In-Wheel Motor Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, and Forecast 2032

According to the report published by Zion Market Research, the global In-Wheel Motor Market size was valued at USD 1.47 Billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach USD 21.93 Billion by the end of 2032. The market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 35.00% during the forecast period. The report analyzes the global In-Wheel Motor Market’s growth drivers, restraints, and impact on demand during the forecast period. It will also help navigate and explore the arising opportunities in the In-Wheel Motor Market industry.

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Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the in-wheel motor market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 35.00% during the forecast period.
• The global in-wheel motor market was estimated to be worth approximately USD 1.47 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 21.93 billion by 2032.
• The growth of the in-wheel motor market is being driven by supplying torque to their associated tires and generating increased power to enhance the electric vehicles’ efficiency.
• Based on the propulsion, the PHEV segment is growing at a high rate and is projected to dominate the market.
• On the basis of motor type, the radial flux segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• In terms of vehicle type, the commercial segment is expected to dominate the market.
• Based on the power output type, the more than 90 KW segment is expected to dominate the market.
• On the basis of cooling type, the liquid cooling segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• By region, North America is expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Global In-Wheel Motor Market: Overview

In-wheel motor systems are employed to improve the performance of various electric vehicles. These systems replace driveshaft, transmission, differentials, and axles. The in-wheel motors also help in supplying torque to their associated tires along with generating more power for enhancing a vehicle’s efficiency. The demand and popularity of the in-wheel motor market across the globe can be attributed to the

Global In-Wheel Motor Market: Growth Factors

The major growth driver of the global in-wheel motor market in the future is the ability of in-wheel motors to improve the performance of electric vehicles by supplying torque to their associated tires and generating increased power to enhance the electric vehicles’ efficiency. Other factors that are anticipated to contribute notably toward the expansion of the in-wheel motor market globally over the estimated timeframe include the better government subsidies and support, the rising range of diverse vehicles featuring in-wheel motors, and the growing popularity of electric vehicles across the world. Furthermore, the reduced weight and increased space in vehicles equipped with in-wheel motors are projected to further drive the market for in-wheel motor globally in the years ahead.

However, high manufacturing costs and complicated speed wheel control might restrain this global market’s growth over the estimated timeframe.

Global In-Wheel Motor Market: Segmentation

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The global in-wheel motor market is categorized into propulsion, motor type, vehicle type, power output type, and cooling type.

Based on Propulsion, the in-wheel motor market is classified into PHEV, BEV, HEV, and FCEV. The BEV segment is projected to register the highest rate of rate over the estimated timeline, owing to the growing range of diverse vehicles, such as Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Tesla Model S, Renault Zoe, etc.

On the basis of Motor type, this market includes radial flux and axial flux.

The vehicle Type Segment of this market comprises commercial and passenger vehicles.Passenger cars are likely to dominate the market for in-wheel motor globally in the years ahead, owing to their high torque, enhanced fuel efficiency, increased power, etc.

By Power Output Type, this global market is segmented into more than 90 KW, between 60 and 90 KW, and less than 60 KW.

The Cooling Type Segment of this market comprises liquid cooling and air cooling.

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Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Elaphe unveiled the Sonic.1 at CES, a high-performance front in-wheel motor featuring a 400 mm brake disc inside a 21-inch rim. Delivering 272 hp continuous and 347 hp peak per wheel, it enables configurations of up to 1 MW in rear-wheel-drive setups. The Sonic.1 also offers control response times 20× faster than traditional electric axles.
• In April 2022, Protean Electric, a leader in in-wheel motor (IWM) technology, announced it would showcase its IWM innovation at the Vienna Motor Symposium, highlighting how IWMs enhance electrification and deliver a superior electric driving experience.
• In May 2021, e-Traction introduced RetroMotion, an in-wheel motor electric drivetrain designed for commercial fleet conversions. Targeting vehicles like transit buses, sightseeing double-deckers, and coaches, the solution enables retrofitting with electric drive technology to support sustainable transportation.

In-Wheel Motor Market : Report Scope

In-Wheel Motor Market Dynamics

Key Growth Drivers

The in-wheel motor market is experiencing significant growth, primarily fueled by the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) industry and the increasing demand for enhanced vehicle performance. In-wheel motors, also known as hub motors, offer a simplified drivetrain by eliminating the need for complex transmissions, differentials, and drive shafts, which reduces a vehicle's weight and cost. This design also frees up space within the chassis for larger battery packs or additional cargo. The growing focus on vehicle dynamics and safety is another key driver, as in-wheel motors enable precise torque vectoring and traction control at each individual wheel, leading to improved handling, stability, and a more responsive driving experience. Furthermore, government initiatives and regulations that promote electric mobility and reduce carbon emissions are accelerating the adoption of EVs, thereby creating a favorable environment for the in-wheel motor market to flourish.

