Electric Motor: Planet-Friendly, No Permanent Magnets
- Electric cars are often touted as an environmentally kind mode of transportation.
- The environmental impact of electric vehicles often focuses on the lithium-ion batteries.
- Each electric car with this type of motor contains approximately 5 kilograms of these metals.
the Quest to Reduce Rare Metal Use in Electric Car Motors
Table of Contents
- the Quest to Reduce Rare Metal Use in Electric Car Motors
- The Quest too Reduce Rare Metal Use in Electric Car Motors: A Q&A
- Why Are Rare Metals a Concern in Electric Vehicles (EVs)?
- What Rare Metals Are Used in Electric Car Motors?
- How Much of These Rare Metals Are Used in EV Motors?
- What Are the Wider Implications of Using Rare Metals in EVs?
- How Is the Electric Vehicle Industry Addressing the Rare Metal Challenge?
- What Is the SUSMAGPRO Project?
- What Are the Goals of the SUSMAGPRO Project?
- How Is SUSMAGPRO Improving Recycling?
- Are There Alternatives to Permanent Magnets in EV Motors?
- What is the I2SM motor?
- How Does the I2SM Motor compare to Motors Using Permanent Magnets?
- Summary of Motor Technology Comparison
Published
Electric cars are often touted as an environmentally kind mode of transportation. However, their production can strain the planet, especially due to the need for rare metals. The SUSMAGPRO project aims to address this challenge.
The environmental impact of electric vehicles often focuses on the lithium-ion batteries. While these batteries can be regenerated or repurposed, the mining of lithium, particularly in Africa, raises socio-political concerns. Though, the electric motor itself also presents a challenge. Many electric vehicles utilize synchronous motors with permanent magnets, which rely on rare and expensive lanthanide metals such as neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium.
Each electric car with this type of motor contains approximately 5 kilograms of these metals. All-wheel-drive vehicles with two motors require even more. While this amount is less than that found in wind turbines, which can contain 300 to 550 kilograms, the reliance on these materials remains a concern.
The need for rare metals extends beyond environmental considerations, with meaningful geopolitical implications. China produces an estimated 70% to 80% of these metals, creating a dependency for the Western world.
Improving Recycling Efforts
The SUSMAGPRO project, launched in 2019, brings together 19 companies to streamline the use of rare metals in electric motors. The project’s name is derived from the words “sustainable,” “magnet,” “production,” and “recycling.”
The project focuses on renewability,recycling,and reducing the overall use of these metals. Currently, only about 1% of these materials are recycled. SUSMAGPRO aims to increase this to 25% by 2027 by developing more efficient recycling processes.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham are developing a method for partial recovery using non-magnetic renewable energy, eliminating the need to dismantle the magnets from the motor. This process, known as HPMS (Hydrogen Processing and Magnet Scrap) hydrogenation, has shown promising results.ZF, a participant in the SUSMAGPRO project, tested a motor with renovated magnets and found that its performance was nearly identical to that of motors using original rare metals.
Alternatives to permanent Magnets
Another approach involves using externally excited electric motors. these motors do not rely on permanent magnets but instead use electromagnetic induction. ZF has developed such a motor, called I2SM (in rotor Inductive Excited Synchronous Motor). Renault E-Tech cars, such as the Scenic E-Tech, also utilize similar technology.Renault claims that its electric motor contains no rare metals.
This technology is not entirely new. Electric locomotives have long used externally excited engines. In the case of the ZF I2SM engine, the excitation is achieved through a winding on the stator. ZF reports that the I2SM motor has 15% lower energy transfer losses compared to synchronous motors with permanent magnets, while maintaining similar power output.
The Quest too Reduce Rare Metal Use in Electric Car Motors: A Q&A
Why Are Rare Metals a Concern in Electric Vehicles (EVs)?
Electric vehicles are often praised for their environmental benefits. However,the production of EVs can place a strain on the planet,primarily due to the use of rare metals in their components. Mining these metals can have socio-political impacts, and the reliance on them raises several concerns.
What Rare Metals Are Used in Electric Car Motors?
Many electric vehicles use synchronous motors wiht permanent magnets. These magnets rely on rare metals, specifically lanthanide metals. Key metals include:
Neodymium
dysprosium
How Much of These Rare Metals Are Used in EV Motors?
Each electric car with this type of motor contains approximately 5 kilograms of these rare metals. All-wheel-drive vehicles, with two motors, require even more. While the amount per car is less than the amount used in wind turbines (300 to 550 kilograms), the overall demand is a concern.
What Are the Wider Implications of Using Rare Metals in EVs?
The need for rare metals has environmental and geopolitical implications. China produces an estimated 70% to 80% of these metals, creating a dependency for the Western world.
How Is the Electric Vehicle Industry Addressing the Rare Metal Challenge?
Several initiatives aim to reduce the reliance on rare metals in EV motors. The SUSMAGPRO project is a key example.
What Is the SUSMAGPRO Project?
Launched in 2019, the SUSMAGPRO project brings together 19 companies to streamline the use of rare metals in electric motors. The project’s name is derived from the words “enduring,” “magnet,” “production,” and “recycling”.
What Are the Goals of the SUSMAGPRO Project?
The project focuses on:
renewability
Recycling
Reducing the overall use of rare metals
How Is SUSMAGPRO Improving Recycling?
Currently, only about 1% of these materials are recycled. SUSMAGPRO aims to increase this to 25% by 2027 by developing more efficient recycling processes. Researchers at the university of birmingham are developing a method for partial recovery using non-magnetic renewable energy.This eliminates the need to dismantle the magnets from the motor. This process is called HPMS (Hydrogen Processing and Magnet Scrap) hydrogenation.
Are There Alternatives to Permanent Magnets in EV Motors?
Yes. One alternative involves using externally excited electric motors. These motors do not rely on permanent magnets but instead use electromagnetic induction.
What is the I2SM motor?
ZF has developed an externally excited motor called I2SM (in rotor Inductive Excited Synchronous Motor). Renault E-Tech cars, such as the Scenic E-Tech, also utilize similar technology.Renault claims that its electric motor contains no rare metals.
How Does the I2SM Motor compare to Motors Using Permanent Magnets?
ZF reports that the I2SM motor has 15% lower energy transfer losses compared to synchronous motors with permanent magnets while maintaining similar power output.
Summary of Motor Technology Comparison
| Feature | Synchronous Motors with Permanent Magnets | Externally Excited Motors (e.g., I2SM) |
| ——————- | —————————————– | —————————————- |
| Rare Metal Usage | Yes | No |
| Excitation Method | Permanent magnets | Electromagnetic induction |
| Energy Transfer Loss | Higher | 15% lower (ZF I2SM) |