Automotive Terminals Market Size and Share
Automotive Terminals Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Automotive Terminals Market size is estimated at USD 24.97 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 49.61 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 14.72% during the forecast period (2025-2030). A rapid shift toward 48 V low-voltage architectures, exemplified by Tesla’s Low-Voltage Connector Standard that reduces connector SKUs to six while still covering more than 90% of signal and power needs, is compressing weight, cutting material usage, and accelerating harness automation. Terminal suppliers also benefit from ADAS proliferation, with retrofit programs in North America and Europe raising aftermarket demand for data-grade, shielded micro-connectors capable of multigigabit transmission. Meanwhile, copper-intensive battery systems require three times the conductor mass of internal-combustion platforms, pushing OEMs to lock multi-year supply contracts even as volatile spot prices pressure gross margins
Key Report Takeaways
- By application, battery systems led with a 33.25% of the automotive terminals market share in 2024; safety and ADAS are projected to expand at a 14.81% CAGR through 2030.
- By vehicle type, passenger cars held 64.85% of the automotive terminals market share in 2024 and are expected to record the fastest growth at 15.73% through 2030.
- By terminal type, ring terminals commanded a 29.84% automotive terminals market share in 2024; micro ring variants are set to grow at a 15.85% CAGR through the forecast period.
- By material, copper captured 56.62% of the automotive terminals market size in 2024 and is forecast to rise at a 15.32% CAGR as EV platforms consume three times more copper per unit than ICE vehicles.
- By current rating, terminals rated below 25 amps led with 51.54% of the automotive terminals market share in 2024, while terminals handling more than 50 amps are forecast to expand at a 15.56% CAGR through 2030.
- By sales channel, the OEM segment dominated with 84.79% of the automotive terminals market share in 2024, whereas it is projected to register a 15.16% CAGR during the same period.
- By geography, Asia–Pacific captured 37.76% of the automotive terminals market share in 2024 and is expected to post the fastest 15.21% CAGR to 2030 on the back of integrated EV supply chains across China, Japan, and India.
Global Automotive Terminals Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Electrification-Led Explosion | +4.2% | Global, Asia-Pacific leadership | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Shift to 48 V Electrical Architectures | +3.1% | North America and EU luxury segments | Medium term (2-4 years) |
ADAS Retrofit Kits Creating Aftermarket Demand | +2.8% | North America and EU | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Stringent ISO 19642 Harness Standards | +1.9% | Global, EU regulatory leadership | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Solid-State Battery BMS | +1.7% | Asia-Pacific core, spill-over global | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Automaker Pushes for Crimp-Less Laser-Weld Terminals | +1.2% | Global manufacturing hubs | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Electrification-Led Explosion in Low-Voltage Connection Points
Vehicle electrification multiplies the number of low-voltage nodes: a contemporary battery electric platform integrates more than 200 distinct connection points against fewer than 100 in conventional 12 V cars.[1]“Global EV Outlook 2025,” International Energy Agency, iea.org Battery management systems is growing at a robust CAGR, demanding ultra-compact terminals that monitor cell voltage and temperature at millisecond intervals. The higher current density of 48 V distribution increases the thermal load on contact surfaces, prompting the adoption of new tin-silver plating recipes that sustain 100 A continuous loads without fretting corrosion. Commercial fleets extend this demand signal, retrofitting 48 V electric turbochargers and regenerative accessories that add four to six new harness branches per vehicle.
Shift to 48 V Electrical Architectures in Premium Vehicles
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo now fit 48 V subsystems across all premium models launched since mid-2024, delivering power for active chassis, e-turbochargers, and zone controllers without oversizing wire gauges. Harness weight falls by up to 19 kg per vehicle, translating to 0.3 L/100 km fuel savings or extended EV range when paired with auxiliary electrics.[2]“48-Volt Mild Hybrid Architecture Whitepaper,” Mercedes-Benz Group AG, mercedes-benz.com Tesla’s LVCS proves that a 48 V backbone can coexist with legacy 12 V loads through DCDC nodes, allowing phased migration that protects aftermarket compatibility. Terminals must now guarantee 60 V DC dielectric strength while remaining backward-compatible with existing crimp tooling.
