Advancing Sustainable Electric Vehicles: A Simulation-Driven Study on Rare Earth-Free Motors and Battery Technologies
2026-01-0242
To be published on 04/07/2026
- Content
- As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, the growing dependence on rare earth materials in their motors and batteries has raised concerns about supply risks, environmental impact, and rising costs. Finding alternatives to these materials is essential to making EVs more sustainable and affordable for everyone. This study aims to explore new motor designs and battery chemistries that reduce or eliminate the use of rare earth elements. We will focus on promising options like induction and wound rotor motors, as well as ferrite and iron-nitride magnets that can replace traditional rare earth magnets in EVs. On the battery side, we will look at lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) and sodium-ion batteries, which offer a safer and more cost-effective alternative while maintaining good performance. A big part of this work involves using advanced simulations to predict how these new materials and designs will perform. This lets us optimize the components before building physical prototypes, saving time and resources. We will also carry out targeted physical tests to make sure the simulation results hold up in real-world conditions. By combining these approaches, our goal is to find practical ways to develop high-performing EV motors and batteries that rely less on rare earth materials. This research is a step toward greener, more resilient electric transportation and will help support the ongoing growth of EVs worldwide. Ultimately, it’s about making clean mobility more accessible and sustainable for the future.
- Citation
- Saraswat, Shubham and Prashant Vishe, "Advancing Sustainable Electric Vehicles: A Simulation-Driven Study on Rare Earth-Free Motors and Battery Technologies," SAE Technical Paper 2026-01-0242, 2026-, .