategy to decarbonize its economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
   
• France’s National Low-Carbon Strategy emphasizes halving final energy consumption by 2050, with electric motors playing a central role. The IEA’s 2021 review highlighted the need for accelerated deployment of energy-efficient technologies, including motor systems. This policy direction is fostering demand for high-performance motor starters that align with energy-saving goals in industrial and commercial applications.
   
• Italy’s 2023 IEA policy review emphasized the country’s progress in energy efficiency and its commitment to electrifying industrial processes. With reforms to streamline renewable deployment and reduce gas dependency, Italy is increasingly adopting electric motor systems in manufacturing. This transition is driving the need for reliable motor starters to support automation and energy management.
   
• Spain’s 2021 IEA review outlined its goal for renewables to supply 100% of electricity by 2050. The country’s energy transition strategy includes electrification of industry and transport, increasing the deployment of electric motors. As renewable integration grows, so does the need for motor starters that can handle variable loads and ensure system stability.
   
• The UK enforces the EU-derived Regulation (EU) 2019/1781, requiring new industrial motors to meet IE4 efficiency standards from July 2023. This regulation, still applicable post-Brexit, is pushing industries to adopt advanced motor systems and compatible starters. The policy aligns with the UK’s Clean Energy Superpower mission, which emphasizes electrification and energy efficiency.
   
• The EU’s Green Deal and Fit for 55 package aim to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. These targets are accelerating the modernization of industrial infrastructure, including the replacement of outdated motor systems with efficient alternatives. Motor starters are integral to this transition, enabling precise control and energy optimization in electric motor operations.
   

Europe Motor Starter Market Trends

• The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across Europe is increasing the demand for electric motor systems in charging infrastructure and auxiliary systems, driving motor starter usage. In 2023, electric vehicles accounted for 22.7% of new car registrations in the EU, with 2.4 million new electric cars registered, up from 2 million in 2022. This surge supports the need for reliable motor control solutions in both public and private EV infrastructure.
   
• A growing trend in Europe is the integration of motor starters with IoT and smart factory systems. These intelligent starters enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics, aligning with Industry 4.0 goals. As factories modernize, demand is shifting from traditional starters to digital-ready solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime. This trend is particularly strong in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, where industrial automation is a national priority.
   
• The EU’s Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 mandates that motors between 75kW and 200kW meet IE4 efficiency levels from July 2023. This regulation is driving the replacement of older motors and increasing demand for compatible motor starters that support high-efficiency operations. The regulation covers over 380 million motors, which consumed 56% of the EU’s electricity in 2020, highlighting the scale of its impact on the motor control ecosystem.
   
• Following the 2022 energy crisis, electricity demand in the EU dropped by 3%, the steepest decline among major regions. This has led industries to focus on energy optimization and load management, increasing the use of motor starters with soft-start and variable speed capabilities. These technologies help reduce peak loads and improve energy efficiency, aligning with cost-saving and sustainability goals.
   
• European industries are increasingly adopting modular and space-saving motor starter designs to accommodate compact control panels and decentralized systems. These starters offer flexibility in installation and maintenance, especially in retrofitting older facilities. The trend is driven by the need to optimize floor space, reduce wiring complexity, and support plug-and-play automation systems. Manufacturers are responding with innovative starter modules that integrate seamlessly with PLCs and industrial networks.
   
• The integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar into industrial and utility-scale systems is creating demand for motor starters that can handle variable loads and grid fluctuations. These starters are essential in managing motors used in tracking systems, pumps, and auxiliary equipment. As Europe accelerates its transition to clean energy, motor starters that support grid stability and energy-efficient operations are gaining traction across the region.
   
• European manufacturers are increasingly using digital twin technology to simulate motor performance and optimize starter configurations before deployment. This trend enhances system reliability, reduces commissioning time, and supports predictive maintenance. The adoption of simulation tools is particularly strong in high-tech manufacturing sectors, where precision and uptime are critical. As digital engineering becomes mainstream, motor starter solutions that integrate with simulation platforms are expected to see rising demand.
   

Europe Motor Starter Market Analysis

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• Based on product type, the market is segmented into soft starters, hybrid starters, across-the-line starters, reversing starters, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and other variants. The market was valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2022, rising to USD 1.5 billion in 2023, and further to USD 1.6 billion in 2024. Among these, VFD-based motor starters dominated with a 30.3% market share in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a 5.1% CAGR through 2034.
   
• The adoption of VFD-based motor starters is accelerating across Europe due to stringent energy efficiency regulations and the need for dynamic motor control. VFDs enable precise speed regulation, reducing energy consumption in applications like HVAC, pumps, and conveyors. Their ability to optimize motor performance under varying loads makes them ideal for modern industrial systems.
   
