1 Global Electrical CAD Market Insight Analysis
The global electrical CAD market is valued at USD 1,676.83 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 9.5% from 2024 to 2033.
Electrical CAD refers to the use of computer software to create, modify, analyze, and optimize electrical designs. This includes the development of 2D and 3D diagrams for electrical components, schematics, lighting systems, power systems, and telecommunications infrastructure. Electrical CAD software enables engineers and designers to visualize, simulate, and document electrical systems with high precision and efficiency. It is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, power generation, and construction to streamline design processes, reduce errors, and enhance productivity.
Figure Global Electrical CAD Market Size (M USD) and CAGR (2024-2033)
2 Electrical CAD Market Growth Drivers and Restraints
Downstream industry demand growth: Electrical CAD is widely used in many industries such as automobiles, aerospace, industrial machinery, electricity, and construction. Taking the automotive industry as an example, with the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle market, the demand for electrical system design has increased significantly, prompting automakers to use electrical CAD software for complex circuit and wiring harness design to meet the growing demand for vehicle intelligence and electrification. In the field of aerospace, the complex electrical system design of aircraft is also inseparable from electrical CAD software, and the continuous development of the industry has driven the growth of demand for this software.
Technological innovation drive: The integration of technologies such as 3D printing, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence with electrical CAD has injected strong impetus into market development. For example, the application of 3D printing technology in PCB production allows designers to quickly create complex models, reduce development costs, and speed up product launch; the development of cloud technology enables ECAD software to achieve cloud-based conversion services, solving efficiency problems in project communication and review; artificial intelligence is integrated into design software, which can automate design tasks, predict design errors, and improve design quality and efficiency.
Innovation and development of enterprises in the industry: Siemens, Autodesk and other major companies in the industry continue to invest in research and development and launch innovative products and solutions. Siemens’ NX sketching software tool uses artificial intelligence to improve sketching functions and increase design flexibility and efficiency; Autodesk continues to optimize software functions, and its electrical toolset covers electrical documentation, schematic design and other functions to meet the needs of different customers and promote the overall development of the industry.
High barriers to entry in the industry: The electrical CAD industry has high barriers in terms of capital, technology, talent and brand. R&D requires a large amount of capital investment, from technology research and development to infrastructure construction to market development, all require strong financial support, which limits the entry of some companies.
Technically, it is necessary to master a variety of professional technologies, such as development tools, software engineering, information security, etc., and companies with insufficient technical accumulation find it difficult to get involved. At the same time, the industry has a great demand for high-end technology, marketing and management talents, and the difficulty of talent training is also hindering the entry of new companies; in addition, existing companies in the market rely on long-term accumulated brand advantages and stable customer resources, making it difficult for new entrants to gain a foothold in the market.
Software compatibility issues: ECAD software used by different companies has compatibility issues. When engineers share designs with team members or suppliers, they may have communication difficulties due to software incompatibility, which will extend the design review cycle and affect the project progress. For example, if an engineer uses AutoCAD and others use SolidWorks, there may be problems in data sharing and viewing, which will reduce work efficiency and limit the further development of the electrical CAD market.
Security risks: As software is connected to the Internet, the risk of cyber-attacks increases, and companies may face problems such as information leakage and data loss, and even blackmail and threats. Security issues are particularly prominent when electrical CAD software uses the Internet for design and data storage. Although security can be improved by using cloud-based software, risks cannot be completely eliminated, which makes some companies have concerns when choosing software, affecting market growth.
3 Technological Innovations in the Electrical CAD Market
Integration of 3D technology and electrical CAD: 3D printing technology is increasingly used in the field of electrical CAD, especially in PCB production and integrated circuit design. Through 3D printing, designers can quickly and accurately create complex models, greatly shortening the design cycle. At the same time, combined with ECAD software for product performance simulation, problems can be discovered and optimized in time during the design stage to improve product quality. This technology integration not only improves design efficiency, but also reduces development costs, giving companies more advantages in market competition.
Cloud technology promotes the development of ECAD: Cloud technology has brought new changes to the ECAD industry and solved the problems of inefficient communication and review in traditional conversion services. Cloud-based ECAD software packages enable easy sharing of component data, eliminate communication barriers between project participants, and ensure accurate information transmission during the design process. In global PCB manufacturing, cloud technology breaks geographical and time constraints, enabling teams distributed in different regions to work together and improve overall work efficiency.
ECAD-MCAD integration trend: With the rapid development of the electric vehicle market, the integration of electrical and mechanical systems has become critical. ECAD-MCAD integrated software enables designers to perform electrical and mechanical design on a unified platform, better solve electrical wiring harness problems, control costs, and improve design collaboration and product reliability. This integration trend meets the downstream industry’s higher requirements for product design and promotes the technological upgrade of the electrical CAD market.
