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

Motor Starter Market Size

The motor starter market was estimated at USD 7.4 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 7.8 billion in 2025 to USD 12 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 5%, as per Global Market Insights Inc.
 

• Motor starters are increasingly adopted as part of broader industrial energy efficiency mandates. These mandates aim to reduce energy consumption in motor-driven systems, which account for nearly 68% of electricity use in U.S. manufacturing. The Department of Energy’s Motor System Market Assessment, led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is actively profiling motor systems and identifying efficiency opportunities. This initiative is driving industries to upgrade to starters that support optimized control and energy savings.
   
• The transition to electrified vehicle manufacturing is creating substantial demand for motor starters in assembly lines and component production. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the DOE allocated USD 2 billion in grants to retool shuttered auto plants across eight states for EV production. These facilities require motor starters for robotics, conveyor systems, and auxiliary equipment. The scale and urgency of this federal investment are directly expanding the motor starter market.
   
• The modernization of the U.S. electric grid is a major driver for motor starter deployment in utility infrastructure. The DOE’s Office of Electricity is integrating smart technologies like automated feeder switches and fault recovery relays, which rely on motor starters for load control. These upgrades enhance grid resilience and operational efficiency, making motor starters essential in the evolving smart grid ecosystem.
   
• Stricter enforcement of OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) has led industries to adopt motor starters with integrated safety features. The regulation mandates energy isolation during maintenance, excluding control circuit devices like basic starters. As a result, industries are upgrading to starters with built-in disconnects and interlocks to meet compliance. This regulatory clarity is driving safer motor control solutions across sectors.
   
• Motor starters are critical in renewable energy systems for managing variable loads in solar, wind, and hydro installations. The DOE’s Industrial Technologies Office promotes motor system optimization through resources like the “Energy Management for Motor-Driven Systems” guide. These publications encourage the use of starters that support energy recovery and load balancing, fostering their adoption in clean energy projects.
   
• The DOE’s Building America program supports HVAC retrofitting with energy-efficient motor control systems. Case studies from various climate zones demonstrate how advanced starters in ventilation systems contribute to reduced energy use and improved indoor air quality. These retrofits, often in schools and public buildings, showcase motor starters as key components in sustainable building upgrades.
   
• The mining sector’s shift toward automation is increasing the use of motor starters in heavy machinery and ventilation systems. The CDC’s NIOSH-led Automation and Emerging Technologies Partnership reports widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles and digital sensors in U.S. mines. These systems require starters for controlled operation and fault detection, making them indispensable in modern mining environments.
   
• OEMs are collaborating with the DOE to develop high-performance motor systems for electric vehicles. The Electric Drive Technical Team Roadmap outlines R&D priorities, including motor starters for traction drive systems in light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles. This partnership is advancing starter technologies that support wide-bandgap semiconductors and magnet-less designs, driving innovation and market growth.
   

Motor Starter Market Trends

• The motor starter industry is witnessing a global shift toward energy-efficient systems, driven by sustainability goals. The IEA’s Electric Motor Systems Platform (EMSA) reports that motor systems account for 53% of global electricity consumption. EMSA’s policy modeling and updated Motor Policy Guide help countries implement Minimum Energy Performance Standards, encouraging adoption of starters that reduce energy demand by 20–30%. This international guidance is accelerating the transition to efficient motor control technologies.
   
• Digital twin technology is transforming motor starter applications by enabling predictive maintenance and system optimization. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre highlights digital twins as key enablers of the EU’s twin green and digital transition. These virtual models simulate motor system behavior, allowing real-time diagnostics and performance tuning. The integration of digital twins into industrial motor systems is enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime, making smart starters more valuable in modern infrastructure.
   
• Emerging economies are embracing electrification in manufacturing, increasing demand for motor starters in industrial equipment. India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency, in collaboration with the EU, published a strategy assessing electrification across sectors. The report identifies motor-driven systems as central to industrial decarbonization and recommends starter upgrades for energy-intensive processes. This strategic alignment between India and the EU is fostering global growth in motor starter deployment for clean manufacturing.
   
• Cybersecurity is becoming a critical trend in motor starter design, especially for industrial control systems. Japan’s Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA) supports risk assessments for critical infrastructure, including motor control systems. Their initiatives help operators identify vulnerabilities and implement countermeasures to protect motor starters from cyber threats. This focus on resilience is driving demand for secure, programmable starters in sectors like energy, water, and transportation.
   
• The electrification of energy systems is prompting workforce development initiatives to support motor control technologies. Natural Resources Canada partnered with Electricity Human Resources Canada to host an event focused on inclusion and skill-building in the electricity sector. The program emphasized training for underrepresented groups in motor system operations and smart grid technologies. This inclusive approach is ensuring a skilled labor pool for maintaining and innovating motor starter systems.
   