Restraints

Despite the clear advantages, several significant restraints challenge the widespread adoption of in-wheel motors. A primary concern is the increase in a vehicle's unsprung mass. Since the motor is located directly in the wheel, it adds weight that is not supported by the suspension, which can negatively impact ride comfort and handling, especially on rough roads. Another major restraint is the exposure of the motor to harsh environmental conditions, such as water, dirt, and temperature extremes, which can lead to durability and reliability issues. The high cost of the technology, coupled with the complexity of manufacturing and integrating multiple motors into a single vehicle, also acts as a barrier for many manufacturers and consumers. Additionally, the lack of a mature and standardized supply chain for in-wheel motor components can hinder large-scale production.

Opportunities

The in-wheel motor market is poised for numerous opportunities, particularly in the realm of advanced vehicle technology. The rise of autonomous vehicles presents a significant opportunity, as in-wheel motors are ideal for enabling the precise and independent control of each wheel, which is essential for advanced steering and stability systems. There is also a strong opportunity for market expansion in the commercial vehicle segment, including electric buses, delivery trucks, and logistics vehicles, where the benefits of space savings, simplified maintenance, and enhanced efficiency are highly valued. Furthermore, the development of compact and lightweight motors for smaller electric vehicles, such as e-bikes and scooters, is a growing market segment. Ongoing research and development focused on improving heat management, reducing unsprung weight, and developing more robust sealing solutions will continue to unlock new applications and drive market growth.

Challenges

The in-wheel motor market faces several technical and commercial challenges. One of the biggest challenges is thermal management, as the motors are enclosed within the limited space of a wheel and are in close proximity to the brakes, making it difficult to dissipate heat effectively. This can lead to reduced performance and potential damage to the motor. Another significant challenge is ensuring the long-term durability and reliability of the motors in a harsh and exposed environment, as they are subjected to constant vibration, shock, and moisture. There is also a challenge in balancing the benefits of a simplified drivetrain with the added complexity of controlling four independent motors, which requires sophisticated software and hardware. Finally, educating consumers and manufacturers about the long-term benefits of the technology to overcome initial skepticism and concerns about reliability remains a key challenge for market players.

Global In-Wheel Motor Market: Regional Analysis

By region, this global market is primarily divided into Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The Asia Pacific In-Wheel Motor Market is likely to emerge as the fastest growing market globally in the years ahead. China is the major contributor to this regional market, owing to the huge subsidies for electrification of vehicles by the country’s government. The rising sales of electric vehicles, as in-wheel motors are only used in electric, across the region is estimated to further drive this regional market in the future. North American and European regions market for in-wheel motor globally and are likely to hold major shares in this global market over the estimated time period. This can be attributed to the growing trend of autonomous vehicles and the rising penetration of electric automobiles in these regions.

Global In-Wheel Motor Market: Competitive Players

Some most important players of the global in-wheel motor market are:

• NTN
• Printed Motor Works
• ZIEHL-ABEGG
• BMW
• BYD
• Tesla
• Volkswagen
• Nissan Motor Corporation
• Elaphe
• Protean Electric
• among others.

The Global In-Wheel Motor Market is segmented as follows:

By Propulsion 

• PHEV
• BEV 
• HEV 
• FCEV 

By Motor Type 

• Radial Flux
• Axial Flux 

By Vehicle Type 

• Commercial 
• Passenger Vehicles 

By Power Output Type 

• More than 90 KW 
• Between 60 and 90 KW
• Less than 60 KW

By Cooling Type 

• Liquid Cooling
• Air Cooling 

Global In-Wheel Motor Market: Regional Segment Analysis

• North America
  • The U.S.
• Europe
  • The UK
  • France
  • Germany
• The Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
• Latin America
  • Brazil
• The Middle East and Africa

What Reports Provides

• Full in-depth analysis of the parent market
• Important changes in market dynamics
• Segmentation details of the market
• Former, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and value
• Assessment of niche industry developments
• Market share analysis
• Key strategies of major players
• Emerging segments and regional markets
• Testimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.