Railway traction motors are used to drive traction motors in electric locomotives and trains, and other railway tools. Traction motors have operated on passenger and freight locomotive(EMUs) and light rail vehicle systems, where they convert electric energy to mechanical torque. Governments are streamlining their fleets to help them cut carbon emissions and deal with their dependence on diesel.
For instance, they substitute traditional engines with state-of-the-art AC traction motors as well as complement them with systems like regenerative braking. And constant development of smart rail system and fully automated operation of trains require highly efficient, low maintenance traction motors, which will accelerate this trend
Key Market Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 38,361.5 Million |
| Projected Market Size in 2035 | USD 61,314.6 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.3% |
The railway traction motor market is expected to be valued at USD 38,361.5 Million in 2025 and to register a CAGR of 4.3% over the period 2025 and 2035 and will reach to USD 61,314.6 Million by 2035.
The North American market is steadily expanding due to renewed interest in public transportation and freight electrification. Infrastructure investments under federal programs promote expansions of light rail, metro upgrades and hybrid locomotives in the USA.
In Canada and Mexico, rail electrification is also gaining steam with traction motors upgraded for efficiency and durability. The demand for advanced traction motors is also expected to grow with increased investments in battery-electric locomotives and hybrid powertrains.
Europe continues to lead, driven by strong rail decarbonization commitments and progressive public transit. Germany, France and the UK are investing in next-generation EMUs and energy-efficient motor-powered high-speed rail.
EU guidelines enabling the return of modal shift from road to rail, backed by the “Fit for 55”-emission reduction package, are hastening the replacement of legacy locomotives through electric or hydrogen-powered trainsets with modern easy-to-maintain AC-traction engines.
The fastest growing region is Asia-Pacific, driven by large-scale railway projects in China, India and Japan. China’s supremacy in high-speed rail and India’s railway electrification mission under the national rail plan are generating considerable demand for traction motors.
Hybrid rail technologies and the development of compact, lightweight, traction motors for urban transit in Japan are also making headway. Similar investments in metro rail systems are being made in Southeast Asian countries, promoting growth in low-noise, maintenance-friendly motor technologies.
High installation costs, standardization issues, and thermal limitations restrict uptake.
In particular, an initial high cost of traction motors and associated power electronics often leads to delays in upgrade in developing regions with rail budgets more constrained. Differing sets of specifications between national rail networks complicate integration for global OEMs and delay cross-border motors.
Thermal management still poses a challenge in traction motors, particularly in high-speed or long-haul applications where overheating can lead to lower efficiency and shortened component life, In addition, older systems can incur maintenance and inspection costs that affect total cost of ownership.
Rail electrification, urbanization, and hybrid propulsion create new avenues.
The worldwide trend toward electrified rail networks presents enormous opportunities for traction motor suppliers. This is driving increasing demand for motors compatible with battery-electric, hybrid-diesel and hydrogen-electric platforms, notably for longer routes where you cannot fully electrify the grid.City rail systems including collage, tram, and monorail plans steadily increase in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
These have operational constraints that require lightweight, compact, and high-efficiency traction motors. Future growth is likely to be led by manufacturers investing in smart Motor diagnostics, modular Motor design, and Integration of regenerative braking with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Despite the pandemic causing slowdowns in many sectors, the traction motor market was strong, buoyed by ongoing rail investment from 2020 to 2024. Freight operators started testing electric and dual-mode locomotives, while urban rail systems fast-tracked modernization plans. Technological innovations aimed at energy density improvement, noise reduction, and longer maintenance intervals
For 2025 to 2035, the market will take a turn towards digitized and environmentally optimized traction motor systems. The next wave of traction motor innovations will be characterized by AI-based fault prediction, enhanced motor control algorithms, and eco-design principles. OEM partnerships on a regional basis and platform standardization will assist in simplifying the roll out across national rail strategies.
Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 Trends |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Supportive policies for rail electrification |
| Consumer Trends | Focus on fleet modernization and fuel cost savings |
| Industry Adoption | Regional metros and national passenger trains |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Centralized OEM partnerships |
| Market Competition | Dominated by rail powertrain giants |
| Market Growth Drivers | Clean transport targets and energy savings |
| Sustainability and Impact | Focus on electric over diesel traction |
| Smart Technology Integration | Motor controllers and basic diagnostics |
| Sensorial Innovation | Noise and vibration reduction technologies |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 Projections |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Zero-emission mandates and green transport incentives |
| Consumer Trends | Preference for digital, low-maintenance, and hybrid-ready motors |
| Industry Adoption | Integration into smart mobility networks and high-speed lines |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Decentralized manufacturing and regional part sourcing |
| Market Competition | Entry of e-mobility innovators and software-integrated motor firms |
| Market Growth Drivers | Digital twin integration, AI diagnostics, and full electrification |
| Sustainability and Impact | Emphasis on recyclable materials and extended motor lifecycle |
| Smart Technology Integration | AI-based failure prediction, IoT-linked performance monitoring |
| Sensorial Innovation | Magnet-less, lightweight, and high torque density motor innovations |
The USA railway traction motor market is witnessing steady growth attributed to the modernization of freight locomotives along with the expansion of urban transit systems. The freight operators are investing massively in electric and hybrid locomotives, further propelling the demand for energy-efficient traction motors.
