Automotive Carbon Ceramic Brakes Market to Witness Significant Growth Due to Rising Demand for Light-weight Vehicles and Growing Emphasis on Environmental Sustainability
The global automotive carbon ceramic brakes market is estimated to be valued at US$ 458.4 Mn in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Carbon ceramic brakes improve fuel efficiency by reducing vehicle weight substantially and are preferred for luxury vehicles to withstand heavy weight and extreme temperatures better than traditional brake materials. Furthermore, carbon ceramic brakes generate less dust than steel brakes and have a higher service life, thereby helping reduce maintenance costs for OEMs and aftermarket.
Market Dynamics:
The global automotive carbon ceramic brakes market is projected to witness significant growth over the forecast period driven by two key factors. Firstly, stringent emission norms aimed at curbing vehicular pollution have compelled automakers to focus on developing light-weight vehicles with advanced braking systems for improved fuel efficiency. Carbon ceramic brakes which are around 50% lighter than traditional cast iron brakes enable weight savings. Secondly, the rising demand for high-performance luxury vehicles where braking stability and heat dissipation are critical have also boosted the adoption of carbon ceramic brakes.
Growing Demand for Lightweight and High-performance Vehicles is Driving the Growth of the Automotive Carbon Ceramic Brakes Market
One of the major drivers for the automotive carbon ceramic brakes market is the growing demand for lightweight and high-performance vehicles across the globe. Carbon ceramic brakes are almost 30% lighter than traditional cast iron brakes, which helps reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. Lightweight vehicles are more fuel efficient and environment friendly. With stringent emission norms and rising environmental concerns, automakers are focusing on developing lightweight vehicles. This increasing demand for lightweight vehicles is driving the adoption of carbon ceramic brakes.
Additionally, high-performance sports cars and supercars require ultra-high performance braking systems to deliver aggressive braking even at very high speeds. Carbon ceramic brakes offer better friction coefficients, higher heat resistance, and do not fade even after hard and repeated braking actions. Owing to their superb braking capabilities even during extreme conditions, carbon ceramic brakes have become standard in high-end luxury and supercars. Thus, the demand for high-performance vehicles is propelling the automotive carbon ceramic brakes market.
High Cost of Production and Maintenance Hampers Wider Adoption of Automotive Carbon Ceramic Brakes
One of the major restraints for the automotive carbon ceramic brakes market is their significantly high production cost compared to traditional cast iron brakes. The raw materials required for manufacturing carbon ceramic brakes like silicon carbide are expensive. Additionally, the production process that involves sintering at extreme high temperatures makes their production a complex and costly affair. Carbon ceramic brakes are almost 10 times more expensive than conventional brakes.
Further, their maintenance is also expensive as repairs require the complete replacement of brake discs or pads. Minor issues cannot be fixed with pad replacements alone. The combination of high initial as well as maintenance costs restricts their mass adoption. At present, carbon ceramic brakes find usage only in niche high-end luxury and premium vehicles where customers can bear the high costs. Otherwise, their widespread adoption across mainstream vehicles is still some time away due to their steep price tag.
Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles Offers Significant Opportunities
One key opportunity for the automotive carbon ceramic brakes market lies in the growing electric vehicles industry. With governments around the world pushing for alternatives to fuel vehicles to reduce emissions, demand for electric vehicles is growing exponentially. Electric vehicles require powerful yet lightweight braking systems for enhanced performance and extended range. Here carbon ceramic brakes with their weight reduction property without compromising on braking strength become immensely useful.
Moreover, regenerative braking systems that are integral to electric vehicles can also benefit from carbon ceramic brakes. Their properties like high strength, temperature resistance, and longevity make them suitable for handling heavy brake torque repeatedly during regenerative braking actions. Leading electric vehicle manufacturers are already incorporating carbon ceramic brake discs. Therefore, increasing electric vehicles sales present a massive growth opportunity for automotive carbon ceramic brakes market.
Developments in Manufacturing Technologies to Reduce Production Costs
One way the restraint of high manufacturing costs can be overcome is by developments and advancements in carbon ceramic brake production technologies. Continuous research is underway to develop cost-effective manufacturing techniques without compromising on product performance. Steps like employing robotics for precise machining, changing raw material mixes, new sintering methods, and automation of finishing processes hold potential to optimize production and reduce per-unit costs significantly.
Successful implementation of such advanced manufacturing technologies can make carbon ceramic brakes more affordable and expand their target markets. It can help address the critical issue of their steep pricing and drive their wider adoption across a broader range of vehicle segments beyond just luxury and premium vehicles. This presents an important opportunity for automotive carbon ceramic brakes market players to focus on technology developments to lower costs and accelerate market growth.
Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/automotive-carbon-ceramic-brakes-market-2794
Key Developments:
- In September 2023, SGL Carbon and its joint venture partner, Brembo, announced plans to significantly expand the production capacity of their Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes (BSCCB) operation. The two companies had been working together for months to finalize the details and implementation strategy for this capacity expansion. BSCCB intends to invest around €150 million by 2027 to increase production by more than 70% at their manufacturing sites in Meitingen, Germany and Stezzano, Italy.
- In June 2020, Surface Transforms PLC entered into an agreement with Koenigsegg, a renowned hypercar manufacturer, to serve as the exclusive supplier of carbon-ceramic brake discs for Koenigsegg's inaugural four-seater hypercar model. Under this contract, Surface Transforms PLC will assist Koenigsegg in the production of their highly anticipated new vehicle by providing its advanced carbon-ceramic brake technology.
- In March 2020, Brembo introduced DYATOM, a groundbreaking carbon-ceramic brake disc developed to push the boundaries of performance for carbon-ceramic braking systems. This innovative brake solution combines advanced motorsport technology with outstanding wear resistance to deliver unmatched thermal capabilities. The DYATOM is engineered to provide maximum braking power and was specifically designed for the new Ford GT MK II.
Key Players:
Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki co. ltd., Alcon Components Ltd., Apollo Automobil GmbH (Gumpert), BREMBO S.p.A., BRABUS GmbH, Baer Inc., Burg Germany GmbH, Carroll Shelby International, Inc., Federal mogul Corp., Ferrari N.V., Fusion brakes LLC, MAT Foundry Group Ltd., Surface Transforms PLC, and SGL Group
