Motor Soft Starter Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 3.58 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	11.88%
Fastest Growing Segment	Medium Voltage Soft Starters
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 7.02 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Motor Soft Starter Market is projected to grow from USD 3.58 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.02 Billion by 2031 at a 11.88% CAGR. A motor soft starter is an electronic device engineered to gradually apply voltage to an AC induction motor, facilitating a smooth, controlled acceleration and deceleration. Key drivers supporting market expansion include the reduction of mechanical stress on connected equipment, effective management of inrush current during startup, subsequent enhancements in energy efficiency, and extended motor operational lifespans.

A significant challenge impeding market growth is the comparatively higher initial capital expenditure of soft starters when contrasted with conventional motor starting solutions, potentially limiting adoption in cost-sensitive industrial applications. Regarding broader industry performance, according to ZVEI, in October 2025, the global market for the electro and digital industry, which includes motor control components, was valued at €5,765 billion in 2024 and is forecast to grow by 3% in 2025, with a further 5% growth projected for 2026.

Key Market Drivers

Regulatory push for energy efficiency
Stringent energy efficiency regulations and mandates are a significant catalyst for the Global Motor Soft Starter Market, compelling industries to adopt solutions that minimize power consumption and reduce operational costs. These regulations often specify minimum efficiency levels for industrial motors, encouraging the use of soft starters to optimize motor performance during startup and shutdown phases. This mitigates energy waste associated with traditional direct online starting methods. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), in April 2024, new energy efficiency standards for circulator pumps are projected to save consumers nearly $4.3 billion on their utility bills over 30 years. This underscores the continuous drive for energy conservation.

Automation and digital transformation driving demand
Accelerating industrial automation and digital transformation initiatives further drive demand for motor soft starters, as modern automated systems require precise and controlled motor operation for process continuity and equipment longevity. Soft starters are integral to these systems by providing smooth acceleration and deceleration, preventing mechanical shocks that can damage sensitive automated machinery. The increasing deployment of robots in manufacturing exemplifies this trend. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), in its "World Robotics 2025 Report" from October 2025, global industrial robot installations are expected to grow by 6% to 575,000 units in 2025. This expansion underscores the need for sophisticated motor control. Overall, the broader industrial manufacturing sector reflects this positive trajectory; according to AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, in 2026, the value of orders for metalworking machinery totaled $5.74 billion in 2025, a 22.5% increase over 2024.

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Key Market Challenges

A significant obstacle to the expansion of the global motor soft starter market is the notably higher initial capital outlay required for these devices compared to traditional motor starting methods. This increased upfront cost acts as a substantial deterrent for many industrial applications, particularly those operating within tight budgetary frameworks or prioritizing immediate expenditure over long-term operational savings. Companies are often reluctant to commit to higher initial investments, even when considering the subsequent benefits of reduced mechanical stress, improved energy efficiency, and extended motor lifespan.

This capital expenditure barrier directly hampers market penetration and growth for soft starters. Industrial decision-makers, when faced with options, frequently opt for less expensive conventional solutions to minimize immediate financial burdens. According to the VDMA, in the first quarter of 2026, mechanical engineering in eastern Germany recorded 15 percent fewer orders, reflecting a cautious investment climate that directly impacts capital-intensive components such as soft starters. Such a trend underscores the sensitivity of industrial purchases to initial cost, slowing the adoption of advanced, albeit more expensive, motor control technologies.

Key Market Trends

The integration of motor soft starters with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart systems is a pivotal trend, transforming industrial operations through enhanced connectivity and data exchange. This synergy enables real-time monitoring, advanced diagnostics, and remote management of motor-driven equipment, providing comprehensive operational intelligence. Such integration facilitates predictive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtime and optimizing asset utilization by analyzing performance data. According to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), in February 2026, 86% of employers view AI, machine vision, and collaborative robotics as primary levers for business transformation, underscoring the shift towards intelligent orchestration where soft starters ensure precise motor control.

