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Researchers in Texas have developed an electric motor that does away with the use of rare earths, adopting more sustainable alternatives, such as copper, to revolutionize the automotive industry
The electric motor, an indispensable component in vehicles, ships, airplanes and wind turbines, faces a critical challenge: dependence on rare earth materials.
These elements, although essential for advanced performance, bring high economic costs, impacts environmental devastating and geopolitical vulnerability. Now, researchers from Texas A & M University present an innovative and sustainable solution.
What are rare earths?
As rare Lands are chemical elements used in the manufacture of essential components due to their exceptional magnetic properties. These elements are essential for increasing efficiency, reducing weight and improving the performance of electric motors and other devices related to sustainable mobility.
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The new electric motor without rare earths
Scientists have developed an electric motor that completely eliminates the need for rare earths. The project, titled “Advances in electric vehicle propulsion: development of high-power electric motors without rare earths”, uses copper to replace neodymium magnets and others materials similar.
"These materials not only cause environmental damage during their degradation, but also generate dependence on external markets. Our engine addresses this issue by offering an efficient and sustainable alternative.”, Talebi said.
Practical solutions and economic benefits
Choosing copper, an abundant material that is less harmful to the environment, brings numerous advantages:
- Sustainability: With less environmental impact, copper significantly reduces the damage caused by mining.
- Cost benefit: Eliminating permanent magnets and expensive materials reduces production costs.
- Geopolitical independence: Breaking dependence on countries that control the rare earth market ensures greater stability in the supply chain.
The team’s development has already shown encouraging results in simulations, achieving performance equivalent to traditional engines. Toliyat highlighted: “Our technology achieves the same power-to-weight ratio as rare earth engines.”
Overcoming the limitations of current alternatives
Although some automakers are already exploring rare earth-free engines, the available options face limitations, such as lower efficiency and high cost. Seyedi emphasized: “Our approach seeks to solve these problems by offering an efficient and economical alternative."
Furthermore, the project is not limited to electric vehicles. The technology has potential for applications in wind turbines, public transport systems and even in the renewable energy sector.
Investment and commercial expansion
With nearly $500 in funding from Texas A&M University’s ADM (Advancing Discovery to Market) program, the team has already filed patents in the United States and plans to commercialize the electric motor. The founding of a company reinforces the team’s commitment to bringing this innovation to the global market.
"We are focused on expanding the reach of technology to maximize its impact. We believe it will transform not only the automotive industry, but the entire energy sector.”, Talebi highlighted.
Why is eliminating rare earths so important?
Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements used in the manufacture of permanent items, rechargeable batteries and technological components.
Despite their name, they are not rare, but the concentration required for efficiency is limited. Furthermore, 70% of global production comes from China, concentrating economic and strategic power in a single country.
Problems associated with rare earths include:
- Environmental impacts: Mining and processing generate toxic waste, environmental pollutants and consume large amounts of energy.
- Social risks: In some regions, unregulated mining practices cause environmental manipulation and expose workers to poor conditions.
- High costs: Protection and refining are expensive processes, making end products such as electric vehicles and wind turbines more expensive.
The rare earth-free electric motor could represent a step forward in the direction of sustainability. By eliminating dependence on finite and polluting materials, the technology promotes a more ethical and viable production model. In addition to reducing costs, it strengthens supply chains and reduces environmental impacts.
It's a shame that the article told the story of the miracle but didn't explain how it was possible to achieve it...
It is the discovery of penicillin in electronics.
The worst thing was saying that it ends the dependence on finite materials, as if copper wasn't, an article full of holes and contradictory.