MAHLE develops high efficiency magnet-free electric motor

German automotive parts manufacturer MAHLE has announced that it is developing a new magnet-free electric motor that does not require rare earth elements and offers high efficiency at a lower cost. 

The central feature of the new traction motor is inductive, and therefore, contactless power transmission which allows the motor to operate wear-free and particularly at high speeds. 

"With our new electric motor, we're living up to our responsibility as a sustainably operating company," said Michael Frick, Chairman of the MAHLE Management Board (ad interim) and CFO. 

"Dispensing with magnets and therefore the use of rare earth elements offers great potential not only from a geopolitical perspective but also with regard to the responsible use of nature and resources."

The German auto parts manufacturing major claims it has succeeded in combining the strengths of various electric motor concepts in one product, given that the efficiency of the new product is above 95 percent at almost all operating points -- a level that previously has only been achieved by Formula E racing cars. 

The new electric motor is characterized by a high degree of durability because the necessary transmission of electrical currents between the rotating and stationary parts inside the motor takes place without contact and is therefore wear-free. This makes the engine maintenance-free and suitable for a wide range of applications.

During its development, MAHLE claims to have used an innovative simulation process in which various motor designs are adjusted along with different parameters until an optimum is found. This approach is significantly faster and cheaper than conventional processes. 

"In this way, MAHLE is helping to quickly create the necessary technical conditions in order to advance e-mobility in a sustainable manner worldwide," the company said in a statement.