Increasing use of electric motors in automotive applications could provide boost for powder magnets
July 17, 2013
A recent study by IMS Research predicts that DC brushless motor shipments will outpace shipments of DC brushed and stepper motors used in automotive applications from 2012 to 2017.
DC brushless motor shipments are expected to increase by 52% over the 5 year period to reach more than 462 million units. This compares with 30% growth for brushed DC motor shipments for the same period. These predictions were published in the 2013 edition of the ‘Electric Motors in Automotive Applications’ market study issued by IMS Research earlier this year.
World market for electric motors in automotive applications (Source IMS Research)
Powertrain and chassis applications in cars have the highest usage rates for DC brushless motors. The predominantly mechanically driven applications such as power steering, transmission actuation and engine cooling systems are becoming increasingly electrically-driven, causing the number of DC brushless motors used in these applications to increase proportionately. DC brushless motors offer longevity and power density, qualities that are essential for use in powertrain and chassis applications where there is limited space and frequent motor operation is required.
“Although brushed DC motors account for a majority of the motors used in automotive applications, there is relatively less growth potential for brushed DC motor shipments,“ stated Bryan Turnbough, Small Motors Analyst at IMS Research. “On the other hand, DC brushless motors are being used in areas that are relatively new for electric motors in automotive applications, and that have been growing rapidly in recent years. Increasing sales of plug-in electric vehicles, which have powertrain and chassis systems that are electromechanically-driven, are expected to provide greater growth potential for brushless DC motor shipments than for brushed DC motors.”
It is generally recognised that an increasing number of new DC brushless electric motors are manufactured using powder magnetic circuits comprising a soft magnetic core made from bonded iron powder, and permanent magnets made from NdFeB magnets.
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