ADAS Retrofit Kits Creating Aftermarket Demand Spikes
Mandatory fitment of autonomous emergency braking and forward-collision warning in US and EU light vehicles by 2026 creates a retrofit boom for 2015-2022 model years. Older vehicles require in-line converters that bridge legacy CAN networks with new LVDS camera feeds, raising connector complexity and favoring professional installers over DIY solutions. Terminal suppliers can price a premium over OEM contract rates because retrofit kits bundle specialized brackets, seals, and calibration software.
Stringent ISO 19642 Harness Standards Accelerate Terminal Redesign Cycles
The ISO 19642 series upgrades EMC, vibration, and environmental benchmarks, pushing terminal designs toward higher-temperature insulators and stronger pull-out retention. Meeting Class E requirements means surviving 240 hours of salt-spray exposure without more than 5 mΩ resistance increase, driving adoption of nickel-phosphorus coatings first commercialized by TE Connectivity in 2024. The DIN 72036 automation guideline, ratified in June 2024, sets 60 best-practice clauses that reduce line-side SKU counts and enable 42% faster gripper change-overs on harness assembly cells.
Restraints Impact Analysis
Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Copper Price Volatility | –2.1% | Global, Asia-Pacific manufacturing impact | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
OEM Migration to Consolidated Connector Blocks | –1.8% | Global, led by European efficiency drives | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Reliability Issues in Aluminum-Alloy Ring Terminals for EV | –1.3% | North America and EU premium EV programs | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Skills Gap in Automated Crimp-Force Monitoring | –1.0% | Asia-Pacific, especially emerging production hubs in ASEAN | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Copper Price Volatility is Squeezing Terminal BOM Margins
Copper averaged USD 10,800 per tonne in early 2024. Early 2025 saw rising copper prices due to U.S. tariffs and a weaker dollar, but fears of a global slowdown and China’s retaliatory tariffs have weighed heavily on prices and demand outlooks. Chinese smelters face tightening concentrate availability after the closure of Chilean open-pit pits with declining ore grades, forcing fabricators to negotiate quarterly price escalators. Recycling helps offset volatility: US brass-rod mills certified average recycled content more than four fifth of the amount in 2025, reducing primary copper exposure by 38 kt.
OEM Migration to Consolidated Connector Blocks Reduces Terminal Counts
Zonal architectures regroup sensors and actuators by physical region rather than function, allowing a single 96-pin header to replace up to 14 discrete connectors per vehicle corner.[3]“Zonal Architecture Integration Reference Design,” BMW Group, bmwgroup.com While consolidated blocks simplify assembly and quality control, they squeeze unit volumes for commodity ring and spade parts historically sold by the hundreds per vehicle. Suppliers respond by investing in hybrid power-signal modules where higher average selling prices offset lower counts. Automation also raises performance tolerances: connector blocks integrate over-molded seals and latch position assurance features that require new tooling and pull-test protocols.
Segment Analysis
By Application: Battery Systems Drive Electrification Demand
Battery systems contributed 33.25% of the automotive terminals market share in 2024, underscoring their status as the most terminal-intensive sub-system across the automotive terminal market. Unit growth stems from cell-level sensing and rising pack voltages that push contact density beyond 1,400 pins in next-generation skateboard chassis. Safety & ADAS is growing at 14.81% CAGR through 2030 because each camera and radar module adds four to six shielded connections.