Expanding market share and technological integration: Through mergers and acquisitions, companies can quickly expand their market share and integrate technological resources. For example, Dassault Systèmes’ acquisition of Diota will enhance its virtual reality and field control technology capabilities in manufacturing and operations, further expand the functions of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and enhance its competitiveness in the industry. Bentley Systems acquired EasyPower, obtained its technology and market resources in power system engineering software, and strengthened its strength in electrical design and analysis.
Optimizing product layout and coordinated development: Mergers and acquisitions help companies optimize product layout and achieve coordinated development. EPLAN’s acquisition of AB-Micro’s CAE business further improved its solution expertise in Poland, expanded its market coverage, and improved the synergy of products and services by integrating resources. These mergers and acquisitions enable companies to better meet the diverse needs of customers and enhance their market influence.
4 Global Electrical CAD Market Size by Type
2D Electrical CAD: The revenue for 2D Electrical CAD in 2024 is projected to be $597.62 million USD. This type of Electrical CAD is widely used for creating and editing technical drawings and adding annotations to designs. It allows designers to draw designs more quickly and accurately without using templates and technical drawing tools. The market share of 2D Electrical CAD in 2024 is approximately 35.64% of the total Electrical CAD market.
3D Electrical CAD: The revenue for 3D Electrical CAD in 2024 is estimated to be $1,079.21 million USD. 3D Electrical CAD technology is used for design and technical documentation, replacing manual drafting with an automated process. It precisely represents and visualizes objects using a collection of points in three dimensions on the computer. This type of CAD is particularly useful for complex designs and simulations. The market share of 3D Electrical CAD in 2024 is approximately 64.36% of the total Electrical CAD market.
Table Global Electrical CAD Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
Type | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
|---|---|---|
2D | 597.62 | 35.64% |
3D | 1079.21 | 64.36% |
5 Global Electrical CAD Market Size by Application
Automotive: The revenue for Electrical CAD in the automotive industry in 2024 is projected to be $408.46 million USD. This application is crucial for designing and optimizing electrical systems in vehicles, including wiring harnesses, electronic control units, and other components. The market share of Electrical CAD in the automotive industry is approximately 24.36% of the total market.
Aerospace & Defense: The revenue for Electrical CAD in the aerospace and defense industry in 2024 is estimated to be $156.42 million USD. This sector requires highly complex and reliable electrical systems, making Electrical CAD an essential tool for design and simulation. The market share of Electrical CAD in aerospace and defense is approximately 9.33% of the total market.
Industrial Machinery: The revenue for Electrical CAD in the industrial machinery sector in 2024 is projected to be $462.49 million USD. This application is vital for designing control systems, automation equipment, and other machinery components. The market share of Electrical CAD in industrial machinery is approximately 27.58% of the total market.
Power Industry: The revenue for Electrical CAD in the power industry in 2024 is estimated to be $232.24 million USD. This includes applications in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. The market share of Electrical CAD in the power industry is approximately 13.85% of the total market.
Construction Industry: The revenue for Electrical CAD in the construction industry in 2024 is projected to be $324.48 million USD. This application is used for designing electrical systems in buildings, including lighting, power distribution, and communication systems. The market share of Electrical CAD in the construction industry is approximately 19.35% of the total market.
Table Global Electrical CAD Market Size and Share by Application in 2024
Application | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
|---|---|---|
Automotive | 408.46 | 24.36% |
Aerospace & Defense | 156.42 | 9.33% |
Industrial Machinery | 462.49 | 27.58% |
Power Industry | 232.24 | 13.85% |
Construction Industry | 324.48 | 19.35% |
Others | 92.75 | 5.53% |
6 Global Electrical CAD Market Size by Region
North America, particularly the United States, has been a dominant player in the Electrical CAD market. In 2024, the United States is projected to have a market revenue of approximately $518.56 million. The strong presence of leading technology companies and a robust industrial base has driven the adoption of advanced Electrical CAD solutions. The market in the U.S. is characterized by high demand from industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. The growth is further supported by continuous investments in research and development, as well as government initiatives to boost technological advancements.
Europe remains a significant market for Electrical CAD, with a projected revenue of around $424.72 million in 2024. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France are key contributors to this market. The region benefits from a well-established manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive and industrial machinery. The European market is also influenced by stringent regulatory standards that drive the need for precise and efficient design solutions. The adoption of Electrical CAD is further supported by the growing trend of digital transformation across various industries.
