Key Findings

• Reluctance motors operate on the principle of magnetic reluctance, generating torque through the tendency of the rotor to align with the lowest magnetic resistance path in the stator field.
• The market includes Switched Reluctance Motors (SRMs) and Synchronous Reluctance Motors (SynRMs), both known for their simple construction, robustness, and high efficiency under variable-speed conditions.
• Demand is accelerating in industries like automotive, HVAC, industrial automation, and renewable energy due to the motors’ low maintenance, excellent thermal performance, and reduced reliance on rare earth magnets.
• Reluctance motors are gaining traction in electric vehicles (EVs), particularly in applications requiring high torque density, reduced weight, and high-speed operation without sacrificing thermal stability.
• Industrial automation is adopting SRMs for conveyors, compressors, and robotic arms due to their high power density, precise speed control, and ruggedness in harsh environments.
• Technological advances such as intelligent drive electronics, high-speed digital controllers, and advanced rotor design optimization have significantly improved noise, vibration, and control performance.
• Asia-Pacific leads the global market in production and consumption, with China and India rapidly scaling up industrial and automotive applications.
• Major companies include ABB, Siemens, Nidec Corporation, Emerson Electric, and TMEIC.
• Government policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy-efficient motors are supporting the broader adoption of reluctance motors over conventional induction or permanent magnet motors.
• Ongoing R&D focuses include reducing torque ripple, enhancing drive efficiency at variable speeds, and improving fault tolerance for critical industrial and transport systems.

Reluctance Motor Market Overview

Reluctance motors are a class of electric motors that leverage differences in magnetic reluctance to produce rotational motion. Unlike conventional motors that depend on magnetic attraction between permanent magnets or rotor windings, reluctance motors use a magnetically anisotropic rotor that aligns with the magnetic flux path generated in the stator.Two main types dominate the market: Switched Reluctance Motors (SRMs), which use sequential switching of stator phases for torque generation, and Synchronous Reluctance Motors (SynRMs), which operate in synchrony with the stator field without using magnets or rotor windings. Both types are inherently robust, cost-effective, and highly efficient under variable-speed drives, making them well-suited for applications requiring reliable performance across a wide operating range.Reluctance motors are gaining popularity as the global demand for sustainable, rare-earth-free, and energy-efficient motor systems grows. The simplicity of their design—without the need for brushes, permanent magnets, or rotor conductors—reduces cost, maintenance, and environmental impact while enhancing system reliability. With increasing digitization of industries and electrification of transport, the role of reluctance motors is expected to grow exponentially.

Reluctance Motor Market Size and Forecast

The global reluctance motor market was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7.4 billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 15.4% during the forecast period.Market expansion is fueled by growing demand for cost-effective high-efficiency motors, especially in developing countries with rapidly expanding manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. The transition from traditional AC induction motors to reluctance-based systems in pumps, compressors, fans, and electric propulsion systems is also a key growth driver. As drive electronics become more sophisticated and affordable, the barriers to adoption for reluctance motors continue to diminish.

Future Outlook For Reluctance Motor Market

The future of the reluctance motor market is characterized by rapid technical progress, expanded industry adoption, and increased integration with smart control platforms. Over the next decade, the market is expected to witness large-scale substitution of rare-earth-based motors with reluctance designs in both consumer and industrial segments.Electric vehicle manufacturers are increasingly looking to integrate SynRMs into powertrains, especially in regions where rare earth material costs and supply chain concerns are prominent. Additionally, the widespread adoption of SRMs in HVAC systems, smart factories, and agricultural automation is anticipated.Ongoing innovation in drive algorithms, digital twin integration, and multi-physics simulation for rotor optimization will help address challenges such as torque ripple and acoustic noise. Coupled with the trend toward sustainable engineering, reluctance motors will emerge as a core technology in the energy transition.

