Rare Earth Magnet-Free Motors - Part 1

As the EV industry grows and rare earth magnets show signs of depletion, attention is turning to alternatives like rare earth-free motors, addressing concerns around cost, sustainability, and supply chain resilience

- Richa Tyagi

As the automotive industry continues its shift toward electrification, the design and sourcing of Electric Vehicle (EV) motors are receiving renewed scrutiny.

While headlines often focus on battery chemistry and charging infrastructure, a quieter but equally significant challenge has emerged at the heart of the EV drivetrain: the widespread dependence on rare-earth magnets. With China restricting exports, the industry is finding alternative means to sustain supply-side requirements.

A recent industry webinar, 'Rare Earth Magnet-Free Motors, 'highlighted the growing interest in HDRM and rare-earth-free technologies. The session was led by Jaideep Wadhwa, Director of Sterling Tools Ltd. and Managing Director of SGEM, alongside Dr. James Widmer, CEO of AEM. The discussion focused on the technical maturity of HDRM and its role in enabling sustainable electrification at scale. The speakers emphasised that HDRM offers a viable alternative for automakers seeking to insulate themselves from raw material volatility while meeting performance and sustainability targets.