Variable Frequency Drives Market

Report ID: GMI1185
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Variable Frequency Drives Market Size

The global variable frequency drives market was estimated at USD 21.9 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 23 billion in 2025 to USD 33.3 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 4.2%. The heightened focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance has encouraged many countries across the globe to set tougher energy efficiency regulations and offer rewards for the use of energy efficient technologies. The reduction of industrial emissions along with compliance to these new regulations is pushing many industries towards the implementation of VFDs as part of their sustainability strategies.

Variable Frequency Drives Market

To get key market trends

For instance, the revision to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive through the EU/2024/1275 amendment of the European Union enacted in April 2024 seeks to decarbonize the buildings within the region to align with Paris Agreement targets. This amendment aims for complete building decarbonization by 2050 and a minimum 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Furthermore, the directive elaborates on emission reduction plans with emphasis on new constructions while softening the lead-to renovation shift toward older buildings.

The integration of Internet of Things IoT and Machine Learning AI systems allow for a more industrious detection, prediction, and enhancement of processes, as well as real-time vigilance. The need for VFDs with exceptional accuracy, dependability, and flexibility is driving market growth opportunities.

For instance, in March 2023, the U.S. government announced a USD 50 million funding initiative to make high-performance computing and smart manufacturing accessible to domestic companies. Additionally, IoT adoption, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies have been beneficial for business activities. The development of Industry 4.0 technologies is expected to foster considerable growth in the VFD market.

The Trump administration's tariff policies will impact the variable frequency drives market owing to the U.S. manufacturers and distributors suffered increased costs due to the Section 301 tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. The cascading effects included increased costs, delays in supply chains, and shipping timelines relating to industrial automation and HVAC systems that depended on VFDs at grand scales. Moreover, various companies started to seek out vendors from other countries or increase production within the US in a bid to control these price surges.

Variable Frequency Drives Market Trends

The increased need for motor control devices in various industrial activities also aids in improving market prospects for the industry. The rising focus on motor control systems and advanced manufacturer technology along with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) adoption is enhancing system optimization and energy efficiency.

For example, in February 2024, ABB India unveiled its ACH180 product line, a compact drive specifically fabricated for HVACR systems. This innovative device provides enhanced motor control with an energy-efficient, space-saving design, reducing costs and simplifying installation.

The rising adoption of automation across various sectors, and the increasing need for reliable and precise motor control solutions will cater to industry expansion. For instance, in March 2024, China strengthened its energy intensity target for the year to align with its broader climate objectives set for 2025. The National Development and Reform Commission highlighted difficulties in achieving these goals due to the rapid rise in both industrial and residential energy use.

Additionally, the continuous growth of clean energy generation, heightened industrial investments, supportive government regulations, and the availability of cost-effective VFD solutions are all contributing to the industry's positive momentum.

Variable Frequency Drives Market Analysis

Variable Frequency Drives Market Size, By Voltage, 2022- 2034 (USD Billion)
Learn more about the key segments shaping this market
  • The global market for variable frequency drives was estimated to be USD 20.7 billion, USD 21.1 billion, and USD 21.9 billion in 2022, 2023, and 2024, accordingly. The market is segmented based on voltage into low and medium voltage.
  • The low voltage variable frequency drives segment is expected to continue to lead the way in revenue generation, exceeding USD 29 billion by 2034. It is set to observe significant growth fueled by the focus on automate industries, improving energy efficiency, and technologies. Rising demand in several industries for new solutions that are more efficient and economical coupled with the drive for energy-efficient products will boost the need for low voltage drive products.
  • For example, in July 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed a competition for research and development initiatives, offering up to USD 1.6 billion to support the advancement of domestic semiconductor packaging. The CHIPS for America program is set to distribute approximately USD 150 million, with significant contributions from private sector investments.
  • The market for medium voltage variable frequency drives is set to grow rapidly, owing to the growing implementation of low-emission heating solutions and advanced energy savings regulations aimed at emissions control which is propelling the industry growth. Furthermore, the ongoing rising growth of residential infrastructure will further drive industry development.
Variable Frequency Drives Market Revenue Share, By Drive, 2024
Learn more about the key segments shaping this market
  • Based on the drive, the variable frequency drives market is broadly categorized into AC, DC, and servo drives. The AC drive is set to lead the industry with major market share of over 77% in 2024 while growing at a optimistic growth rate through 2034.
  • The AC drive segment is projected to grow at USD 26 billion by 2034 due to the fact that continuous technological advancements associated with integration of smart features and IoT into AC drives has greatly enhanced their performance as well as functionality leading to higher demand.
  • Improved control and efficiency in automation will fuel growth in the DC drive segment by over 2% through 2034. This is due the increases in precision demands across different industrial sectors. These drives are extensively used in processes that need variable speed control in conveyors, cranes, pumps, and compressors, making them essential in manufacturing, automotive, and material handling industries.
  • The servo drives segment has evolved due to the growth in the need of high-performance and precision control in automation. These drives are very common in industries as they are used to control the speed, position, and torque of motors. In addition, these industries need advanced motion control, and these drives suit automated and flexible production systems which boost the economy.
U.S. Variable Frequency Drives Market Size, 2022- 2034 (USD Billion)   
Looking for region specific data?
  • The U.S. variable frequency drives market was valued at USD 3.2, 3.2, 3.3 billion in 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively, due to increase adoption of energy saving technologies in multiple areas including manufacturing, HVAC sector, and industrial automation. For instance, RS introduced MEAN WELL’s VFD Series motor drives in July 2024. They have been developed to provide maximum energy savings for three-phase energy efficient motors. These compact fanless drives improve the company’s energy efficiency and lower operational expenditure, heightening sustainability for industrial clients.
  • The European variable frequency drives market is projected to observe a growth rate of over 3.5% by 2034. There is an increasing focus on energy conservation, and the impacts provided by VFDs also aids in cutoff systems. In addition, the incorporation of VFDs into smart IoT and AI technologies is augmenting their capabilities, enabling predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and higher efficiency.
  • The industrial expansion and urbanization in relation to the rate of energy consumption outpaces the adoption of Asia Pacific variable frequency drives industry. For instance, in October 2024, IIT Bombay alongside ABB India announced the creation of a novel electrical machine and drives laboratory which uses energy saving methods such as VFDs. This facility aims to provide hands-on training to prepare students for the dynamic energy industry.
  • The Middle East and Africa region is anticipated to observe a positive growth on account of the riding demand for VFDs backed by the government policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. The region is still seeking to improve the diversification of the energy resources used while shifting to cleaner energy with the use of VFDs across many industries to meet sustainability objectives.
  • The Latin America variable frequency drives market surged to exceed USD 1 billion by 2034, driven by rising focus on energy efficiency and the adoption of automation technologies. The rise of smart manufacturing and the increasing integration of IoT, automation, and digital technologies enabling predictive maintenance and real-time performance monitoring are fostering business to improve productivity and reduce downtime.