Emerging solid-state packs drive micro-terminal adoption, whose pitch falls below 0.35 mm, generating premium pricing. HVAC and comfort segments, despite their modest share, gain relevance as 48 V blowers, seat heaters, and heat pumps switch to brushless motors, lifting current draw and prompting copper busbar integration.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Vehicle Type: Passenger Cars Accelerate Electrification
Passenger cars contributed to 64.85% of the automotive terminals market share in 2024, growing at 15.73% CAGR as stricter CO₂ targets favor zero-tailpipe solutions. Light commercial vehicles (LCV) also grow steadily as parcel operators electrify last-mile fleets to comply with urban low-emission zones. Motorcycles and scooters leverage swappable battery platforms that spur standardization of IP67 sealed DC terminals.
Fleet operators measure lifecycle economics rigorously: every unscheduled roadside repair on high-utilization LCVs costs fairly in delivery penalties, incentivizing premium high-cycle terminals. Aptiv’s CTCS heavy-duty connectors survive 30.6 G vibration and temperatures from –40 °C to +140 °C, offering uptime advantages that justify 14–18% price premiums in total-cost-of-ownership models.
By Terminal Type: Miniaturization Drives Innovation
Ring terminals still lead with a 29.84% share of the automotive terminals market size in 2024, proving indispensable for chassis grounding and high-current battery lugs despite packaging pressures. Spade terminals remain a commodity staple for relay and fuse boxes, but now incorporate secondary lock features to meet ISO 19642 pull-out mandates. Quick-connect tabs gain favor in fully automated harness lines because tool-free mating supports shorter takt times.
Micro ring terminals register the strongest 15.85% CAGR by enabling board-to-cable interfaces inside BMS and inverter assemblies where millimeter clearances prevail. Average terminal pitch contracted from 1.5 mm in the 1980s to 0.50 mm in 2024 and will reach 0.35 mm by 2027, necessitating vision-guided crimp presses. Mini-coax automotive solutions from Aptiv provide up to 80% footprint savings while delivering 20 GHz bandwidth, supporting 8-MP camera streams essential for Level-3 automated driving.
By Material: Copper Dominance Despite Alternatives
Copper retained a 56.62% share of the automotive terminals market size in 2024, growing 15.32% CAGR as EVs triple the conductor mass per vehicle versus ICE counterparts. Brass holds a significant share and benefits from lead-free alloy innovation; Wieland’s eco SZ3 alloy retains more than four-fifths of copper’s conductivity while eliminating RoHS-restricted lead. Exotic alloys are growing rapidly because solid-state packs and high-temperature zones require specialty high-fatigue materials like beryllium copper.
US mills with over 90% recycled content now win sourcing preference in three leading OEM scorecards. Nonetheless, copper remains irreplaceable for high-current lugs and fast-charging interfaces where resistive losses equate directly to thermal derating and warranty liabilities.
By Current Rating: High-Power Applications to Lead Growth
Less than 25 A parts constituted 51.54% of the automotive terminals market share in 2024, serving infotainment and body-control circuits. Terminals above 50 A grow the fastest at 15.56% CAGR, catalyzed by 800 V drivetrains and megawatt truck chargers. The 25–50 A bracket with a moderate share addresses e-compressors and on-board chargers in plug-in hybrids.
Next-gen blade terminals from TE Connectivity now manage 100 A continuous at 85 °C ambient with less than 35 °C temperature rise, a prerequisite for high-duty cycle urban buses that recharge multiple times daily. Solid-state battery packs need precision current sensing; premium terminals embed shunt elements that keep more or less than 1% measurement accuracy.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Sales Channel: OEM Integration Dominates
OEM procurement channels accounted for 84.79% of the automotive terminals market share in 2024, reflecting in-house harness design and stringent PPAP quality flows requiring close supplier collaboration. Growth to 2030 runs at 15.16% CAGR as global light-vehicle output rebounds above 100 million units.
The aftermarket relies heavily on professional installers because modern vehicles integrate multiplexed networks that hinder DIY repairs. ADAS retrofits alone will inject significantly into aftermarket terminal spending between 2025 and 2030. Distributor alliances like Mouser–Yazaki widen access to vehicle-grade terminals with next-day fulfillment, accelerating this channel’s relevance.