Reluctance Motor Market Trends

• Shift Toward Rare-Earth-Free Motors in EVs and Industry:Environmental regulations and price volatility of rare-earth magnets are pushing OEMs to adopt rare-earth-free motor technologies. SynRMs offer high efficiency comparable to PM motors but without dependency on costly magnetic materials, making them attractive for electric vehicles and large-scale industrial uses.
• Advanced Digital Controllers Enable Precision Drive Performance:Improvements in digital signal processing and AI-based motor control algorithms are allowing reluctance motors to match or exceed the performance of traditional motors in torque accuracy and energy efficiency. These advancements are driving adoption in robotics, CNC machining, and precision manufacturing.
• Deployment in High-Speed and Harsh Environments:SRMs are gaining popularity in oil & gas, mining, and aerospace applications due to their high thermal tolerance, fault resilience, and capacity to function without lubrication. Their simple mechanical construction allows for robust operation in challenging environments with minimal maintenance.
• Integration with Smart Grids and Industrial IoT Platforms:The rise of connected systems is encouraging integration of reluctance motors with smart energy and industrial IoT platforms. This allows predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and optimized energy consumption across production lines, HVAC systems, and electric transport fleets.

Reluctance Motor Market Growth Drivers

• Energy Efficiency and Environmental Compliance:Governments around the world are mandating the adoption of high-efficiency motor systems to meet environmental standards such as IE3/IE4. Reluctance motors offer up to 30% improved efficiency over traditional motors in many load profiles, directly supporting green initiatives.
• Reduced Operational and Lifecycle Costs:The absence of brushes, rotor windings, or permanent magnets reduces the mechanical and thermal wear in reluctance motors. This results in lower maintenance costs and longer service life, particularly important for continuous-process industries and unmanned operations.
• Rapid Industrialization in Emerging Markets: Countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa are undergoing large-scale industrialization, which is increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective motor systems. Reluctance motors provide a strong value proposition in such markets, where cost, reliability, and energy savings are all crucial.
• Support from Government and Regulatory Bodies: Many nations are offering subsidies, tax benefits, and R&D funding for companies investing in efficient and sustainable motor technologies. This includes support for rare-earth-free solutions in critical infrastructure and transportation.

Challenges in the Reluctance Motor Market

• Torque Ripple and Acoustic Noise: One of the major limitations of SRMs is the presence of high torque ripple and associated acoustic noise, which can limit their use in precision and low-noise applications. While advanced control algorithms help mitigate this, it remains a design challenge in many use cases.
• Complex Control Requirements:Unlike traditional AC motors, reluctance motors require specialized controllers and drive algorithms, increasing system complexity. This can lead to higher upfront costs and longer learning curves for engineers unfamiliar with the technology.
• Limited Awareness Among End-users: Despite their advantages, reluctance motors are not as well-known as other motor types like induction or permanent magnet motors. This lack of awareness, particularly among small and mid-sized manufacturers, hinders wider adoption.
• Design and Manufacturing Challenges for High-Performance Models:To achieve performance parity with PM motors, reluctance motors require precise rotor geometries and advanced materials. This increases design time and may require sophisticated tooling and testing processes.

Reluctance Motor Market Segmentation

By Motor Type

• Switched Reluctance Motors (SRMs)
• Synchronous Reluctance Motors (SynRMs)
• Variable Reluctance Motors

By Power Rating

• Below 1 kW
• 1–15 kW
• 15–100 kW
• Above 100 kW

By Application

• Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• HVAC Systems
• Industrial Machinery
• Pumps and Compressors
• Robotics and Automation
• Renewable Energy Systems

By End-user Industry

• Automotive and Transportation
• Manufacturing and Processing
• Energy and Utilities
• Aerospace and Defense
• Residential and Commercial Infrastructure

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Leading Players

• ABB Ltd.
• Siemens AG
• Nidec Corporation
• Emerson Electric Co.
• TMEIC
• Rockwell Automation
• Lafert Group
• WEG Industries
• Regal Rexnord Corporation
• Bonfiglioli Riduttori S.p.A.

Recent Developments

• ABBlaunched a new high-efficiency SynRM motor range targeting HVAC and pump systems in commercial buildings, with up to 40% energy savings compared to legacy induction motors.
• Siemens unveiled an integrated SynRM drive system for use in food processing and packaging lines, featuring advanced vibration control and digital twin integration.
• Nidecannounced a breakthrough in switched reluctance motor design optimized for light EV propulsion systems, reducing torque ripple through intelligent switching algorithms.
• Emerson Electric introduced a rugged SRM platform for use in mining operations with built-in condition monitoring sensors and predictive maintenance analytics.
• TMEIC expanded its industrial SynRM motor offerings for large-scale manufacturing applications, featuring modular construction and field-replaceable rotor components.