Automotive MLCCs Market Size - By MLCC, By Vehicle, By Propulsion, By Voltage, By Application, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Automotive MLCCs Market Size

The global automotive MLCCs market size was valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2024 and 2032. The move to electric vehicles (EVs) is creating a huge demand for MLCCs in power electronics, battery management systems, and electrical infrastructure. Modern EVs need more capacitors than traditional combustion vehicles, complex electronics require high-temperature capacitors.
 

For instance, according to the International Energy Agency, In 2023, the market experienced a significant rise in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), with 14.2 million units delivered, reflecting a 35% increase. Of these, 10 million were BEVs, and 4.2 million were PHEVs and Range Extender EVs (EREVs). This growth in EVs paralleled a 10.5% global recovery in the overall light vehicle market. Advanced battery management needs precise capacitor performance for energy monitoring, power conversion, and thermal management. As global automotive companies commit to electrification strategies this is going to create a big opportunity for MLCC manufacturers who specialize in automotive-grade components with higher reliability and performance.
 

Automotive power electronics is changing and expanding the market. Inverters, converters, and power management systems now require high-performance capacitors that can withstand extreme temperatures and electrical stress. The introduction of wide bandgap semiconductors like silicon carbide and gallium nitride is creating new capacitor applications with higher voltage and power density. These technologies need capacitors with better thermal stability, lower equivalent series resistance, and compact design. The evolution of power electronics in electric and hybrid vehicles is a big opportunity for advanced MLCC technologies.
 

Automotive MLCCs Market Trends

MLCCs are advancing to support wide-band gap semiconductors like silicon carbide and gallium nitride. These semiconductors, which operate at higher temperatures and voltages, require specialized capacitors. Manufacturers are developing MLCCs with better thermal stability, lower equivalent series resistance, and improved high-frequency performance. The focus is on creating capacitors optimized for these applications, enhancing power electronics efficiency in electric and hybrid vehicles.
 

For instance, in October 2023, Samsung Electro-Mechanics introduced a new multilayer ceramic capacitor to enhance the portfolio of compact, high-capacitance solutions for automotive system manufacturers. The CL31B106KBK6PJ# model, measuring 1206 inches (3.2 x 1.6 mm), offers a 10µF rating at 50V. As vehicles become more electrified and feature-rich, the demand for MLCCs is surging. Modern vehicles now incorporate thousands of these critical components, which are essential for ensuring the stability and reliability of on-board circuits, thereby enhancing overall vehicle safety.
 

Automotive OEM requires MLCCs to be highly reliable under extreme conditions. These capacitors must work in -55°C to +150°C temperature range and withstand mechanical stress, vibration, and harsh electromagnetic environments. As the testing standards get more stringent, manufacturers must go through the long qualification process. This requires the development of special materials, an advanced manufacturing process, and a comprehensive testing protocol. Zero defect expectation in safety-critical automotive applications is a big engineering challenge and hence big investment in R&D.
 

Automotive MLCCs Market Analysis

Based on the MLCC, the market is segmented into general-purpose, high-capacitance, high-temperature, soft-termination, and low-ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance). In 2023, the general-purpose segment accounted for over 35% of the automotive MLCCs market share and is expected to exceed USD 1.5 billion by 2032. Automotive electronic systems demand MLCCs that operate across wide voltage ranges while maintaining stable performance. Manufacturers are developing capacitors for applications from low-power sensors to high-voltage electric vehicle powertrains. These MLCCs, supporting 16V to 1000V, meet diverse automotive needs.
 

Advanced ceramic compositions and specialized electrode designs ensure consistent capacitance across various voltage levels. For instance, in March 2024, TDK Corporation began mass production of its advanced CGA series multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). These capacitors, featuring the industry's highest capacitance, include a 2.2μF model in a 2.0 x 1.25 x 1.25mm size and a 4.7μF model in a 3.2 x 1.6 x 1.6 mm size, both rated at 100V for automotive use.
 

As the automotive industry shifts towards a 48V electrical architecture to enhance fuel efficiency, the demand for these compact, high-capacitance 100V products has grown significantly. These capacitors are essential for smoothing and decoupling power lines, meeting the evolving needs of modern vehicles.
 

Based on the voltage, the automotive MLCCs market is divided into less than 50V, 50-200V, and more than 200V. By 2032, the less than 50V segment is expected to exceed USD 2.6 billion due to several key factors. Automotive manufacturers are integrating MLCCs with higher reliability for their critical electronic systems. X7R and COG/NP0 ceramic dielectric materials are being developed to offer better temperature stability and lower failure rates. Manufacturers are focusing on MTBF and microphonic effects.
 

