The automotive industry’s pursuit of sustainability and efficiency has spurred a significant shift in electric vehicle (EV) motor designs. As explored in “New Motor Designs Help EV Makers Kick the Rare-Earth Habit (Part 1)” on Electronic Design, the reliance on rare-earth minerals in permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) is undergoing reevaluation due to rising costs, environmental concerns, and geopolitical factors.
Recognizing these challenges, manufacturers are exploring innovative magnet-free motor architectures to reduce or eliminate rare-earth usage. Among these, the wound-rotor synchronous motor (WRSM) stands out as a promising alternative, offering near-drop-in replacements for PMSM units while allowing for electronic adjustment of rotor field strength.
Plays a crucial role in this transition, contributing to the development and adoption of rare-earth-free motor designs. By leveraging electromagnet coils and reluctance-type motor technologies, these advancements pave the way for sustainable and geopolitically independent EV propulsion systems.
In Part 1 of this series, the focus is on rare-earth-free WRSMs, highlighting their potential as viable alternatives to traditional PMSMs. Part 2 will delve further into inductive-type motors, showcasing the diverse array of innovations driving the future of EV propulsion.
Stay tuned to discover how the industry is shaping the landscape of electric mobility with rare-earth-free motor solutions in Part 2 of this series.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of electronicdesign.com
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