Proterial (previously Hitachi Metals), a manufacturer of iron and metals, has found that optimizing the design of a motor using its patented high-performance ferrite magnet NMF-15 can achieve the same output as an EV drive motor that uses neodymium magnets. Proterial has validated maximum power of 102 kW and maximum rotation speed of 15,000 rpm,… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "rare earth"
EU study examines shortage of critical metals for EVs
We’ve been reading a lot about looming shortages of battery raw materials such as lithium, nickel and graphite. But EV motors and electronics also use rare earths and other critical metals, which have their own set of supply constraints. A recent survey led by Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology on behalf of the European Commission… Read more »
European HEFT project targets cheaper, more efficient, power-dense motor for EVs
In a €4-million HEFT research project directed by Mondragan University, eight EU partners including GKN Automotive will create a “lower-cost, more efficient and power-dense” permanent magnet motor for EVs. HEFT is an EU Horizon 2020 project focused on designing and manufacturing EV motors with reused and recycled permanent magnets. HEFT recommends energy-efficient rare earth synchronous… Read more »
China-based Gochin seeks to invest $10 billion in Afghanistan’s lithium mining sector
China-based Gochin has approached the Afghanistan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum with a proposal to invest $10 billion in Afghanistan’s lithium mining sector. The Chinese company suggested that if it is awarded the lithium mining contract, it will invest in several significant Afghan infrastructure projects, including tunnels, a power dam and highways, according to the… Read more »
ZeBeyond launches EV manufacturing simulation technology
ZeBeyond, a new UK-based software company, has released its Electrified Propulsion Optimisation Process (ePOP) platform to help manufacturers and suppliers make data-driven decisions in developing EV designs. At the 2023 European Automotive Decarbonization & Sustainability Summit, ZeBeyond demonstrated its software as a service simulation platform, which is designed to “allow users to solve the performance,… Read more »
Alternatives to permanent magnet motors in EV traction applications
In my very first article for Charged over 10 years ago, I opined that the Switched Reluctance Motor, or SRM, would eventually come to dominate the EV traction market, if for no other reason than the fact that it is almost as cheap as dirt to manufacture. I won’t sprain my shoulder patting myself on… Read more »
Volt Carbon stakes mining claims in Ontario
Volt Carbon Technologies recently announced the acquisition of the Abamasagi Lake Lithium Project, located northwest of Nakina, Ontario. The company registered a total of 150 mining claim cells covering a total area of 3,100 hectares. The Ontario Ministry of Northern Development has recommended the area as a “grassroots exploration property” for lithium, based on lake… Read more »
ZF reaches milestone: two million EV motors produced
This year, automotive supplier ZF reached the milestone of two million electric motors produced. To keep pace with the global increase in demand for EVs, the company has been continuously accelerating production at its lead plant in Schweinfurt, Germany. It has also commissioned major production lines in Serbia and China. Another plant in North America… Read more »
ZF’s new e-drives feature multiple innovations
ZF has introduced new electric drives with a modular and compact design for electric passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The new e-drives, which incorporate an electric motor, gearbox, power electronics and DC-DC converters, will be available on the market as a complete system starting in 2025, but the company will bring individual components into… Read more »
Prototype interior permanent magnet synchronous motor achieves 100,000 rpm
A team at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney in Australia has built a new high-speed motor which can be used in EVs, large HVAC systems, high-precision CNC machines and the integrated drive generators in aircraft engines. Using its own optimization program, the team has built a prototype IPMSM motor with a patented… Read more »