Beyond China: RE-Free, Electromagnetic EV Motors Rise as Sustainable Alternative to RE Mining Impact
India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is watching closely as China eases curbs on the export of rare-earth (RE) magnets—a critical component in most EV motors. While this decision offers short-term relief, it also underscores a deeper issue: the sustainability and security of global RE supply chains.
Permanent magnets containing RE elements have long powered EV motors due to their high efficiency. However, mining these minerals causes significant environmental degradation. China’s dominance in RE production stems largely from other nations stepping back from environmentally damaging extraction practices.
Now, with supply chains exposed to geopolitical risks, global research is accelerating to develop alternatives. Two main approaches are taking shape:
- Rare-earth–free permanent magnets – These magnets are less powerful, requiring more sophisticated engineering to deliver the same motor output. While this can make motors bulkier and more complex, advances in materials science and motor design are helping close the performance gap. Another variation removes heavy rare-earth elements, reducing scarcity concerns without a complete redesign.
- Electromagnetic motors without permanent magnets – This more radical solution replaces permanent magnets entirely with electromagnets. Such motors need a continuous power supply to sustain their magnetic field but are now entering the market with performance comparable to traditional designs.
The technology to build RE-free EV motors already exists. The real challenge lies in scaling production and aligning economic incentives. Just as current EV adoption has been supported by government subsidies, the transition to alternative motor technologies may require additional policy support to become commercially viable.
For India, this is both a risk and an opportunity: diversifying EV motor technologies could reduce reliance on China while fostering local innovation in next-generation propulsion systems.
