With the rapid development of automobile electrification, the advancement of radar technology and smart car integration technology, and the growing demand for high-end functions from consumers, the global electric tailgate market is experiencing transformative growth. According to industry reports, the electric tailgate market is expected to reach US$3.44 billion by 2025. Key market segments such as SUVs and commercial vehicles dominate the electric tailgate installation market, accounting for more than 90% of the installation demand in the North American market and 89% of the global installation demand.
According to industry reports, the North American power tailgate market penetration is expected to reach 35% by 2025, driven primarily by high demand for SUVs, which account for 90% of total installations. This demand growth is driven by consumer preference for the convenience and high-end configurations of large vehicles. For example, Tesla's localized production strategy in Mexico has responded to US tariffs (e.g., 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles) by establishing an agile supply chain. Although Tesla's initial plans for a Mexican Gigafactory were delayed due to sales challenges, its reliance on regional suppliers such as Magna (which operates a powertrain plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico) helps reduce tariff risks and ensure faster delivery cycles. This localization trend is critical for automakers looking to comply with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and avoid rising import costs.
1. Adoption of the CAN FD protocol
The adoption of CAN FD (Controller Area Network with Flexible Data Rate) is revolutionizing vehicle communications. CAN FD has data transmission speeds of up to 8 Mbps and a payload capacity of up to 64 bytes (8 bytes for Classic CAN), enabling real-time responses for powered tailgate systems. For example, Rivian integrated CAN FD to improve the response time of its automatic tailgate operation by 60%, thereby improving safety during obstacle detection and emergency braking. The protocol is important for electric vehicles, as seamless integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and over-the-air (OTA) updates are critical.
2. Ultra-wideband (UWB) radar systems
Ultra-wideband (UWB) radar technology, such as Brose's $250/unit module, provides centimeter-level accuracy for gesture control and hands-free operation. These systems can detect footsteps or smartphone proximity to activate the tailgate, reducing the probability of accidental triggering to <0.1/10,000 cycles. Ultra-wideband (UWB)’s secure communications capabilities also meet automotive cybersecurity standards, making it a cornerstone for luxury brands such as Cadillac and GMC, which report 52% of sales are tied to smart tailgate features.
Tariff Impact and Localization Strategies
The U.S.’s 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (implemented in 2024) and 145% tariff on lithium-ion batteries (implemented in 2025) have reshaped the supply chain. To circumvent these costs, companies such as Magna International use their assembly plants in Mexico to produce electric powertrain components (e.g., inverters, motors) for OEMs such as General Motors. Similarly, Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor (DFAC) plans to open a plant in Mexico by 2025 with the goal of producing 20,000 vehicles per year for the North American and Latin American markets. These strategies reduce reliance on Chinese imports while complying with regional content requirements.
Europe is expected to dominate the global electric tailgate market with a penetration rate of 45% by 2025, the highest in the world, driven by the EU's "Fit for 55" climate policy framework. The regulation requires a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and imposes strict CO2 emission standards on vehicles to accelerate the adoption of lightweight, recyclable components and zero-emission technologies. For example, automakers will be fined 95 euros per gram/km if CO2 emissions exceed the standard, which incentivizes rapid innovation in sustainable design.
Brose is an industry leader with its EcoPaXX® biocomposite material, which is up to 85% recyclable and 30% lighter than traditional steel designs. This innovation is in line with the EU's circular economy action plan, which prioritizes lifecycle sustainability. By integrating recycled plastics and bio-based polymers, Brose's tailgates minimize the carbon footprint while meeting the durability and design flexibility requirements of high-end automakers.
1. 48V Architecture Integration
The shift to 48V electrical systems is revolutionizing the energy efficiency of power tailgates. Brose's 48V cooling fan modules and window lift motors are already in mass production, reducing power consumption by 40% while supporting advanced features such as adaptive thermal management. These systems enable seamless integration with hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), reducing wiring harness weight by 50%, and optimizing space for compact designs.
