Global Automotive Printed Electronics Market Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2023-2030

Global Automotive Printed Electronics Market Set to Surge with a Remarkable 22.1% CAGR, Anticipated to Reach US$13 Billion by 2030.

The automotive printed electronics market encompasses companies involved in the manufacturing of various electronic components such as electronic circuits, displays, antennas, electronic skin patches, and sensors. Printed electronics offer thinner and more wearable electronic devices, characterized by precision and cost-effectiveness. They enable the creation of gadgets, sensors, and uniquely shaped components that can be integrated into existing products across various substrates.

Automotive Printed Electronics Market

In March 2021, E Ink Holdings Inc. introduced an on-cell touch e-paper module, enhancing the optical performance of e-paper displays. The automotive and transportation sectors are witnessing increased demand for printed electronic devices, coupled with growth in the consumer electronics industry, rising adoption of IoT by various industries, and the cost advantages associated with printed electronics. These factors are driving substantial growth in the automotive printed electronics market.

Key Report Findings

• Significant Market Expansion: The automotive printed electronics market is on track for substantial growth through 2030.
• Key Growth Drivers: The increasing demand for advanced OLED displays, printed RFID tags, and the expanding use of IoT applications in automotive devices are primary factors fueling market growth.
• Screen Printing Technology Dominates: In 2022, screen printing technology held the largest share in the automotive printed electronics market.
• Display Segment Leads: Displays emerged as the dominant category in the automotive printed electronics market in 2022, with significant contributions to overall revenue.
• Asia Pacific Leads, Europe Grows Strong: Asia Pacific is the front-runner in the market, while Europe's automotive printed electronics market is poised for robust growth through 2030.

Growth Drivers

Cost Advantages of Printed Electronics

Printed electronics offer significant cost benefits due to advanced and cost-effective manufacturing techniques for displays, solar cells, and sensors. Low-cost printing methods enable the production of thin, lightweight, and environmentally-friendly electronic components, leading to reduced manufacturing expenses. Polymeric substrates and high-volume, low-cost printing processes contribute to the production of lightweight, durable, and cost-effective electronic components. The use of flexible substrates and thin layers facilitates the development of flexible devices, and roll-to-roll (R2R) printing of electrical devices further enhances the economic advantages of printed electronics.

Increasing Use of Printed Electronics in the Automotive Industry

Printed electronics find applications in automotive interiors, exteriors, and engine components. These applications include transparent heaters, antennae, battery warmers, sensors, interior heaters, HMI sensors, flexible displays, in-mold electronics, and more. The growing consumer preference for electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles is driving the adoption of printed electronics in the automotive sector. Printed sensors and heating components have been employed in vehicle seats to provide heating when occupied. Recent applications include de-icing windows, electrochromic dimming mirrors, and glass roof elements. Smart packaging, driven by government regulations promoting innovative technology, is also contributing to the growth of printed electronics in the automotive and packaging industries.

Market Challenges

Technical Challenges in Manufacturing and Commercialization

The production of printed electronics primarily involves the use of inks as substrates. Functional inks, comprising functional elements, binders, solvents, and additives, are used to create printed electronics. Semiconducting, conductive, and dielectric inks are essential for constructing printed electronics. However, creating printed electronics is challenging due to the high resistance and low electrical conductivity of functional inks. Conductive inks, primarily composed of silver, conduct electricity effectively but require high-temperature sintering, limiting the range of suitable substrates. Carbon-based inks are an alternative but have weak adherence to substrates and limited conductivity. The development and commercialization of high-quality graphene-based printed electronics remain a hurdle.

Overview of Key Segments

Inkjet Printing as a Fast-Growing Technology

While screen printing technology dominates the automotive printed electronics market, inkjet printing is emerging as the fastest-growing segment. Non-contact screen technologies are gaining attention for their simplicity, affordability, and fast, adaptable manufacturing. Inkjet printing is digital, flexible, affordable, and scalable, making it suitable for rapid product adaptation and changes in the automotive industry. Key applications include decoration, displays, lighting, and sensors in automotive interiors. Displays are particularly crucial, with OLED technology playing a significant role in enhancing energy efficiency and design aesthetics. Lighting, sensors, and heaters are also prominent applications in the automotive printed electronics market.

Growth Opportunities Across Regions

Asia Pacific Leads the Way

Asia Pacific is expected to maintain its leadership in the automotive printed electronics market, driven by the region's role as a manufacturing hub and home to numerous OEMs. Rising consumer awareness of printed electronics' advantages, coupled with easy manufacturing, integration, low costs, and energy efficiency, distinguishes printed electronics from traditional electronics. The availability of diverse raw substrates further contributes to increased demand. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are pivotal to the region's market growth, with expanding adoption of technology and high-tech consumer electronics.

Europe Shows Promising Potential

The automotive printed electronics market in Europe is set to exhibit a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Increased R&D investments and the acceptance of printed electronics in various automotive applications, including photovoltaics, lighting, and RFID devices, are expected to drive the technology's adoption. Favorable government regulations promoting innovative technology, such as RFID in healthcare institutions, contribute to market growth. Investments in cutting-edge consumer electronics, such as smart televisions, VR headsets, and gaming systems, are also propelling market revenue.

North America Focuses on Electric Vehicles

The United States holds a substantial revenue share in the North American market, primarily due to substantial investments in enhancing electric vehicle infrastructure. Government initiatives aimed at reducing emissions through advanced technologies, including IoT and vehicle electrification, are driving market growth.

Competitive Landscape

Leading players in the automotive printed electronics market include Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., LG Display Co. Ltd., E Ink Holdings, Nissha Co., Ltd., Molex LLC, Jabil Inc., ALT Technologies, and Quad Industries.