Japan develops hybrid vehicle motor using no rare earths

Japanese researchers said they have successfully developed a hybrid vehicle motor that uses no rare earth minerals, paving the way for reducing Japan’s heavy dependence on rare earth imports from China. Rare earth magnets have been considered indispensable for motors in gasoline-electric hybrid and electric vehicles. But the researchers from the public New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization and Hokkaido University have developed a ferrite magnet motor with as much power output as a rare earth magnet motor. Japan has been seeking to develop alternatives for rare earths as China accounts for more than 90% of global rare earth output and there is concern it will be difficult to maintain stable supplies in the event of tension between the two countries. The ferrite magnet motor meets that requirement and could cut costs, the group said. (September 29, 2010)