2. Dual UWB Radar Systems
Ultra-wideband (UWB) radar technology is redefining the precision of automated operations. Brose's dual UWB modules (priced at $250 each) provide centimeter-level accuracy for hands-free gesture control and occupant detection. For example, its Smart Cockpit system combines ultra-wideband (UWB) with millimeter-wave radar to enable keyless entry synchronized with lighting effects and automatic obstacle avoidance during tailgate operation. This technology reduces the number of accidental triggers to less than 0.1 times within 10,000 cycles, thereby improving safety and user experience.
1. Tier 1 supplier partnership
In response to Europe's stringent sustainability and technology barriers, companies are establishing strategic alliances. Brose's collaboration with Stabilus combines its expertise in electric tailgate drives and gas springs to optimize energy-saving actuation systems. Similarly, its joint venture Brose Sitech provides integrated seat and door solutions for luxury brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, leveraging shared R&D resources to meet the EU's 2035 zero-emission vehicle regulations.
2. Localized R&D and ecosystem integration
Brose's Sino-European innovation system embodies cross-regional synergies. For example, its smart cockpit system developed in China debuted at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show and is now adapted to European automakers. By localizing production in EU hubs such as Germany and Hungary, Brose ensures compliance with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), thereby avoiding tariffs on high-emission imports.
3. Focus on cybersecurity and standards compliance
In light of the EU General Safety Regulation (GSR) requirements for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), Brose embedded the CAN FD protocol in the tailgate controller to enable real-time data transmission (up to 8 Mbps). This ensures compatibility with automatic parking systems and OTA updates, while complying with the UNECE R100 electric vehicle cybersecurity standard.
Asia Pacific is the fastest growing power tailgate market (9.0% CAGR), driven by China’s EV sales exceeding 800,000 units in 2025 and surging EV penetration in Southeast Asia. China’s BYD, Geely, and Chery Automobile lead the trend, with BYD selling 371,419 EVs in March 2025 and targeting annual exports of 550,000 units by 2028. Driven by policy incentives such as China’s RMB 3 trillion consumer subsidies and a price war among automakers targeting mass-market prices, EV penetration in the region reached 51.1% in Q1 2025.
Case Study: Hirain’s PLGM Controller
Hirain disrupts the market with its localized power tailgate motor (PLGM) controller, which is 30% less expensive than foreign competitors such as Bosch. This innovation leverages China’s vertically integrated supply chain (e.g. rare earth magnet production) and RCEP-driven component sourcing.
Extreme Environment Adaptation
Targeting the Middle East market, integrated silicon-based reinforced polymer and ceramic-coated sensors can operate more than 100,000 times at high temperatures above 60°C.
For example, Great Wall Motor’s Hi4 hybrid system combines a desert-proof tailgate actuator with an adaptive cooling algorithm, reducing failure rates by 45% in ASEAN tropical climate conditions.
RCEP-driven Supply Chain Optimization
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) reduced tariffs on auto parts by 15-20%, enabling Thai-Vietnamese production centers such as BYD Thailand (15,000 units per year) and Chery Malaysia to assemble tailgates at $120 per vehicle, 40% cheaper than their EU counterparts. Key strategies include:
Modular design: standardized interfaces for cross-border assembly (e.g., SAIC MG4’s tailgate is shared between Thai and Indonesian factories).
Battery-related logistics: VinFast in Vietnam combines tailgate transportation with LFP battery routes, reducing logistics costs by 25% via Hai Phong Port.
1. Evolutionary path of intelligent anti-pinch algorithm
The current electric tailgate anti-pinch technology has evolved from basic pressure sensing to multimodal perception fusion. According to the Toubao Research Institute report, leading companies such as Brose and Stabilus are combining lidar point cloud algorithms with capacitive touch technology to build a three-dimensional obstacle recognition model. For example:
Redundant design: Ford F-150 Lightning adopts a dual-sensor architecture (ToF radar + flexible capacitive film), and the false trigger rate in the minus 30℃ scenario is reduced from the industry average of 2.3% to 0.7%.
