Advanced Electric Machines reveals rare-earth-free EV motor

Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) has unveiled its all new, rare-earth-free electric motor ahead of the UK Government announcing its Critical Minerals Strategy.

Unlike traditional permanent magnet motors, the British tech firm’s Super Speed Reluctance Motors (SSRDs) do not use any rare-earth elements in their manufacture. As well as eliminating the need for magnets entirely, these fully recyclable parts show that materials sourced from a diverse supply chain can create a market-leading motor.

For reference, over 85% of global rare earth material extraction is concentrated in a single region at present. Meanwhile, AEM’s motor can spin up 30,000rpm and promises “excellent figures on the WLTP drive cycle, and superior efficiency in real life driving environments”.

Despite being in demonstrator phase, Advanced Electric Machine’s SSRD has already attracted the attention of a yet-to-be-disclosed leading car manufacturer “to develop SSRD motors for use in high volume passenger car applications”. The deal is said to be worth seven figures.

AEM’s SSRD tech comes at a time when the UK Government is finalising its Critical Minerals Strategy aimed at diversifying its rare earth element supply chain. The strategy is based on the adequate and responsible sourcing of rare-earth materials, rapid decarbonisation, plus economic growth and national security.

Advanced Electric Machine’s CEO and co-founder, Dr. James Widmer, praised “British innovation” for playing its part in the development of its SSRD tech.

“This technology demonstrator proves that British innovation can address one of the automotive industry’s key supply chain challenges,” he commented. “We’re demonstrating a path to enhanced supply chain resilience while delivering superior performance outcomes for our customers.

“This demonstrator shows passenger car manufacturers that they can achieve superior performance while building more resilient and flexible supply chains. We’re proving that supply chain diversification is achievable today.”

AEM was founded in 2017 by Dr. Widmer and Dr. Andy Steven as a spin out from Newcastle University. Located in the North East of England, it offers a range of electric motor and transmission systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.