Variable Frequency Drives Market Share

The rising competition among the manufacturers consisting of the top 5 companies including Rockwell Automation, Danfoss, ABB, Siemens, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, holds over 30% of the market share. The manufacturers are targeting on introducing new products launches with additional advanced features together with joint ventures, agreements, collaborations, to gain their market position.

The industry players compete on product efficiency, operational costs, and brand value while focusing on deepening energy optimization and reducing ecological harm. Intense market competition can integrate products at a national level and with the stringent government measures these companies are expanding production facilities and introducing new innovative product lines which facilitate enhanced adoption.

Variable Frequency Drives Market Companies

  • Johnson Controls has been recognized as one of the top multi-industrial worldwide due to is served with diverse sustainable products and services. The company revenue for 2024 is over USD 22.9 billion, which is 0.5% more than 2023.
  • Mitsubishi Electric Corporation works as an MNC with operational sites all over the globe. The company operates as a provider of a wide range of automation solutions and comprehensive energy management for various industries. Moreover, it features an extensive offering of smart connected products and services to deliver resilient & smart solutions.
  • Siemens is a long-standing manufacturer of variable frequency drives providing enhanced efficiency output & performance with a compact footprint. The company emphasizes developing sustainable & innovative automation solutions aiming to optimize motor control and thereby boost their presence across new customers & geographies. Moreover, it reported that the company’s overall R&D expenses totaled over USD 6.5 billion in 2024.

Major players operating in the variable frequency drives industry are:

  • ABB
  • Beckhoff Automation
  • Bosch Rexroth
  • Danfoss
  • Eaton
  • Emerson Electric
  • Fuji Electric
  • GE Vernova
  • Hiconics Eco-energy Technology
  • Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems
  • Honeywell International
  • Invertek Drives
  • Johnson Controls
  • Mitsubishi Electric
  • Nidec Motor
  • Rockwell Automation
  • Schneider Electric
  • Siemens
  • WEG
  • Yaskawa Electric

Variable Frequency Drives Industry News

  • In December 2024 Yaskawa Electric Corporation introduced new models, the LA700 AC Drive, this particular model is designed for elevators and is an innovative application. The LA700 substantially improves issues related to elevator inverters by providing greater reliability and maintaining ride comfort. Developed for improved tailoring and performance augmentation, to the next generation motion control solutions in the elevator industry.
  • In September 2024, Rockwell Automation launched a new high-power panel-mount variable frequency drive that enhances productivity by automating installation. This advanced industrial grade VFD is fully integrated into industrial systems, which reduces setup complexity while further improving energy efficiency, motor control, and operational output.
  • In August 2024, Eaton partnered with Johnson Controls for the marketing of the variable speed AC drives, the HVAC systems, and for their pumping services. This collaboration combines Johnson Controls’ building automation systems with Eaton’s electrical technologies to offer advanced control solutions of great complexity which result in significant savings of energy.
  • In April 2024, ABB Motion introduced a new solar drive for water pumping systems which has the capability to optimize performance using water pumping maximization algorithms. They also added new cutting-edge systems for solar energy utilization such as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). This new drive from ABB is capable of operating with an input voltage of 225 V to 800 V, meeting the growing need for resource efficient and eco-friendly water management systems.

This variable frequency drives market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of “’000 Units” and “USD Million” from 2021 to 2034 for the following segments:

Market, By Voltage

  • Low
  • Medium

Market, By Drive

  • AC
  • DC
  • Servo

Market, By Application

  • Pump
  • Fan
  • Conveyor
  • Compressor
  • Extruder
  • Others

Market, By End Use

  • Oil & gas
  • Power generation
  • Mining & metals
  • Pulp & paper
  • Marine
  • Others

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico 
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Denmark
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • Australia
    • South Korea
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • South Africa
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina

 

Author: Ankit Gupta, Divyendu Sharma
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :

How much market share was captured by the U.S. in the variable frequency drives market in 2024? +

The U.S. market was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2024.

Who are the key players in the variable frequency drives industry? +

Prominent companies in the industry include ABB, Beckhoff Automation, Bosch Rexroth, Danfoss, Eaton, Emerson Electric, Fuji Electric, GE Vernova, Hiconics Eco-energy Technology, Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, and Honeywell International.

How big is the variable frequency drives market? +

The market size for variable frequency drives was valued at USD 21.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately USD 33.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period.

What is the market share of AC drives in the variable frequency drives industry? +

AC drives led the industry with a major market share of over 77% in 2024.

Variable Frequency Drives Market Scope

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