The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the Electrical CAD market, with China leading the way. In 2024, China’s market revenue is expected to reach $331.32 million. The country’s rapid industrialization, coupled with government support for technological innovation, has fueled the demand for Electrical CAD software. Other notable markets in the region include Japan and India. Japan, with its advanced electronics and automotive industries, is projected to have a market revenue of around $102.32 million in 2024. India, on the other hand, is witnessing a surge in demand from its growing manufacturing and construction sectors, with a projected revenue of $71.59 million.
Latin America is an emerging market for Electrical CAD, with Brazil and Mexico being the major contributors. In 2024, the region is expected to generate a market revenue of approximately $55.84 million. The growth in this region is driven by the expansion of the manufacturing sector and increasing investments in infrastructure development. The adoption of Electrical CAD is also supported by the need for efficient design and management of electrical systems in industries such as automotive and construction.
The Middle East and Africa region is projected to have a market revenue of around $45.93 million in 2024. The growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand from the power and construction industries. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in infrastructure projects, which is driving the adoption of Electrical CAD solutions. Additionally, the region is also witnessing a growing trend of digital transformation, which is further supporting the market growth.
Figure Global Electrical CAD Market Size (M USD) by Region in 2024
7 Global Electrical CAD Market Analysis by Major Players
Autodesk
Company Profile: Autodesk is a global leader in design and engineering software solutions, founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company has a worldwide sales region and competes with other major players such as Eplan and Dassault Systèmes. Autodesk is renowned for its comprehensive suite of software tools that cater to various industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing.
Business Overview: Autodesk’s business is centered around providing software solutions that help customers design, visualize, and simulate their ideas before they are built. The company’s products are widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and media and entertainment. Autodesk’s focus on innovation and customer satisfaction has enabled it to maintain a strong market position. In recent years, Autodesk has expanded its offerings through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, further strengthening its product portfolio.
Product Offered: Autodesk offers a wide range of Electrical CAD products, including AutoCAD Electrical, which is a powerful tool for electrical design. AutoCAD Electrical provides features such as electrical documentation, automatic report generation, and customer and supplier collaboration. It also supports 2D and 3D electrical schematic design, wire numbering, component tagging, and circuit design. These features make it an essential tool for electrical engineers and designers, enabling them to create detailed and accurate designs efficiently.
Eplan
Company Profile: Eplan, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Monheim am Rhein, Germany, is a leading provider of software solutions for electrical, automation, and mechatronic engineering. The company operates globally and competes with major players such as Dassault Systèmes and Autodesk. Eplan is part of the Friedhelm Loh Group, which has a strong presence in the industrial automation sector.
Business Overview: Eplan’s business is focused on providing comprehensive software solutions for the design, documentation, and management of electrical systems. The company’s products are widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and power generation. Eplan has a strong reputation for its innovative and user-friendly software, which helps customers streamline their design processes and improve efficiency. In recent years, Eplan has expanded its market reach through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, further solidifying its position in the industry.
Product Offered: Eplan’s flagship product, EPLAN Electric P8, is a powerful and flexible software solution for electrical design. It offers features such as automatic creation of detailed assessments, support for multiple circuit variants, and integration with global standards. EPLAN Electric P8 also provides advanced capabilities for processing large datasets, improving project planning, and enhancing the quality of circuit diagrams. These features make it an essential tool for electrical engineers, enabling them to create high-quality designs quickly and efficiently.
Dassault Systèmes (Solidworks)
Company Profile: Dassault Systèmes, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Vélizy-Villacoublay, France, is a global leader in providing 3D design and engineering software solutions. The company operates worldwide and competes with other major players such as Autodesk and Siemens. Dassault Systèmes is renowned for its comprehensive suite of software tools that cater to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and consumer goods.
Business Overview: Dassault Systèmes’ business is centered around providing advanced 3D design and engineering solutions that help customers create, simulate, and manage their products throughout their lifecycle. The company’s products are widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and consumer goods. Dassault Systèmes focuses on innovation and customer satisfaction, continuously enhancing its product portfolio through research and development. In recent years, the company has expanded its offerings through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, further strengthening its market position.
Product Offered: Dassault Systèmes offers a wide range of Electrical CAD products, including SOLIDWORKS Electrical. This software provides powerful tools for electrical design, including schematic design, 3D integration, and electromechanical collaboration. SOLIDWORKS Electrical enables engineers to create detailed and accurate electrical designs quickly and efficiently, improving productivity and reducing errors. The software also supports integration with other SOLIDWORKS products, providing a seamless workflow for multidisciplinary projects. These features make SOLIDWORKS Electrical an essential tool for electrical engineers and designers, enabling them to create high-quality designs that meet industry standards.