• A major driver is the EU Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781, which mandates IE2 efficiency levels for all variable speed drives placed on the market. This regulation, effective since July 2021, supports the EU’s goal of saving 106 TWh annually by 2030, equivalent to the electricity consumption of the Netherlands.
   
• Soft starters are gaining traction in Europe due to their ability to reduce mechanical stress and electrical surges during motor startup. This is particularly valuable in sectors like water treatment, mining, and food processing, where equipment longevity and energy efficiency are critical. Their cost-effectiveness compared to VFDs makes them attractive for medium-duty applications.
   
• The EU’s broader push for industrial modernization and SME support, as outlined in the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, is indirectly boosting demand for such technologies. By fostering innovation and easing access to finance, the strategy enables small manufacturers to adopt efficient motor control solutions like soft starters.
   
• Hybrid starters, which combine the benefits of contactors and solid-state technology, are increasingly used in applications requiring frequent starts and stops with minimal wear. Their compact design, reduced heat generation, and extended lifespan make them ideal for automated production lines and packaging systems.
   
• The rise of smart manufacturing and the EU’s focus on digital innovation are encouraging the adoption of hybrid starters. These devices support seamless integration with PLCs and industrial networks, aligning with Europe’s Industry 4.0 transformation. As factories digitize, demand for intelligent and durable motor control solutions is expected to grow steadily.
   
• Reversing starters are essential in applications requiring frequent directional changes, such as conveyor systems, hoists, and packaging machinery. Their demand is growing in Europe’s logistics and warehousing sectors, which are expanding rapidly due to the rise of e-commerce and automated material handling. As companies invest in smart warehouses and robotic systems, reversing starters play a critical role in ensuring operational flexibility and motor protection.
   
• Additionally, the EU’s emphasis on supply chain resilience and digital logistics under the Digital Europe Programme is indirectly supporting the adoption of such motor control technologies in automated environments.
   
• Across-the-line (direct-on-line) starters remain relevant in Europe for simple, low-cost motor control applications, especially in small-scale industries and rural infrastructure projects. Their straightforward design and ease of maintenance make them suitable for motors with low starting torque requirements. While their use is declining in high-efficiency applications, they continue to serve in legacy systems and cost-sensitive installations.
   
• In regions where modernization is gradual, such as parts of Eastern and Southern Europe, across-the-line starters still offer a practical solution for basic motor operations, particularly in agriculture, water pumping, and small manufacturing units.
   

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• Based on voltage rating, the Europe motor starter market is segmented into high-voltage, medium-voltage, and low-voltage categories. Among these, medium-voltage motor starters lead the regional landscape, accounting for 40.1% of the market share in 2024. Their dominance is driven by rising demand for scalable, energy-efficient, and safe motor control solutions across industrial sectors. With increasing automation and infrastructure development, especially in emerging European economies, medium-voltage starters are projected to exceed USD 970 million by 2034, reflecting their growing importance in modern industrial systems.
   
• Medium-voltage motor starters are increasingly favored in Europe due to their ability to handle high-power industrial applications while maintaining energy efficiency and operational safety. Industries such as water treatment, cement, and mining rely on these starters for reliable motor control in demanding environments. Their scalability and cost-effectiveness make them ideal for mid-sized facilities transitioning to automated systems without the complexity of high-voltage infrastructure.
   
• The EU’s industrial decarbonization goals are also pushing medium-voltage adoption. As part of the European Green Deal, industries are incentivized to upgrade to energy-efficient systems. Medium-voltage starters, when paired with high-efficiency motors, help reduce energy losses and improve power factor, aligning with these sustainability targets. This is particularly evident in countries like Poland and Italy, where industrial modernization is accelerating under EU funding programs.
   
• Low-voltage motor starters are widely used across Europe in commercial buildings, small-scale manufacturing, and residential infrastructure. Their compact design, ease of integration with automation systems, and affordability make them ideal for HVAC systems, elevators, and small machinery. As Europe pushes for smart building development and energy-efficient retrofits, demand for low-voltage starters is rising steadily.
   
• The EU’s Renovation Wave initiative, which aims to double building renovation rates by 2030, is a key driver. This program encourages the replacement of outdated electrical systems with modern, efficient alternatives. Low-voltage starters, especially those with soft-start and overload protection features, are being deployed in upgraded electrical panels to enhance safety and reduce energy consumption in both public and private buildings.
   
• High-voltage motor starters are essential in Europe’s heavy industries, including oil and gas, power generation, and large-scale manufacturing. These starters are designed to manage motors operating above 6.6 kV, offering robust performance in high-load environments. Their ability to handle large currents with minimal losses makes them indispensable in grid-connected and high-capacity industrial systems.
   
