Part of the ABC transporter complex MolBCA involved in molybdate import (PubMed:22078568, PubMed:24722984). Responsible for energy coupling to the transport system (PubMed:24722984). Functions as a low-affinity molybdate transporter (PubMed:24722984). ATP + H2O + molybdate(out) = ADP + H(+) + molybdate(in) + phosphate The MolBCA complex shows a decrease in affinity in the presence of increasing concentrations of substrate and nucleotide. The complex is composed of two ATP-binding proteins (MolC), two transmembrane proteins (MolB) and a solute-binding protein (MolA). The transition from the outward-facing to the inward-facing conformation is realized through the asymmetric motion of individual subunits of the transporter (PubMed:19254551). Nucleotide binding is coupled to a conformational shift at the periplasmic gate. This shift is akin to unlocking a swinging door: allowing just enough space for molybdate to slip into the cell. The lower cytoplasmic gate, identified as gate I, remains open throughout the MolBC-A mechanism, and cytoplasmic gate II closes in the presence of nucleotide (PubMed:23709218). Belongs to the ABC transporter superfamily.