The global automotive relay market size was valued at USD 13.53 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2023 to 2030. Electric automotive parts have diversified over the past decade, leading to an increase in the number of relays used as switching devices and variation in the required features of each relay. The industry is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period owing to advancements in miniaturization and high contact capability development to address restrictions in mounting space in the Electric Control Unit (ECU) of vehicles.

Electric automotive parts have diversified, thereby increasing the number of relays used for switching; different features are required for each relay. Further miniaturization and high contact capability development are needed, especially in the Electric Control Unit (ECU), where there are restrictions in mounting space due to the presence of a cluster of relays. A high degree of reliability in relays is required from a safety point of view. Components equipped with features such as latching, low noise, and ultra-miniaturization have gained prominence owing to the need to provide switching technology for the latest generation of electronic functions in a car.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Automotive Relay Market

Detailed Segmentation:

Product Insights

Based on the product, the global market is segmented into PCB relay, plug-in relay, high voltage relay, and others. The PCB relay segment captured the largest revenue share of over 64.7% in 2022 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period. It's used in most electronic applications such as ABS, cruise control, doors, power steering, power windows, and sunroof. In regions such as Europe and North America, they are used majorly. However, in regions such as Asia-Oceania and RoW, Tier-1 manufacturers and OEMs still prefer plug-in versions.

Vehicle Type Insights

Based on vehicle type, the market is segmented into passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles. The passenger vehicles segment accounted for the largest revenue share of around 58.7% in 2022. A positive factor responsible for the segment's growth is the increasing demand for electronic e-fuse over electromagnetic alternatives due to the modernization of vehicles. Furthermore, the continuous advancements in automotive technology have led to the integration of sophisticated electronic features and systems in passenger vehicles. Modern passenger vehicles have numerous electronic vehicle types that require reliable and efficient power distribution.

Application Insights

Based on application, the market is segmented into resistive loads, capacitive loads, and inductive loads. The capacitive loads segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 52.3% in 2022. Automotive electronics consist of semiconductor devices used to do multiple functions in a car. A car's various safety and comfort systems would not have been possible without electronics. Electronic systems drive some basic applications in modern cars, requiring relays for efficient operation. These include a door lock system, power window, air conditioner, wiper, and fuel injection.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 51.0% in 2022. The market in the Asia Pacific is experiencing significant growth, primarily due to the increasing penetration of automobiles in developing economies like China and the adoption of stringent safety standards in several Asian countries. The region, particularly China and Japan, exhibits a high growth potential driven by the rising vehicle demand. The automotive industry in Asia Pacific is witnessing an upward trend in vehicle demand, expected to drive the regional market's growth throughout the forecast period.

Browse through Grand View Research's Automotive & Transportation Industry Research Reports.

• The global electric vehicle communication controller market size was valued at USD 185.4 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 32.5% from 2024 to 2030. 

• The Germany automotive aftermarket size was valued at USD 22.10 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.5% from 2024 to 2030. 

Key Automotive Relay Companies:

• ABB
• American Zettler, Inc. (Zettler Components, Inc.)
• BETA ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD
• COTO TECHNOLOGY
• Sensata Technologies Holdings N.V
• Deltrol Controls (Deltrol Corporation)
• DENSO CORPORATION
• Eaton
• Fujitsu Limited
• GOOD SKY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
• IDEC Corporation
• Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. (HELLA)
• Littelfuse Inc.
• LS Automotive Technologies
• Megatone Electronics Corp.

Automotive Relay Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global automotive relay market based on product, vehicle type, application, and region:

Automotive Relay Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• PCB Relay
• Plug-in Relay
• High Voltage Relay
• Others

Automotive Relay Vehicle Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• Passenger Vehicles
• Commercial Vehicles
• Electric Vehicles

Automotive Relay Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• Resistive Loads
  • HVAC
• Capacitive Loads
  • Engine Management Module
  • Fog Lights
  • ABS Module
  • Front and Rear Beam
• Inductive Loads
  • Power Window
  • Central Lock
  • Cooling Fan
  • Clutches

Automotive Relay Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa

Order a free sample PDF of the Automotive Relay Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, Panasonic Industry Europe GmbH launched its latest relay, the HE-R, which has undergone extensive testing for enhanced short-circuit performance. This relay is designed to provide a reliable and safe solution for electric vehicle (EV) charging industry customers. The HE-R relay has successfully passed the rigorous IEC62955 test, which involves a demanding 10kA short circuit assessment. Furthermore, the smaller HE-S relay complies with the IEC62955 standard for 3kA short circuits.
• In February 2023, ABB launched the Relay Retrofit Program, which aims to replace specific SPACOM protection relays with advanced REX610 protection and control technology. The all-in-one REX610 relay is specifically designed to accommodate the changing requirements of modern power grids, making it a versatile, environmentally friendly, and future-ready option. The Retrofit Program enables customers to schedule and implement their retrofit projects in stages, ensuring prompt replacement while minimizing disruptions to production or power distribution operations
• In May 2022, Texas Instruments launched a new range of solid-state relays to enhance the safety of electric vehicles (EVs). This portfolio includes isolated drivers and switches that meet automotive standards, ensuring exceptional reliability. Furthermore, these isolated solid-state relays offer the smallest solution size available in the market, effectively reducing the cost of bill-of-materials (BOM) and powertrain expenses for 800-V battery-management systems.
• In January 2022, Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH (TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION) launched a novel photo relay designed for various applications in battery-powered and hybrid-electric vehicles. TLX9160T is a normally open (NO) 1-Form-A relay specifically developed for battery management systems (BMS), ground fault detection, and identification of faults with mechanical relays. The TLX9160T can also operate from a supply voltage (VDD) of up to 1000V, making it compatible with most traction batteries commonly used in the industry.