Federal infrastructure spending and de-carbonization of transportation is spurring upgrades to commuter rail systems, featuring high-efficiency motors. To improve overall energy savings, domestic manufacturers are pursuing lightweight, high-torque motors with regenerative braking systems. The refurbishment of aging Amtrak and metro rolling stock is also helping spur growth.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 4.6% |
The railway traction motor market in the UK is driven by network electrification and rolling stock modernization as part of the country’s rail decarbonization action plan. With the rise of battery-electric and hybrid multiple units, the demand for dual-power-compatible traction motors has been on the rise.
Brushless and permanent magnet motors have been invested in by rail operators to drive efficiency and cut maintenance overheads. The transition to modular traction systems in regional and intercity train upgrades is another supporting demand factor.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 4.1% |
The traction motor market in the EU is no exception and is being propelled by the European Green Deal, which aims to shift freight and passenger from road to rail. France, Germany and Italy are the frontrunners, with extensive electric and high-speed train procurement.
Transnational rail projects linking energy efficient propulsion technologies are funded by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Synchronous and asynchronous traction motors with integrated inverters reduce carbon footprint and support regenerative braking. The upgrade of urban metro systems and the expansion of two regional rail add to market growth.
| Region | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union | 4.3% |
The railway traction motor market in Japan is anchored in the nation’s advanced urban rail and high-speed Shinkansen systems. As manufacturers upgrade systems for quieter operation and reduced power consumption, the demand for compact, lightweight, and high-power-density motors is still strong.
The rationale for this has been proposed in the form of Japan’s smart mobility strategy, which promotes by investment for energy-efficient rolling stock under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Directly related to this trend, domestic suppliers are heading the industrial frontier in permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) inverter system design and manufacture to promote control and performance upgrades.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 4.0% |
The market for traction motors in South Korea is set to grow on the back of metro expansion projects and electrification of intercity rail and high-speed rail. AC traction systems use higher efficiency AC motors that are lower maintenance and have better reliability, and KTX and urban rail operators are embracing this technology.
According to the “Carbon Neutral Strategy 2050,” energy-saving propulsion technologies are promoted in public transport in the country. Korean manufacturers are also working on brushless and regenerative motor systems for compact metro systems and future hydrogen-powered rail solutions. Export-oriented rail projects in Southeast Asian countries also support local demand.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 4.5% |
The railway traction motor market is progressing steadily, as electrification projects, fuel-efficiency goals, and emissions regulations continue to change rail infrastructure across the world. Traction motors are critical components for converting electrical energy to mechanical torque, enabling propulsion for locomotives and multiple-unit trains in both passenger and freight applications.
Based on motor type and application segments, AC traction motors and electric locomotives dominate the global market owing to their efficiency, reduced maintenance needs, and possible compatibility with modern control systems.
These segments are critical to facilitating the transition to cleaner, high-performance railway systems in Europe, Asia, and new transit corridors emerging across the globe.With increasing demand for energy-efficient propulsion with high torque density, fast acceleration, and regenerative braking capability, AC traction motors are incorporated in almost all electric locomotives that are configured with AC as the preferred drivetrain.
AC traction motors lead motor type demand due to energy recovery potential, durability under high loads, and adaptability to smart drive systems
| Motor Type | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| AC Traction Motors | 67.4% |
Due to advantages in more advanced speed control, better thermal performance and a lower maintenance burden, AC traction motors hold a dominant market share of railway traction motors in recent years compared to DC traction motors. They provide high-torque output over a wide speed range that are suited for reliable operation for high-speed passenger rail and heavy-haul freight applications.
Regenerative braking, real-time condition monitoring, and compatibility with inverter-based drive systems are among its key features. Depending on performance and efficiency requirements of the application, these motors can have an asynchronous (induction) or a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) design.
Fast-developing electrical systems for suburban and intercity rail corridors in India, China and the EU are driving demand for AC motor systems. They are also being favoured by manufacturers for their scalability, reduced brush-related failures and arguably importantly the support of predictive maintenance protocols through smart sensor integration.
Electric locomotives dominate application usage through electrification initiatives, long-distance haulage needs, and emission control mandates
| Application | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Electric Locomotives | 61.2% |
Electric locomotives are the most prominent application within the railway traction motor market, being propelled by increasing investments in emission-free transport corridors, high-speed rail projects, and green freight transport systems. The traction motors used in these locomotives must provide high power density, acceleration, and reliability during continuous duty operation.
Electric Rail Return: Countries throughout Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America have moved to develop electric rail networks to reduce diesel dependence, travel to their climate targets and improve rail connectivity. Electric locomotives utilize high-efficiency AC traction motors to maximize energy consumption, allowing for speed regulation and automatic power distribution.