Geography Analysis
Asia–Pacific dominated with a 37.76% automotive terminals market share in 2024 and is showcasing the fastest 15.21% CAGR through 2030, underpinned by China’s control of global new-energy vehicle production. Japan’s tier-one suppliers leverage decades of lean manufacturing to ship precision-stamped contacts with single-digit PPM defect rates to global OEMs. Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia and Thailand recorded triple-digit EV registration growth in 2024, prompting OEMs to localize connector and wire-harness production.
Europe, even after regional automotive revenue fell short amid inflation and energy-cost headwinds. Strict fleet CO₂ rules lift EV sales to an expected figure in 2025, feeding demand for high-power charging terminals and data-grade board-to-board connectors, etc. Germany targets 873,000 new EV registrations, cementing local-content requirements for terminal suppliers. The region’s regulatory leadership through ISO 19642 and DIN 72036 gives compliant vendors a first-mover edge even as economic stagnation tempers near-term margins.
An aging vehicle parc keeps the aftermarket vibrant and accelerates ADAS retrofit kit sales that rely on premium shielded connectors. General Motors’ USD 4 billion plant overhaul, Hyundai’s USD 21 billion multiyear expansion, and Clarios’ investment strategy guarantee a steady pull for advanced 48V and 800V terminals. Middle East & Africa and South America collectively contributed a affairly decent share in 2024, with South America portraying steady growth on the back of Brazil’s CO₂ mandates and Argentina’s lithium-mining incentives. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates use local-content policies within nascent EV assembly programs to stimulate regional cable and terminal manufacturing clusters.

Competitive Landscape
The market is moderately concentrated, with the top five players holding a substantial share. TE Connectivity leads with extensive in-house stamping and plating, aiding rapid scale-up of 48 V and 800 V connectors for global platforms. Aptiv differentiates through its mini-coax and CTCS high-vibration portfolio, winning high-margin ADAS socket content on multiple luxury EVs. Yazaki leverages Japanese kaizen discipline and global production footprints, notably its 22-plant Indian network, to deliver cost-competitive yet high-quality standard terminals.
Competition now hinges on technology convergence. Laser-weld alternatives to traditional crimping, offered by newcomers such as Photon Weld, promise 35% lower scrap rates and are under assessment at two European OEMs. Semiconductor vendors like ROHM enter the domain by packaging SiC power stages with pre-mated high-current terminals, blurring lines between components and connectors.
Strategic collaborations proliferate. Rockwell Automation’s control stack will run NEO Battery Materials’ 240-ton silicon-anode facility, guaranteeing closed-loop quality records that terminal buyers increasingly demand for end-to-end traceability. Meanwhile, Chinese harness giants Wuling and Kuang-Chi partner with domestic machine-vision suppliers to automate inspection to 100% coverage, further compressing labor cost advantages of low-wage geographies.
Automotive Terminals Industry Leaders
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TE Connectivity
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Lear Corporation
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Aptiv PLC
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Yazaki Corporation
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Sumitomo Electric Industries
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- April 2025: ROHM Semiconductor released 4-in-1 and 6-in-1 SiC molded modules in HSDIP20, cutting onboard-charger thermal rise by 38 °C at equal output, which creates a direct impact on the automotive terminal by requiring new and improved terminal solutions.
- February 2025: Rockwell Automation partnered with NEO Battery Materials to automate a 240-ton silicon anode facility in Windsor, Ontario. To accommodate the growing adoption of electric vehicles, the company plans to increase its annual capacity to 5,000 tons. This will positively impact the demand for advanced batteries and automotive terminals that ensure battery performance and reliability.
Global Automotive Terminals Market Report Scope
Automotive connector terminals are designed to provide robust and efficient cable connections. Automotive terminals are an electromechanical device that is used to connect load or charger with the cell or batteries.
