An increasing number of automakers and suppliers are developing electric vehicle (EV) motors that either significantly limit the use of materials dominated by China, or do not contain rare earths.

A list of some of the goods that suppliers and automakers are developing or have finished as part of this process is provided below:

TESLA MOTORS

For the mass-market Model 3, Tesla transitioned from using induction motors without rare earth permanent magnets to permanent magnet motors in 2017.

The leading EV manufacturer in the world announced earlier this year that it had reduced the amount of heavy rare earths in each vehicle by 25% and that its next-generation EV models will be rare earth-free.

BMW

Today, BMW does not use rare earth permanent magnets. Instead, all of its next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) will come equipped with a magnet-free externally excited synchronous machine (EESM), which creates a magnetic field using electric current.

GENERAL MOTORS

According to the top American carmaker, it is “exploring options to limit or potentially eliminate rare earth materials in EV motors.”

Along with rival automaker Stellantis, the business recently invested in Niron Magnetics, a startup that creates permanent magnets without the need of rare earth elements. Niron is also backed by Volvo Cars.

BORGWARNER

The American supplier already produces an electric vehicle motor with a lower heavy rare earth content. The business is also developing an electric vehicle motor free of rare earth elements.

LAND ROVER JAGUAR (JLR)

To lower the amount of rare earths per car, Tata Motors’ luxury division is investigating the use of two motors—one with rare earths and one without—on its upcoming next-generation electric vehicles.

ZA

An EESM EV motor developed by German supplier ZF may go into production in two years. The business is in talks to supply automakers in China, the United States, and Europe.

VITESCO

The German supplier Vitesco has created a new EESM EV motor that is anticipated to hit the market in 2026. Vitesco previously manufactured an EV motor for Renault.

The business is also developing permanent magnets free of rare earth elements.

RENAULT

Renault worked with Valeo (VLOF.PA) to develop a rare-earth free EV motor that is anticipated to go into production in 2027. From 2011 to 2019, the company utilised a Vitesco EESM EV motor in its Zoe and Kangoo models. “Things continue to progress well” in the collaborative effort, according to a Renault representative.

NISSAN

Nissan is pursuing a dual approach of using EESM motors and gradually removing rare earth elements from permanent magnet motors. Nissan has developed an EESM EV motor for its Ariya crossover.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Mercedes claims that the substantial rare earth component of its next MMA EV platform is “close to 0%.” The premium German carmaker claims that it wants to completely eliminate heavy rare earth material.

TOYOTA

Toyota is developing a permanent magnet that has 50% less neodymium, a hefty rare earth element.

BENTLEY

Volkswagen’s premium British division has been investigating the possibility of using rare-earth free magnets in motors, and the carmaker stated that it is still “very much committed” to the idea.

MARELLI

Ownered by U.S. firm KKR , Marelli is an auto components manufacturer that says it is “evaluating” EESM motors as part of its “exploration of the use of alternative materials for electric motors to meet (automakers’) requirements for magnet-free motors.”

European Group Coatings Manufacturer of electric motor components EuroGroup Laminations is developing motors for automakers that have minimal rare earth content as well as motors free of rare earth elements.

(Adapted from Reuters.com)

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