• Agricultural sectors are transitioning from diesel to electric motor systems, increasing demand for motor starters in irrigation and machinery. The NSW Department of Primary Industries in Australia funded a study identifying electrification pathways for stationary and mobile farm equipment. The report recommends replacing diesel pumps with electric motors and integrating starters for energy-efficient operation. This trend is reshaping motor starter applications in rural and off-grid environments.
   
• Modular motor systems are gaining traction in automotive electrification, influencing starter design and integration. Schaeffler Germany offers scalable electric axle systems with integrated starters and power electronics. Their 2in1 and 3in1 systems support hybrid and all-electric vehicles, enabling flexible deployment across vehicle classes. This modularity is driving innovation in motor starter configurations, aligning with global trends in e-mobility and sustainable transport.
   

Motor Starter Market Analysis

• Based on product, the market include soft starters, VFDs, reversing starters, across the line starters, hybrid starters and others. The market was valued at USD 6.5 billion, USD 6.9 billion, and USD 7.4 billion in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively. The variable frequency drives application as motor starters dominated the market accounting for over 32% share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% through 2034.
   
• The surge in industrial automation and the adoption of smart manufacturing practices are significantly boosting the demand for VFDs in motor starter applications. VFDs allow for variable speed control, which is essential in automated systems where flexibility and efficiency are paramount. Their integration with PLCs and IoT platforms makes them a cornerstone of modern industrial control systems.
   
• Global efforts to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions are accelerating the adoption of variable frequency drives (VFDs). Since motors consume a significant share of industrial electricity, VFDs optimize motor speed based on load, minimizing energy waste and extending equipment lifespan. Governments and regulatory bodies are actively promoting energy-efficient technologies through incentives and mandates, making VFDs a preferred solution for both retrofitting existing systems and designing new installations aligned with sustainability goals.
   
• Soft starters are anticipated to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2034. are gaining traction across industries that require smooth and controlled motor acceleration, particularly in sectors like mining, water treatment, and HVAC. These applications often involve high inertia loads where sudden torque can damage equipment or cause operational instability. Soft starters help mitigate mechanical stress and electrical disturbances during motor start-up, making them a preferred choice for extending equipment life and ensuring process reliability.
   
• Modern soft starters are evolving with advanced digital interfaces and communication protocols, enabling seamless integration with PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial IoT platforms. Support for protocols like Modbus, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP enhances compatibility with smart factory environments. As industries move toward automation and data-driven operations, these intelligent soft starters are becoming increasingly relevant in both new installations and retrofit projects across global industrial sectors.
   
• The across-the-line motor starter market was valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2025 to 2034. This growth is driven by consistent demand in small-scale industries, agriculture, and rural infrastructure, where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are prioritized over advanced motor control features. These starters remain a preferred choice for basic applications due to their reliability, ease of installation, and minimal maintenance requirements, especially in regions with limited access to complex automation systems.
   
• Ongoing industrialization in emerging economies is creating strong demand for across-the-line (ATL) starters. As small and medium enterprises expand in regions with limited automation infrastructure, ATL starters offer a cost-effective and practical solution. Their straightforward installation, low maintenance needs, and compatibility with standard electrical systems make them ideal for businesses aiming to scale operations without significant capital investment.
   

• Based on voltage, the motor starter market is segmented into low, medium and high voltage ratings. Low voltage motor starters hold a market share of 60.4% in 2024 and is anticipated to reach over USD 7.1 billion by 2034. Growing priority toward energy efficiency and operational safety will foster the demand for low voltage starters particularly in sectors focused on scalable and cost-effective motor control solutions.
   
• The rising development of smart infrastructure and automated building systems is significantly boosting demand for low-voltage motor starters. These starters are essential for HVAC systems, elevators, and lighting controls, offering reliable motor protection and smooth operation. Their compact design and digital compatibility make them ideal for modern construction and facility management. For instance, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s SMART Grants Program allocated USD 85 million in 2025 to smart infrastructure projects, reinforcing the need for intelligent motor control solutions in urban environments
   
• The medium voltage motor starter market is projected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 5% till 2034, driven by the global expansion of renewable energy and distributed generation systems. These starters are increasingly used in auxiliary components such as solar tracking motors, cooling units for battery storage, and controllers for small wind turbines. As clean energy installations scale worldwide, the demand for reliable motor control at medium voltage levels is rising to ensure system efficiency, operational stability, and long-term performance.
   