• As Europe expands its renewable energy infrastructure, particularly offshore wind farms and hydrogen production facilities, high-voltage motor starters are gaining relevance. These applications require powerful motors for compressors, turbines, and pumps, all of which demand reliable high-voltage control. Northern European countries like Denmark and the Netherlands are leading this trend, integrating high-voltage systems into their clean energy projects to support grid stability and operational efficiency.
   

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• The France motor starter market was valued at USD 239.3 million in 2022, rising to USD 251.9 million in 2023, and further to USD 265.3 million in 2024. In 2024, France accounted for approximately 16.5% of the total European market share. The country is expected to experience notable growth in the coming years, primarily driven by the modernization of its industrial base and government-backed digital transformation programs, which are encouraging the adoption of smart motor control technologies across manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
   
• France is witnessing growing demand for motor starters as it modernizes its industrial base and integrates digital technologies. The push for energy-efficient systems is central to this transformation. For instance, the IEA’s 2021 France Energy Policy Review emphasized the need for accelerated deployment of efficient motor systems to meet national decarbonization goals, reinforcing the role of advanced motor starters in achieving energy savings and operational reliability.
   
• Germany’s motor starter market is expanding due to its strong focus on electrifying industrial operations and reducing carbon emissions. The country is actively promoting energy-efficient motor systems across sectors like manufacturing and logistics. For example, Germany’s Special Climate and Transformation Fund allocates significant resources to support electromobility and industrial electrification, directly boosting demand for electric motors and compatible starters.
   
• Russia’s motor starter market is driven by its large-scale industrial sectors, particularly oil, gas, and mining. The need for reliable and rugged motor control systems in harsh environments supports demand for high-performance starters. Although modernization is slower, government-backed programs promoting domestic industrial automation and energy efficiency are gradually encouraging the adoption of advanced motor technologies. For example, national strategies aimed at import substitution and industrial self-reliance are fostering local production and integration of motor control equipment.
   
• The UK’s motor starter market is growing due to its alignment with high-efficiency motor regulations and its broader clean energy strategy. The enforcement of IE4 motor standards is pushing industries to upgrade motor systems. For example, the UK continues to apply the Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781, which mandates high-efficiency levels for electric motors and drives, thereby increasing the demand for compatible motor starters across industrial and commercial sectors.
   
• Italy’s motor starter market is advancing due to its commitment to energy efficiency and industrial electrification. The country is actively reducing its reliance on natural gas by promoting electric motor systems in manufacturing. For instance, the IEA’s 2023 Italy Energy Policy Review highlighted Italy’s progress in streamlining renewable deployment and electrifying industrial processes, both of which are increasing the need for efficient motor control solutions like starters.
   
• Spain’s motor starter market is supported by its ambitious renewable energy goals and the electrification of industrial systems. The transition to clean energy is increasing the use of electric motors in various sectors. For example, the IEA’s 2021 Spain Energy Policy Review outlined the country’s plan to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2050, which is driving demand for motor starters in grid-connected and industrial applications.
   
• The Netherlands is experiencing growth in its motor starter market due to its leadership in smart grid integration and industrial automation. The country’s offshore wind development and sustainable logistics initiatives are increasing the use of electric motors. For example, national programs supporting digital transformation and energy efficiency in manufacturing are encouraging the adoption of intelligent motor control systems, including starters that integrate with IoT and predictive maintenance platforms.
   
• Austria’s motor starter market is expanding steadily, driven by its strong environmental policies and focus on sustainable industrial practices. The country is integrating renewable energy into its industrial operations, which increases the need for efficient motor control. For instance, Austria’s national energy and climate plan emphasizes electrification and energy efficiency in manufacturing, supporting the deployment of motor starters that align with low-carbon objectives and smart energy management systems.
   

Europe Motor Starter Market Share

• The top 5 companies across the motor starter market include Schneider Electric, Siemens, ABB, Eaton, and Danfoss, collectively contributing over 50% of the market in 2024.
   
• ABB holds a strong position in the European motor starter market due to its advanced product portfolio, including the AF series contactor-based starters and soft starters like the PSR, PSE, and PSTX ranges. These products offer energy efficiency, digital connectivity, and superior motor protection. ABB’s leadership in industrial automation and its focus on sustainable electrification align with Europe’s energy goals, making it a preferred choice for smart factories, utilities, and infrastructure projects across the region.
   