The increasing adoption of soft starters in renewable energy applications marks another significant market trend, driven by the sector's unique demands. Soft starters are crucial for managing variable and intermittent loads from sources like wind turbines and solar pumping systems. They safeguard mechanical components from electrical stress during startup and shutdown, extending equipment lifespan and ensuring system stability during grid integration. This controlled power delivery optimizes performance and reliability of renewable energy infrastructure. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in March 2026, renewable power capacity increased by 692 gigawatts in 2025, with solar and wind energy dominating this expansion. This growth directly amplifies demand for sophisticated motor control solutions like soft starters to enhance efficiency and grid resilience.

Segmental Insights

Medium Voltage Soft Starters represent the fastest growing segment in the Global Motor Soft Starter Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by their increasing adoption in energy-intensive industries such as oil and gas, mining, and water and wastewater treatment, where large motors operate under demanding conditions. These starters facilitate smoother acceleration, which significantly reduces mechanical stress and electrical disturbances during motor startup, thereby extending equipment lifespan. Furthermore, the growing focus on infrastructure upgrades and enhancing energy management within high-power industrial operations further accelerates their demand, aligning with global efforts to optimize energy consumption.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific stands as the leading region in the Global Motor Soft Starter Market, primarily due to rapid industrialization, extensive urbanization, and significant infrastructure development across countries such as China and India. The region's robust growth in manufacturing, construction, and power generation sectors fuels a substantial demand for efficient motor control solutions. Increased investments in energy-efficient technologies, coupled with governmental initiatives promoting sustainable industrial practices, further bolster the market's dominance in Asia Pacific. This sustained expansion is also driven by the widespread adoption of automated production and Industry 4.0 principles.

Recent Developments

In March 2026, Siemens unveiled its SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11 refurbished soft starter, representing a significant breakthrough in sustainable industrial control. This product marked the company's first circular-economy offering in the motor control sector. Through a meticulously controlled refurbishment process of used soft starters, Siemens aimed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50% compared to manufacturing new units. The refurbished soft starters underwent extensive testing to ensure they matched the technical performance and reliability of new products, thereby providing an environmentally conscious and dependable option for industrial clients.
In October 2025, Rockwell Automation introduced its M100 electronic motor starter, showcasing it at Automation Fair 2025. This new electronic motor starter was developed to streamline industrial operations by simplifying panel wiring and reducing overall engineering complexities. The M100 incorporated advanced functional safety solutions and enhanced motor starting capabilities, which are crucial for minimizing mechanical stress and extending motor lifespan in various applications. This offering supports direct-on-line, reversing, and safety operations within a single, compact form factor, reflecting an ongoing trend towards integrated and efficient motor control solutions.
In September 2025, Schneider Electric expanded its motor control portfolio by introducing the Altivar Soft Starter ATS430 and ATS490 ranges to the East African market. These new soft starters were designed to address the increasing demand for advanced motor management, energy efficiency, and operational resilience within the region's developing industrial and infrastructure sectors. Both ranges integrated certified cybersecurity protections and sophisticated monitoring capabilities. The ATS490 model additionally featured SIL1 Safe Torque Off (STO) functionality, enhancing safety standards, and offered a broad power range up to 900kW, supporting diverse industrial applications.
In June 2025, Eaton released its next-generation S711 Soft Starter, representing a significant advancement in motor control technology. This new product offered adaptive acceleration and deceleration control, making it suitable for high-efficiency motors across various industrial applications, including pumps, fans, and conveyors. The S711 incorporated a built-in internal bypass for enhanced running efficiency, eliminating harmonics and wasted energy. Furthermore, it featured Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates via a dedicated mobile application, alongside robust cybersecurity functionalities to safeguard operations.