• As industrial facilities become more interconnected with regional power grids, the demand for motor starters that ensure stable and efficient power consumption is rising. Medium voltage starters play a key role in mitigating voltage dips and harmonics during motor start-up, thereby improving grid performance. This is especially critical in regions with aging infrastructure or where renewable energy integration introduces supply variability. Advanced starters with soft start and reactive power compensation features are gaining traction for their ability to enhance grid compatibility and reliability.
   
• The global push to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 is driving demand for high voltage motor starters in transmission systems. These starters are essential for auxiliary operations in solar and wind farms, such as turbine pitch control and substation cooling. According to the IEA’s Renewables 2024 report, grid integration and system stability are key priorities, making high voltage starters critical for managing load fluctuations and ensuring reliable energy delivery.
   
• High voltage motor starters are increasingly used in large-scale water treatment and sewage pumping systems, which require robust motor control for high-capacity pumps. NEMA’s 2024 review highlights water infrastructure as a key application area for motors rated up to 13,800 volts. As industrial water treatment expands to meet environmental regulations and urban demand, the need for reliable high voltage starters is growing to ensure operational efficiency and system protection in critical fluid management processes.
   

• The U.S. motor starter market was valued at USD 735.5 million, USD 766.9 million and USD 800.5 million in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively. In 2024, the nation accounted for 64.7% of the North American market share and is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years
   
• The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle industry in the U.S. is driving demand for motor starters in EV manufacturing and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EV sales could reach 40–50% of total car sales by 2030. This surge is supported by federal investments in battery production and charging infrastructure, creating strong demand for motor starters in assembly lines, cooling systems, and auxiliary equipment.
   
• Europe’s transition to electrified mobility is accelerating motor starter demand in automotive and industrial sectors. The European Alternative Fuels Observatory reported that 60% of new passenger cars sold in September 2024 featured some form of electrification. As battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) gain market share, motor starters are increasingly used in auxiliary systems like HVAC, battery cooling, and drive control, supporting the region’s decarbonization goals.
   
• Support for innovation and small-scale industrial technologies is boosting motor starter adoption in Europe. Innovate UK’s Growth Catalyst program offers USD 11.64 million in funding to micro and small businesses developing scalable technologies. This initiative encourages the creation of affordable and adaptable motor control solutions, including starters for smart manufacturing and energy-efficient systems. The program’s emphasis on commercialization and technical advancement is fostering motor starter market growth across industrial segments.
   
• Across Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry highlights electrification and digital transformation as dual pillars of industrial growth. The country’s automotive strategy emphasizes carbon neutrality and smart manufacturing, driving demand for motor starters in electric vehicle production and automated systems. As Japanese OEMs expand operations in ASEAN and India, motor starters are increasingly deployed in regional facilities to support scalable, energy-efficient manufacturing.
   
• Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is promoting foreign direct investment in advanced manufacturing, including motor systems. JETRO’s initiatives support small and medium enterprises in adopting high-performance motor control technologies. These efforts are enhancing Japan’s competitiveness in smart factories and electrified transport, where motor starters play a key role in automation, safety, and energy management. The focus on innovation and export readiness is expanding motor starter market opportunities.
   
• The Abu Dhabi Investment Office launched a comprehensive automotive program aimed at building a smart manufacturing ecosystem. With USD 2.18 billion in foreign direct investment and USD 27.23 billion projected GDP contribution by 2045, the initiative includes R&D, assembly, and AI-driven design. Motor starters are integral to this ecosystem, supporting automation, energy efficiency, and system reliability in high-volume vehicle production and industrial mobility solutions.
   
• Mexico’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare supports entrepreneurship through its Employment Support Program, which provides machinery and equipment to small businesses. This initiative has helped establish over 18,000 businesses, many in sectors like carpentry, mechanics, and food processing, and industries that rely on motor starters for basic automation. The program’s focus on self-employment and industrial tools is driving grassroots demand for motor starters across the region.
   

Motor Starter Market Share

• The top 5 companies across the motor starter industry include Schneider Electric, Siemens, ABB, Eaton, and GE Vernova, collectively contributing over 45% of the market in 2024.
   
• Schneider Electric maintains a strong global presence with its TeSys motor starter range, including the advanced TeSys Tera Motor Management System. This system integrates real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and protection features, supporting Industry 4.0 applications. Its modular design and compatibility with digital platforms make it ideal for smart factories and energy-efficient operations, reinforcing Schneider’s leadership in intelligent motor control solutions.
   
• Siemens strengthens its market position through compact and energy-efficient motor starters like the SIRIUS 3RM1 and SIMATIC ET 200SP. These starters offer hybrid switching technology and advanced diagnostics via the TIA Portal, enabling predictive maintenance and system optimization. Siemens’ focus on automation and digital integration across industries ensures its motor starters remain central to modern industrial infrastructure.
   
