New magnet free electric motor

[GeeJayW]

Mahle's cheap, highly efficient new EV motor uses no magnets

Magnets, typically using rare earth metals like neodymium, are found at the heart of most electric vehicle motors. It's nice to have a permanent source of powerful rare earth magnetism in your rotor, because using powered coils instead means you have to somehow transfer electricity from the battery…

newatlas.com

 

[jimbg]

The new BMW iX uses this kind of technology.

 

[GeeJayW]

The new BMW iX uses this kind of technology.

Thanks, didn’t know that. It’s quite an interesting approach. Still need a lot of copper wire, but clearly reduces the demand for rare earth metal permanent magnets and the corresponding Chinese leverage on electric mobility.

 

[jimbg]

To Quote:-
Instead of the customary magnets for which these raw materials are needed, electromagnetic fields are used to ensure both instantaneous and precisely controllable actuation of the electric drive. During development of the latest generation of battery cells, the proportion of cobalt contained in the cathode material was reduced to less than ten per cent. In addition, BMW procures the cobalt for the battery cells itself and then makes it available to the battery cell suppliers. The company can therefore ensure that environmental and sustainability standards are observed during the extraction and processing of cobalt and that there are no violations of human rights.
Apart from the technical side of things hiding under the sheet metal, BMW will also implement solutions introduced on the i3 for the first time for the cabin. For example, the leather used inside the iX will be treated with olive leaf extract collected from the leaves gathered from annual olive tree pruning across Europe. At the same time, synthetic yarn made from recycled nylon waste material will be used for the carpeting and floor mats. Overall, each car will have about 60 kilos of recycled plastic on board, which can also be reused after the car is decommissioned.