Tesla’s Vision of EVs Without Rare Earths Will Spur Magnet Race
Automaker’s ambition to eliminate use of the materials in future models is focusing attention on the field of potential alternatives.
Rare earth oxides coming out of the separation process at a factory in Sillame, Estonia.
Photographer: Peter Kollanyi/BloombergTesla Inc.’s ambition to remove rare earths from future models has producers in the sector reeling, but it also should spur global efforts to deliver alternatives for electric car motors that currently rely on the materials.
Model 3 and Model Y powertrains have already reduced consumption of heavy rare earths by a quarter, and Tesla’s next drive unit includes a permanent magnet motor that doesn’t use any of the materials, Colin Campbell, vice president of powertrain engineering, said during the company’s investor day early this month.