DC gearmotors are widely used where precision motion control, high torque output, mobility, compact and lightweight features are requirements. These applications include robotics, automation, automotive, medical equipment, household appliances and industrial machinery.
Compared to AC types, DC gearmotors are generally more complex and expensive to manufacture because of their control systems requiring additional components such as brushes and commutators. While there are brushless types, these are even more complicated to design and necessitate electronic controllers and position sensors in place of brushes and commutators.
To keep up with foreign companies, several large-scale manufacturers in China have been pursuing R&D on and production of midrange and high-end DC gearmotors. The objective is to increase penetration of markets for new applications by introducing more units that are light in weight, deliver high precision, reliability and stability and have a long operating life span.
Market drivers
Robotics are a key driver of these initiatives for this sector’s growing reach. Hunan Beijiesi Information Consulting reported that the industrial robotics market posted $1.42 billion globally in 2024 and this would rise further to $2.71 billion in 2029.
New materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic, are expected to find wide use to achieve lightweight motors specifically designed for robotics applications.
In addition to industrial automation and its subset robotics, electric vehicles will continue to offer prospects to the gearmotor manufacturing industry.
Chinese suppliers are keen on this market, with the country’s leading position in EVs. In fact, China’s gearmotor sector realized $406 million from EVs in 2021 and $1.215 billion in 2023, according to Shanghai-based LeadLeo Research Institute. This rose further to $1.819 billion in 2024 and could potentially hit $3.145 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 14.67 percent.
Overall, China’s gearmotor market reached $12.27 billion in 2023 and will be valued at $16.05 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 5.12 percent from 2024, according to Guangzhou-based YH Research. The same source said that the DC segment would have higher growth during the period.
China-made DC gearmotors
Widely available from Chinese manufacturers are brushed and brushless DC gearmotors, with the latter type dominating their shipments. These are for use in household appliances, electric tools, medical and industrial equipment, and robotics and automotive applications, and are compliant with safety standards such as UL, CE and RoHS.
The typical specifications are a rated voltage of 3 to 24VDC, no-load current of more than 0.01A, maximum no-load speed of 30,000rpm, reduction ratio of 1:5 to 1:1,060 and operating life span exceeding 5,000 hours.
Suppliers can also produce DC gearmotors based on specific speed, torque, size and other requirements, with customization extending to buyers’ preferred sources of materials such as stators, rotors, gearboxes and shells. Usually, though, manufacturers obtain these inputs from domestic providers.
So far, there have been no major changes in the cost of these materials and the prices of DC gearmotors, a trend expected to persist in the coming months. In the entry-level segment, however, intense competition could lead to another round of price cuts as companies jockey for orders.
Manufacturing hubs
Many factories involved in DC gearmotor production are found in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Suzhou, Changzhou, Ningbo and Zibo. Zhaowei and Constar are among the leading companies in this category in China, both based in Shenzhen. Constar has a second production facility in the Chongqing municipality.
There are suppliers operating in Chengdu in Sichuan province and Xi’an in Shaanxi as well.
Output is usually shipped to key overseas destinations such as Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. However, as of this writing, domestic makers have suspended shipments to the US temporarily due to the higher tariffs imposed on motors exported from China. Instead, they are looking for new customers in South America and the Middle East and remain hopeful about doing business abroad until 2026.
The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in DC gearmotors from Chinese makers.
DC gearmotor rated at 12VDC
Company: Dongguan Country Dream Motor Co. Ltd
The BL22838I-GB004 gearmotor from Dongguan Country Dream has 24VDC rated voltage, 1:3.7 to 1:1,012 gear reduction ratio and over 5,000-hour life span. This PWM unit supports clockwise and counterclockwise rotation and is suitable for use in personal care applications, home appliances and medical devices.
MOQ: 1,000 units
Lead time: 20 days
DC gearmotor with custom no-load speed, current
Company: Dongguan Kennex Soar Electronics Co. Ltd
Rated at 3 to 12VDC, this RoHS-compliant gearmotor from Dongguan Kennex, the TRW030-G02, supports clockwise and counterclockwise rotation and is designed for use in consumer electronics. Its no-load current and speed ratings can be customized.
MOQ: 2,000 units
Lead time: 15 days
DC gearmotor with 60rpm no-load speed
Company: Shenzhen Power Motor Industrial Co. Ltd
Suitable for use in automatic doors, the PGM.W072M078 gearmotor from Shenzhen Power has 24VDC rated voltage, 2.03A no-load current, 60rpm no-load speed and 110W maximum output power.
MOQ: 1,000 units
Lead time: 45 days
DC gearmotor with 600rpm speed
Company: ZJTEX Electric Group Co. Ltd
ZJTEX markets this 12VDC gearmotor, the ZJGM12N30, with 600rpm speed and 0.1 to 5.5kg.cm stall torque. The body measures 3mm in length and the shaft is 10mm long with a 3mm diameter.
MOQ: 3,000 units
Lead time: 30 days