Automotive-grade MLCCs are using advanced manufacturing techniques like laser trimming and precision screening to ensure performance consistency. The trend is towards capacitors with higher reliability ratings, lower ESR and better performance under harsh vibration and thermal cycling.
 

China automotive MLCCs market accounted for 51% of the revenue share in 2023. Chinese manufacturers are significantly reducing their reliance on foreign technologies through major investments in domestic production. Local companies are innovating advanced manufacturing processes to compete with Japanese and Korean firms. Government support, technology transfer policies, and substantial research investments are driving rapid technological advancements. These manufacturers are focusing on high-reliability automotive-grade MLCCs with enhanced performance, fostering a self-sufficient supply chain and developing indigenous expertise in advanced electronic components.
 

In Europe, the market is growing rapidly, driven by advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle technologies. MLCCs are crucial for sensor systems, communication modules, and electronic control units in autonomous driving. Germany, France, and Sweden are leading innovation with significant investments from automotive and semiconductor companies in next-generation MLCC technologies for autonomous driving infrastructure.
 

North America's automotive MLCCs market is evolving with the rapid adoption of electric and hybrid vehicle technologies. MLCCs are essential for battery management systems, power electronics, and charging infrastructure. Manufacturers are developing high-performance MLCCs for demanding electrical environments. Tesla, General Motors, and Ford are driving technological innovations, increasing the demand for advanced, reliable, and efficient capacitor technologies.
 

Automotive MLCCs Market Share

Murata, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Yageo collectively held a substantial market share of over 28% in the automotive MLCCs industry in 2023. Murata is heavily investing in R&D to develop advanced MLCCs for high-reliability automotive electronics. Their focus on miniaturization and increased capacitance supports compact, high-performance devices in EVs and autonomous vehicles.
 

Samsung Electro-Mechanics is expanding MLCC production by building new plants, targeting high-reliability products for automotive applications. This strategy enables them to quickly meet the high-volume demands of automakers.
 

Yageo, through acquisitions like KEMET, is enhancing its portfolio and technological capabilities in high-reliability MLCCs. This strengthens their position in the automotive market with advanced, high-quality products. Yageo is also investing in eco-friendly practices and collaborating with suppliers to maintain a resilient supply chain, essential for uninterrupted automotive production.
 

Automotive MLCCs Market Companies

Major players operating in the automotive MLCCs industry are:

• Kyocera
• Murata
• NIC Components
• Nippon Chemi-Con
• Rohm Semiconductors
• Samsung Electro-Mechanics
• Taiyo Yuden
• TDK Corporation
• Vishay Intertechnology
• Yageo Corporation
   

Automotive MLCCs Industry News

• In October 2024, Samsung Electro-Mechanics launched mass production of three new models, including the CL03C221JB31PN#. This model, sized at 0201 inches (0.6 × 0.3mm), features a C0G dielectric suitable for temperatures from -55 to 125°C, a rated voltage of 50V, and capacitance values between 100 and 220 pF.  As the industry trends toward high integration, density, and miniaturization in ADAS, IVI, communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, NADs), and SiP modules, the demand for smaller multilayer ceramic capacitors has increased. Samsung Electro-Mechanics has responded by using proprietary techniques to micronize ceramic and electrode materials and advanced precision stacking methods, reducing the size of C0G capacitors from the standard 0402 inch (1.0 × 0.5 mm) to 0201 inch (0.6 × 0.3mm).
   
• In July 2024, KYOCERA AVX expanded its KAM Series automotive MLCCs by adding 20 new components. These components, designed with advanced miniaturization and high-capacity atomization technologies, ensure high reliability in automotive environments. The KAM Series now offers a diverse range of case sizes, capacitance values, and voltage ratings, ideal for compact, high-speed automotive circuits.
   

The automotive MLCCs market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn), and volume (Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Vehicle

• Passenger vehicles
  • Hatchback
  • Sedan
  • SUV
• Commercial vehicles
  • Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV)
  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV)

Market, By MLCC

• General-purpose
• High-capacitance
• High-temperature
• Soft-termination
• Low-ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)

Market, By Propulsion

• ICE
• Electric vehicles
  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

Market, By Voltage

• Less than 50V
• 50V-200V
• More than 200V

Market, By Application

• Powertrain systems
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
• Infotainment & connectivity
• Body electronics
• Safety systems
• Battery management systems

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Southeast Asia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa