New EV Motor Contains No Copper or Rare-Earth Materials

SHOREHAM, England—Ricardo Group engineers have developed an electric traction motor that does not contain any cobalt, copper or rare-earth materials. The Alumotor synchronous reluctance motor offers a low cost, robust, sustainable alternative to conventional copper-wound permanent magnet devices.

It uses aluminium hairpin windings and is oil-cooled. The motor generates a power output of 214 kilowatts and maximum efficiency greater than 92 percent, making it suitable for light commercial vehicles and off-highway applications.

“We are excited to be at the forefront of testing aluminum hairpin windings, and are achieving strong performance data that will support future go-to-market activities,” says Dragica Kostic-Perovic, Ph.D., the chief engineer responsible for the Alumotor project. “This is a significant development, showing true innovation, and supports our reputation as experts in the design and development of future sustainable technologies.”