Edge computing optimization: The AI inference chip developed by Bosch is embedded in the tailgate controller, and the processing delay is shortened to 8ms, which is 60% higher than the traditional solution.
Market verification: In 2024, the proportion of domestic dual-drive electric tailgates has reached 67%, providing a hardware foundation for the deployment of complex algorithms. It is expected that in 2027, the EU Euro-NCAP will include anti-pinch performance in the five-star safety rating system, pushing the technology penetration rate to exceed 80%.
2. Vertical integration of the IoT ecosystem
The electric tailgate is transforming from an independent subsystem to a sensing node of the Internet of Vehicles. Key technological breakthroughs include:
Energy collaborative management: Volkswagen ID.7 is linked to the BMS through the CAN bus, automatically disabling the electric opening and closing function in the fast charging scenario, reducing the system peak power consumption by 41%.
Predictive maintenance: Tesla Cybertruck's tailgate hinge sensor data is connected to the cloud AI diagnostic platform, identifying motor carbon brush wear 30 days in advance, and reducing maintenance costs by 55%.
Scenario-based interaction: NIO ET9 integrates UWB digital keys, dynamically adjusts the tailgate opening angle (such as shopping mode/children's mode) based on user behavior data, and measured user satisfaction has increased by 28%.
1. Technology iteration driven by regulations
EU: Euro 7 standard requires the tailgate system to add a brake particle monitoring function. Mando Electronics has developed a tailgate sealing strip solution with integrated PM2.5 sensors, which has been verified by Stellantis.
China: GB/T 20234-2025 puts forward new requirements for charging port safety, forcing the linkage design of electric tailgate and charging port cover. BYD Haisheng EV adopts electromagnetic adsorption charging port cover, which reduces opening and closing energy consumption by 72%.
2. Regional market penetration differences
North America: Pickup trucks account for more than 20%, promoting innovation in heavy-duty electric tailgates. General Motors Silverado EV is equipped with hydraulic auxiliary support rods with a load-bearing capacity of 500kg, which is 3 times higher than traditional solutions.
Southeast Asia: Motorcycle cargo scenarios have spawned a micro electric tailgate market. Vietnam VinFast and Zhejiang Shibao have cooperated to develop a 12V electric tailbox for motorcycles, with a unit price of US$35.
Industry bottlenecks and breakthrough directions
Cost control: The material cost of the single-drive solution has dropped to 120 yuan/set, but the BOM cost of the dual-drive system is still over 400 yuan, which restricts the popularization of A0-class models.
Standard unification: ISO/TC22 is formulating global EMC test specifications for electric tailgates to solve the problem of differences in radio interference standards in different regions.
Supply chain reconstruction: The dependence on rare earth permanent magnet motors is as high as 89%. GAC Aion and the Chinese Academy of Sciences jointly developed ferrite hybrid excitation motors, reducing costs by 33%.
Indicators | 2025 (forecast) | 2030 (forecast) | Driving factors |
Global market size (RMB 100 million) | 254.6 | 380+ | New energy vehicle penetration rate exceeds 50% |
AI anti-pinch system installation rate | 45% | 82% | Regulatory enforcement + insurance discount |
IoT function penetration rate | 33% | 68% | 5G-V2X Commercialization |
The electric tailgate market is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by technological innovation, sustainability requirements, and strategic market localization. With the industry expected to reach a valuation of $12 billion by 2030, stakeholders must prioritize agility and collaboration to seize emerging opportunities.
2030 Vision
By 2030, 40% of global electric tailgate revenue will come from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, driven by localized production and the popularity of electric vehicles. Innovations such as AI-LiDAR fusion and solar-integrated actuators will become industry standards, while circular economy models (such as QR code recyclable parts) will dominate the EU and North American markets.
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