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Mahle, based in Stuttgart, has introduced an induction electric motor without magnets, thus avoiding the polluting extraction of rare earths. The Mahle MCT model (Magnet-free Contactless Transmitter) ensures energy transmission through induction, offering increased durability and an exceptional efficiency of over 95%.
At the same time, Valeo, a French multinational, has developed the EESM motor. This magnet-free model stands out with a 30% increase in power density and a 30% reduction in its carbon footprint.
These advancements culminate in the joint development of the iBEE motor, combining Mahle's contactless rotor and Valeo's control technology. This motor delivers an impressive 350 kW of power, with performance surpassing that of traditional models.
The first tests are expected by the end of the year, and the two companies aim to commercialize this innovation within the next few years, thereby transforming the electric vehicle industry.
In addition to its high performance, the iBEE motor also stands out for its reduced environmental impact, cutting CO2 emissions by 40%. This collaboration paves the way for more sustainable automotive production.
What is a magnet-free motor?
A magnet-free motor is an electric motor that does not rely on permanent magnets to generate motion. Instead of using rare earth materials like neodymium to create magnetic fields, these motors employ electromagnetic induction. This technology helps lower the environmental impact linked to the extraction of these precious materials.
In a magnet-free motor, motion is produced by an electromagnetic field generated by copper coils or other conductive materials. The rotor, which is the moving part, is powered without direct contact thanks to systems like Mahle's MCT. The energy is transferred via induction, avoiding mechanical wear and thus increasing the motor's durability.
The magnet-free motor offers an eco-friendly alternative by eliminating the use of rare earths, whose extraction is polluting and often controlled by geopolitical monopolies. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint of electric vehicles by 30 to 40%, this technology decreases dependency on these resources and reduces production costs, while maintaining high energy performance.