Railroads have also experienced benefits from the shift to electric traction, including lower noise, better power-to-weight ratios, and better tractive effort crucial in mountainous areas and in long-haul arteries. These electric locomotives can integrate with smart grids and renewable energy sources thus, they can play a strategic role in decarbonizing the rail sector.
Despite the influence of the metro systems and diesel-electric units, electric locomotives dominate the market in terms of installed motor capacity as well as continuous-duty cycles with conformity to national rail electrification policies.
Constant growth of the railway traction motor systems market appreciates as worldwide railways are modernizing their fleets for higher speeds, energy efficiency, and lower emissions. Traction motors, high and low-speed drive motors are used for electric or diesel-electric locomotive, high speed trains, metros and light rail vehicles.
Demand is bolstered by large investments in urban rail infrastructure, high-speed rail corridors, and railway electrification projects, particularly within Asia and Europe.Product development is influenced by progress in AC induction motors, PMSMs, and hybrid-electric traction systems. The role of sustainable transport and zero-emission mobility is still encouraged in the innovation in this market.
Market Share Analysis by Key Players & Railway Traction Motor Providers
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Siemens Mobility | 14-17% |
| Bombardier (Alstom) | 11-14% |
| Toshiba Corporation | 9-12% |
| ABB Ltd. | 7-10% |
| CRRC Corporation Limited | 6-9% |
| Other Providers | 38-45% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Siemens Mobility | In 2024, introduced energy-regenerative traction motors for high-speed rail; in 2025, enhanced asynchronous AC motor platforms for heavy-haul freight locomotives. |
| Bombardier (Alstom) | In 2024, launched compact PMSMs for metros and EMUs; in 2025, deployed dual-voltage traction drives across transnational rail networks. |
| Toshiba Corporation | In 2024, developed low-maintenance, oil-free traction motor systems for commuter trains; in 2025, rolled out silicon carbide inverter-compatible traction packages. |
| ABB Ltd. | In 2024, delivered modular traction converters with motor-inverter co-design; in 2025, expanded traction motor offerings for hybrid and battery-electric locomotives. |
| CRRC Corporation Limited | In 2024, scaled indigenous traction motor production for high-speed and maglev trains; in 2025, launched lightweight motors for regional EMU deployment. |
Key Market Insights
Siemens Mobility (14-17%)
Siemens has a leading position in the global traction motor market and is pioneering energy-efficient solutions and rail propulsion for high-speed use. In 2024, they introduced traction motors with regenerative braking capabilities to improve energy recovery for the high-speed trains.
In 2025 Siemens introduced an improved platform for asynchronous AC motors designed for heavy freight locomotives, and adaptable to extreme hard-load and temperature conditions. These systems are being developed in line with decarbonization initiatives in rail worldwide and also with grid-integrated transport planning.
Bombardier (Alstom) (11-14%)
Bombardier, now part of Alstom, is accelerating traction motor innovations across metro and intercity segments. In 2024, it launched compact permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) designed for noise-sensitive urban transit systems.
In 2025, the company deployed dual-voltage traction systems compatible with international grid variations, supporting cross-border rail operations. Alstom’s focus on modularity and cross-regional compatibility strengthens its role in European and African rail modernization.
Toshiba Corporation (9-12%)
Toshiba is known for its reliability-focused motor technologies, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets. In 2024, it introduced oil-free traction motor systems that reduce maintenance needs for suburban and commuter rail lines. In 2025, Toshiba developed traction motor unit’s compatible with silicon carbide (SiC) inverters, increasing efficiency and reducing heat loss. These enhancements position Toshiba as a preferred supplier for electrified urban and regional rail networks.
ABB Ltd. (7-10%)
ABB supports integrated motor and inverter systems for electric and hybrid rail vehicles. In 2024, it released modular traction converters with motor-inverter co-design architecture, enhancing energy conversion efficiency. In 2025, ABB expanded offerings for hybrid and battery-electric locomotives, with motors optimized for variable load cycling and intermittent power sources. ABB’s systems meet evolving EU regulations on energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.
CRRC Corporation Limited (6-9%)
CRRC is a dominant traction motor supplier in China and a growing player internationally. In 2024, it expanded domestic production of AC traction motors for high-speed rail and maglev systems. In 2025, CRRC launched lightweight motor platforms optimized for regional electric multiple units (EMUs), supporting rail connectivity in lower-tier cities. Its vertically integrated supply chain gives it a competitive cost and scale advantage in emerging markets.
Other Key Players (38-45% Combined)
Numerous specialized firms and regional OEMs contribute to traction motor diversification across use cases and performance ranges. These include:
The overall market size for the railway traction motor market was approximately USD 38,361.5 million in 2025.
The railway traction motor market is expected to reach approximately USD 61,314.6 million by 2035.
The demand for railway traction motors is rising due to increasing investments in railway infrastructure, the shift towards electrification of railways to reduce carbon emissions.
The top 5 countries driving the development of the railway traction motor market are the United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan.
AC traction motors and electric locomotive applications are expected to command significant shares over the assessment period.
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Railway Traction Motor Market
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