PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1877433
PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1877433
The Automotive Multilayer Varistor Market size was valued at US$ 92.5 Million in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2032.
The automotive multilayer varistor (MLV) is an advanced electronic component designed to protect vehicle electronic systems from electrostatic discharge (ESD), transient voltage spikes, and surge events. They are widely used in automotive electronics such as ECUs, infotainment systems, sensors, powertrains, lighting, and electric vehicle (EV) charging circuits. With increasing vehicle electrification, ADAS adoption, and miniaturization of control modules, demand for compact, AEC-Q200-qualified multilayer varistors is growing rapidly. Automotive MLVs offer stability over a wide temperature range, long-term reliability, and compliance with stringent automotive standards, ensuring the protection and longevity of sensitive automotive electronics. However, the market is restrained by the limited energy absorption capacity of compact devices and the availability of alternative overvoltage protection technologies such as TVS diodes.
Automotive Multilayer Varistor Market- Market Dynamics
Increasing government incentives for EV adoption
Governments worldwide, especially in emerging markets like India, have launched substantial incentive programs such as the FAME II scheme and the newer PM E-Drive scheme that provide financial subsidies for EV buyers. These incentives reduce the upfront cost barrier for consumers, encouraging faster EV adoption and expanding the EV fleet on roads. As EV sales grow due to these incentives, automakers are increasingly integrating sophisticated electronic systems, including battery management, charging stations, and power electronics, all of which require robust protection from voltage surges. According to the data published in May 2025 by the International Energy Agency, electric car sales surpassed 17 million units worldwide in 2024, capturing more than a 20% share of the global new car market. Thus, increasing government incentives for electric vehicle (EV) adoption significantly drives the demand for automotive multilayer varistors by boosting EV market growth and thereby the need for advanced electronic protection components.
The Global Automotive Multilayer Varistor Market is segmented on the basis of Type, Vehicle Type, Operating Voltage, Application, and Region.
The market is divided into two categories based on Type: SMD Multilayer Varistors and Through Hole Multilayer Varistors. SMD multilayer varistors, widely used for compact PCB designs, and through hole multilayer varistors, preferred in high-energy or legacy automotive circuits requiring robust surge protection.
The market is divided into four categories based on Vehicle Type: Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, and Others. MLVs are increasingly used in passenger cars to protect electronic circuits, in commercial vehicles, MLVs safeguard critical electronic components in trucks and buses, while EVs heavily rely on MLVs to protect high-voltage battery systems.
Automotive Multilayer Varistor Market- Geographical Insights
The geographical landscape of the automotive multilayer varistor (MLV) market highlights significant regional distinctions tied closely to automotive manufacturing hubs and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Asia Pacific dominates the market due to the presence of major automotive manufacturing countries such as China, Japan, and India. North America also holds a substantial share of the market, supported by a robust automotive industry with a focus on innovation and strict safety standards. Europe represents another important market, characterized by stringent emissions regulations and a strong push for electric mobility under policy initiatives. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK are pivotal, where increasing EV sales and electrification of automotive systems create a steady need for reliable circuit protection devices like multilayer varistors. Emerging regions, including the Middle EAST and Latin America, are witnessing growing market interest due to increasing automotive electronics manufacturing and government incentives for EV adoption.
Automotive Multilayer Varistor Market- Country Insights
China holds a dominant position in the automotive multilayer varistor market, strongly supported by its status as the world's largest automotive electronics hub. This growth is fueled by the country's rapid electrification push and leading role in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, which demands robust voltage surge protection components like multilayer varistors for power management and electronic control units. China benefits from government support, strategic investments, and a well-established supply chain network, strengthening its position as a market leader in MLVs. These components are crucial for protecting sensitive vehicle electronics from voltage surges, especially in EVs and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The competitive landscape of the automotive multilayer varistor (MLV) market is marked by several well-established global and regional players focusing on innovation, product performance, and strategic partnerships to maintain and expand their market shares. Leading companies dominate the market by offering high-performance varistors with improved voltage protection, miniaturization, and extended service life. These companies invest heavily in research and development to meet the growing demand driven by the electrification of vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and the increasing complexity of automotive electronics. For instance, in December 2024, TDK Corporation introduced five new SMD multilayer varistors (MLVs) as part of its X-series, marking an industry first by combining eco-friendliness with high automotive standards. These new MLVs feature a reduced carbon (CO2) footprint while fulfilling the rigorous automotive qualification requirements (AEC-Q200). Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly leveraged to enhance varistor design, manufacturing quality, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization.
In October 2022, KYOCERA AVX introduced the industry's first automotive-qualified multilayer varistors (MLVs) featuring their patented FLEXITERM soft termination technology, which has been widely used in automotive-qualified multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) for over 15 years.
In January 2025, Panasonic developed a "Chip Type Multilayer Varistor 2-in-1 Type" for automotive applications, which integrates the varistor functions of two separate elements into a single component while maintaining high electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection performance.