The automotive Terminals Market is segmented by Current Range, propulsion type, application type, and geography.
Based on the current range, the market is segmented into Below 40 Ampere, 41-100 Ampere, and 100 Ampere.
Based on the Propulsion Type, the market is segmented into IC Engines and Electric Vehicles.
Based on the Application, the market is segmented into Infotainment Systems, Safety and Security Systems, Battery Systems, and Others.
Based on Geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-pacific, and the rest of the World.
For each segment, the market sizing and forecast have been done based on the value (USD Billion).
By Application | Battery System | ||
Lighting System | |||
Infotainment System | |||
Powertrain & Engine Management | |||
Safety and ADAS | |||
HVAC and Comfort | |||
By Vehicle Type | Passenger Cars | ||
Light Commercial Vehicles | |||
Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles | |||
Two-Wheelers | |||
By Terminal Type | Ring Terminals | ||
Spade Terminals | |||
Quick-Connect Terminals | |||
Butt Connectors | |||
Multi-Pin Connectors | |||
By Material | Copper | ||
Brass | |||
Steel | |||
Other Alloys | |||
By Current Rating | Less than 25 Amp | ||
25 – 50 Amp | |||
More than 50 Amp | |||
By Sales Channel | OEM | ||
Aftermarket | |||
By Geography | North America | United States | |
Canada | |||
Rest of North America | |||
South America | Brazil | ||
Argentina | |||
Rest of South America | |||
Europe | Germany | ||
United Kingdom | |||
France | |||
Italy | |||
Russia | |||
Rest of Europe | |||
Asia-Pacific | China | ||
India | |||
Japan | |||
South Korea | |||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | ||
United Arab Emirates | |||
Turkey | |||
South Africa | |||
Nigeria | |||
Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Battery System |
Lighting System |
Infotainment System |
Powertrain & Engine Management |
Safety and ADAS |
HVAC and Comfort |
Passenger Cars |
Light Commercial Vehicles |
Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles |
Two-Wheelers |
Ring Terminals |
Spade Terminals |
Quick-Connect Terminals |
Butt Connectors |
Multi-Pin Connectors |
Copper |
Brass |
Steel |
Other Alloys |
Less than 25 Amp |
25 – 50 Amp |
More than 50 Amp |
OEM |
Aftermarket |
North America | United States |
Canada | |
Rest of North America | |
South America | Brazil |
Argentina | |
Rest of South America | |
Europe | Germany |
United Kingdom | |
France | |
Italy | |
Russia | |
Rest of Europe | |
Asia-Pacific | China |
India | |
Japan | |
South Korea | |
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
United Arab Emirates | |
Turkey | |
South Africa | |
Nigeria | |
Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current value of the automotive terminal market?
The automotive terminal market was valued at USD 24.97 billion in 2025 and is projected to rise to USD 49.61 billion by 2030 at a 14.72% CAGR.
Which application segment generates the most revenue for terminal suppliers?
Battery systems lead with a 33.25% revenue share in 2024, reflecting the high pin-count requirements of modern electric powertrains.
Why are 48 V architectures important for terminal demand?
48 V systems enable higher power delivery with thinner cables, cutting harness weight while expanding the number of low-voltage connection points, thereby boosting demand for specialized terminals.
Which region is expected to grow the fastest?
Asia–Pacific is forecast to post a 15.21% CAGR through 2030, driven by China’s dominance in new-energy vehicle production and integrated supply chains.
How is copper price volatility affecting terminal manufacturers?
Copper’s price swings, often exceeding USD 1,000 per tonne, can shave up to 180 basis points off gross margin because copper represents up to 70% of terminal material costs.
What technological trends are reshaping the competitive landscape?
Miniaturized micro-ring terminals, laser-weld contact technology, and integrated high-current terminals for megawatt charging are emerging as suppliers' key innovation battlegrounds.
Page last updated on: July 2, 2025