• ABB’s motor starter portfolio is embedded within its broader electrification and automation strategy. With offerings like smart low-voltage starters and integration into ABB Ability platforms, the company delivers scalable, connected solutions for industrial and renewable energy applications. ABB’s emphasis on digitalization, energy efficiency, and global standards supports its strong market share across diverse sectors.
   
• Eaton’s motor starter solutions, including the EMS2 hybrid electronic starter and Freedom NEMA series, provide compact, multifunctional control with SmartWire-DT connectivity. These starters are designed for global compliance and ease of integration into industrial systems. Eaton’s strategic focus on modularity, safety, and digital communication enhances its competitiveness in both traditional and emerging markets.
   

Motor Starter Market Companies

Major players operating in the Motor starter industry are:

• ABB
• C&S Electric
• c3controls
• CG Power & Industrial Solutions
• CHINT Group
• CORDYNE
• Danfoss
• Eaton
• Emerson Electric
• Fuji Electric
• GE Vernova
• Havells India
• Kalp Controls
• Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation
• LOVATO ELECTRIC
• LS ELECTRIC
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Omron Corporation
• Phoenix Contact
• Rockwell Automation
• Schneider Electric
• Siemens
• SKN-BENTEX
• WEG
   
• C&S Electric holds a strong position in India and exports to over 85 countries. Its motor starter portfolio includes DOL, star-delta, and smart pump controllers. The Anmol series offers rugged, single-phase starters with SMS-based control, catering to agricultural and industrial sectors. With 10 manufacturing plants and a wide distribution network, C&S continues to expand its footprint through innovation and localized solutions.
   
• c3controls specializes in compact, UL508A-certified motor starters designed for industrial applications. Their enclosed combination starters integrate overload protection, contactors, and disconnects, simplifying installation and maintenance. With a focus on U.S.-based manufacturing and rapid delivery, c3controls offers scalable solutions for pumps, fans, and conveyors, supporting OEMs and panel builders with cost-effective, reliable motor control products.
   
• CG Power offers advanced soft starters like the Emotron MSF 2.0 and TSA series, optimized for smooth motor operation. With a legacy of over 85 years, CG serves industrial and energy sectors globally. Its Drives & Automation division focuses on energy-efficient motor control systems, backed by strong R&D and strategic expansion in Europe and Asia.
   
• CHINT Group is a global leader in smart energy solutions, with operations in over 140 countries. Its motor starter offerings are part of a broader portfolio supporting intelligent electric systems. CHINT’s strategy integrates digitalization, low-carbon technologies, and smart manufacturing, positioning its starters within energy-efficient infrastructure and industrial automation projects worldwide.
   

Motor Starter Market News

• In March 2025, ABB announced a USD 120 million investment to expand its U.S. manufacturing operations. This strategic move aims to increase production capacity for low-voltage electrification products, addressing rising demand from key sectors such as data centers, buildings, and utilities. The investment includes an USD 80 million replacement of its Selmer, Tennessee facility with a new 320,000-square-foot plant, and a USD 40 million expansion of its Senatobia, Mississippi site. These upgrades are expected to enhance ABB’s manufacturing capabilities, add 250 jobs, and support the company’s commitment to energy efficiency and digitalization in the U.S.
   
• 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.
   
• In March 2025, Lovato Electric introduced the VLG3 series, a new generation of variable speed drives designed to complement and extend traditional motor starter applications. This product line targets industries seeking greater energy efficiency, flexible motor control, and compact design. With support for a wide range of motor sizes and built-in communication protocols, the VLG3 series enables seamless integration into modern automation systems. For motor starter businesses, this launch reflects a broader shift toward hybrid solutions that combine the simplicity of starters with the intelligence and adaptability of drives ideal for applications like conveyors, pumps, and HVAC systems where performance and precision are critical.
   
• In March 2025, Rockwell Automation introduced the M100 Electronic Motor Starter, expanding its portfolio of compact and efficient motor control solutions. Designed to simplify installation and enhance safety, the M100 integrates advanced switching technology and built-in protection features. Its modular design supports flexible configurations, making it ideal for a wide range of industrial applications. This launch reinforces Rockwell’s commitment to delivering innovative, space-saving solutions that improve operational efficiency and system reliability.
   

The 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:

Market, By Product

• Soft Starters
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Across-the-Line Starters
• Reversing Starters
• Hybrid 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 regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • Russia
  • UK
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Austria
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Indonesia
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • Egypt
  • South Africa
  • Nigeria
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina