With the advancement of global industrial automation, increasing intelligence, and improved living standards, electric motors are being used more widely in automobiles, household appliances, audio-visual electronics, information processing equipment, and industrial automation. According to statistics, the average number of motors per household in developed countries ranges from 80 to 130, while in major Chinese cities, the average is only about 20 to 40—far below the level in developed nations. Therefore, the domestic motor industry still has significant room for growth.
The major application markets for BLDC motors in the future include:
→ Automotive
→ 5G technology
→ Drones/Underwater robots
→ E-bikes/Electric vehicles
→ Industrial robots
→ Fans & blowers
→ Compressors
→ Power tools
→ Pumps
→ Personal healthcare
With the rise of new energy vehicles (NEVs), the penetration of autonomous driving, and pilot applications of connected car technology, the trend toward vehicle electrification is becoming increasingly evident.
In future automobiles, in addition to traction motors, electric power steering systems, electronic suspension systems, vehicle stability control systems, cruise control systems, ABS, and body systems (windows, door locks, seats, mirrors, wipers, sunroofs, etc.) will extensively utilize motors.
Generally, an economy-class fuel-powered car is equipped with about 10 motors, a standard car with 20 to 30 motors, and a luxury car with 60 to 70 or even over 100 motors. Meanwhile, NEVs typically require 130 to 200 motors.
5G base stations also require numerous motors, particularly in base station antennas. Currently, 5G antennas use control motors with gearbox components, including both stepper and BLDC motor solutions. Each electrically adjustable antenna is equipped with one geared control motor.
Drones became popular years ago, but not all of them used BLDC motors initially. Nowadays, many drones are transitioning to BLDC motors to achieve lighter weight and longer battery life.
Comparison of Bicycles, E-bikes, and Traditional Electric Vehicles
In China, e-bikes are priced between ¥2,000 and ¥10,000, while in Europe, hub-motor e-bikes cost €500–1,700, and mid-drive motor e-bikes range from €2,300–3,300—significantly higher than traditional bicycles and electric scooters.
The motor is the core component of an e-bike’s electrical system. Since the motor’s compactness, lightweight design, efficiency, and reliability directly determine the e-bike’s performance, manufacturers often customize motors based on specific requirements. Motors account for 10%–30% of an e-bike’s total cost.
The domestic market is still in its early stages, with substantial growth potential. Companies like Mobike, Xiaomi, Hellobike, Beisu, and Forever have begun promoting e-bikes in China.
In China, industrial robots primarily serve as replacements, offering vast market potential. Although China is the world’s largest industrial robot application market, leading manufacturers are concentrated in developed countries such as the U.S., Japan, and Germany, including ABB (Sweden), Fanuc and Yaskawa (Japan), and KUKA (Germany)—collectively known as the "Big Four" in robotics.
This category includes fans, range hoods, hair dryers, air curtains, and HVAC blowers. Major manufacturers include Midea, Airmate, Gree, Singfun, Vatti, and Robam.
Currently, leading small appliance brands in China, such as Midea, Singfun, Ricai, and Airmate, have already launched BLDC motor-based products. Among them, Airmate has the highest adoption rate, while Xiaomi offers the lowest-cost solutions.
With the entry of cross-industry players like Xiaomi, the transition to BLDC motors in household fans has accelerated. Domestic BLDC motor manufacturers have now secured a foothold in this sector.
The speed of a refrigerator compressor determines its internal temperature. Inverter compressors adjust their speed based on temperature, ensuring better temperature stability and improved food preservation. Most inverter compressors use BLDC motors, which offer higher efficiency, lower noise, and longer service life.
Statistics show that wrenches in China have largely transitioned to BLDC motors, while drills, high-pressure tools, and garden equipment are still in the process of conversion.
The shift is driven by BLDC motors’ energy efficiency and high performance, enabling cordless power tools to operate longer. Leading global and domestic brands—such as Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, and Makita—are heavily investing in BLDC-based product development.
China’s power tool industry is growing rapidly, particularly in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, where many manufacturers are concentrated. In recent years, the cost of BLDC motor control solutions in this region has dropped significantly, triggering price wars. Some BLDC motor control solutions now cost as little as 6–7 USD, with some even priced at 4–5 USD.
The pump industry is traditional but diverse, with numerous solutions available. Even for the same power rating, drive boards range from under 2 USD to 50 USD.
In pump applications, medium- and high-power pumps mostly use three-phase induction motors, while small and micro pumps rely on AC two-pole motors. The heating system upgrades in northern China present a significant opportunity for innovation in pump technology.
From a technical standpoint, BLDC motors are well-suited for pumps, offering advantages in size, power density, and even cost.
Two standout products in this category are Dyson’s viral hair dryer and massage guns (fascia guns).
Beyond these, other products like electric shavers (for men) and beauty devices (for women) are also shifting toward BLDC motors.