• Eaton commands a significant share in Europe’s motor starter market through its XT series starters, S811+ soft starters, and motor control centers. Known for reliability and modularity, Eaton’s solutions are widely used in commercial buildings, water treatment, and manufacturing. The company’s emphasis on compact, energy-efficient designs and its integration with Intelligent Power Manager (IPM) software support Europe’s shift toward digital energy management, helping customers meet regulatory standards and reduce operational costs across diverse industrial applications.
   
• Danfoss is a key player in the European motor starter market, particularly through its VLT Soft Starters and MCD series, which are known for compact design, energy savings, and easy integration with automation systems. The company’s strong presence in HVAC, food processing, and water infrastructure aligns with Europe’s sustainability and electrification goals. Danfoss also benefits from its leadership in variable speed drives, offering bundled motor control solutions that enhance energy efficiency and system performance across industrial and commercial sectors.
   

Europe Motor Starter Market Companies

Major players operating in the Europe motor starter industry are:
 

• ABB
• C&S Electric Limited
• CHINT Group
• CG Power & Industrial Solutions
• Danfoss
• DENSO
• Eaton
• Emerson Electric
• EMZ Elektromaschinenzentrale
• GE Vernova
• Kalp Controls
• L&T Electrical & Automation
• LOVATO ELECTRIC
• MAHLE
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Rockwell Automation
• Remy Automotive
• Schneider Electric
• Siemens
• WEG

• CHINT Group, a global energy solutions provider, has a growing presence in Europe’s motor starter market through its low-voltage motor control products, including contactors, thermal overload relays, and motor protection circuit breakers. CHINT’s motor starters are widely used in industrial automation, building systems, and renewable energy applications. The company’s focus on affordability, modularity, and compliance with international standards makes it a competitive choice for European OEMs and panel builders.
   
• LOVATO Electric is a well-established European manufacturer with a strong footprint in the motor starter segment. Its ME Series electronic motor starters are compact, hybrid devices designed for high-frequency operations and space-saving installations. The company also offers soft starters (ADXL and ADXT series) and electromechanical starters for direct-on-line and reversing applications. These products are widely used in automation panels, HVAC systems, and industrial machinery across Europe.
   
• Siemens is a dominant player in Europe’s motor starter market, offering a comprehensive range under its SIRIUS brand. Key products include the SIRIUS 3RM1 motor starter, known for its ultra-compact 22.5 mm width, and the 3RW soft starters, which provide smooth motor acceleration and deceleration. Siemens also offers the SIMATIC ET 200SP motor starter, integrated into distributed I/O systems for smart automation. These solutions are widely adopted in manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
   

Europe Motor Starter Industry News

• In August 2025, ABB announced the acquisition of BrightLoop, a French company specializing in advanced power electronics. This strategic move enhances ABB’s electrification portfolio for off-highway vehicles and marine applications. By integrating BrightLoop’s compact and high-efficiency power converters, ABB strengthens its ability to deliver robust and intelligent energy systems, supporting its commitment to sustainable transportation and accelerating innovation in demanding industrial environments.
   
• In January 2025, LOVATO Electric launched the ADXT series, a next-generation line of soft starters engineered for high-demand motor applications. Designed to manage challenging loads like crushers, conveyors, and compressors, the ADXT series delivers enhanced torque and smoother motor acceleration through full three-phase control, a step up from conventional two-phase models. These starters feature built-in bypass relays, adjustable current settings, and support both in-line and inside-delta configurations, offering flexibility, energy efficiency, and compact design for modern industrial environments. Optional communication modules further enable smart integration.
   
• In April 2025, WEG announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in Europe with a new facility near Milan, Italy. Backed by an investment of approximately USD 4.32 million, the site will focus on producing low-voltage electric motors and complement operations at WEG’s existing Cemp factory. Covering 6,600 square meters, the new plant is expected to be operational by early 2026 and will help meet rising demand for explosion-proof motor solutions across Europe. This move reinforces WEG’s commitment to localized production and strengthens its position in the European industrial market.
   

The Europe motor starter market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) and volume (Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Soft Starters
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Across-the-Line Starters
• Reversing Starters
• Hybrid Europe Motor Starters
• Others

Market, By Protection System

• Electronic Overload Relays
• Solid-State Overload Protection
• Thermal-Magnetic Protection

Market, By Control System

• PLC
• Fieldbus

Market, By Voltage

• Low
• Medium
• High

Market, By Current

• > 9 A – 27 A
• > 27 A – 90 A
• > 90 A – 270 A
• > 270 A – 810 A
• > 810 A

Market, By Application

• Distributed Architecture
• Control Cabinet
• Hybrid Configuration

Market, By End Use

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial

The above information has been provided for the following countries:

• Germany
• France
• Russia
• UK
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Austria