Key Market Players

Schneider Electric SE
Siemens AG
ABB Ltd.
Eaton Corporation plc
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
WEG S.A.
Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T)
Danfoss Group
Emerson Electric Company

By Control Type	By Voltage Type	By End-Use Industry	By Region
Current Control Voltage Control Torque Control	Low Voltage Soft Starters Medium Voltage Soft Starters High Voltage Soft Starters	Oil & Gas Water & Wastewater Power Generation Mining & Metals Chemical & Petrochemical Food & Beverage Cement Pulp & Paper Marine Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Motor Soft Starter Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Motor Soft Starter Market, By Control Type:

Current Control
Voltage Control
Torque Control

Motor Soft Starter Market, By Voltage Type:

Low Voltage Soft Starters
Medium Voltage Soft Starters
High Voltage Soft Starters

Motor Soft Starter Market, By End-Use Industry:

Oil & Gas
Water & Wastewater
Power Generation
Mining & Metals
Chemical & Petrochemical
Food & Beverage
Cement
Pulp & Paper
Marine
Others

Motor Soft Starter Market, By Region:

North America

United States
Canada
Mexico

Europe

France
United Kingdom
Italy
Germany
Spain

Asia Pacific

China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea

South America

Brazil
Argentina
Colombia

Middle East & Africa

South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Motor Soft Starter Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Motor Soft Starter Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Motor Soft Starter Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Control Type (Current Control, Voltage Control, Torque Control)

5.2.2. By Voltage Type (Low Voltage Soft Starters, Medium Voltage Soft Starters, High Voltage Soft Starters)

5.2.3. By End-Use Industry (Oil & Gas, Water & Wastewater, Power Generation, Mining & Metals, Chemical & Petrochemical, Food & Beverage, Cement, Pulp & Paper, Marine, Others)

5.2.4. By Region

5.2.5. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Control Type

6.2.2. By Voltage Type

6.2.3. By End-Use Industry

6.2.4. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Control Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Voltage Type

6.3.1.2.3. By End-Use Industry

6.3.2. Canada Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Control Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Voltage Type

6.3.2.2.3. By End-Use Industry

6.3.3. Mexico Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Control Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Voltage Type

6.3.3.2.3. By End-Use Industry

7. Europe Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Control Type

7.2.2. By Voltage Type

7.2.3. By End-Use Industry

7.2.4. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Control Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Voltage Type

7.3.1.2.3. By End-Use Industry

7.3.2. France Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Control Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Voltage Type

7.3.2.2.3. By End-Use Industry

7.3.3. United Kingdom Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Control Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Voltage Type

7.3.3.2.3. By End-Use Industry

7.3.4. Italy Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Control Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Voltage Type

7.3.4.2.3. By End-Use Industry

7.3.5. Spain Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Control Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Voltage Type

7.3.5.2.3. By End-Use Industry

8. Asia Pacific Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Control Type

8.2.2. By Voltage Type

8.2.3. By End-Use Industry

8.2.4. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Control Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Voltage Type

8.3.1.2.3. By End-Use Industry

8.3.2. India Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Control Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Voltage Type

8.3.2.2.3. By End-Use Industry

8.3.3. Japan Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Control Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Voltage Type

8.3.3.2.3. By End-Use Industry

8.3.4. South Korea Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Control Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Voltage Type

8.3.4.2.3. By End-Use Industry

8.3.5. Australia Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Control Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Voltage Type

8.3.5.2.3. By End-Use Industry

9. Middle East & Africa Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Control Type

9.2.2. By Voltage Type

9.2.3. By End-Use Industry

9.2.4. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Control Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Voltage Type

9.3.1.2.3. By End-Use Industry

9.3.2. UAE Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Control Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Voltage Type

9.3.2.2.3. By End-Use Industry

9.3.3. South Africa Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Control Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Voltage Type

9.3.3.2.3. By End-Use Industry

10. South America Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Control Type

10.2.2. By Voltage Type

10.2.3. By End-Use Industry

10.2.4. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Control Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Voltage Type

10.3.1.2.3. By End-Use Industry

10.3.2. Colombia Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Control Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Voltage Type

10.3.2.2.3. By End-Use Industry

10.3.3. Argentina Motor Soft Starter Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Control Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Voltage Type

10.3.3.2.3. By End-Use Industry

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Motor Soft Starter Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Schneider Electric SE

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Siemens AG

15.3. ABB Ltd.

15.4. Eaton Corporation plc

15.5. Rockwell Automation, Inc.

15.6. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

15.7. WEG S.A.

15.8. Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T)

15.9. Danfoss Group

15.10. Emerson Electric Company

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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