Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) has secured “a major seven-figure contract with a leading global Tier 1 company” to develop its SSRD (Super Speed Reluctance Motor) technology for use in high-volume passenger car applications.
As the company explains, the automotive industry’s reliance on rare earth permanent magnet motors has created supply chain concentration that presents strategic challenges for the sector. China currently dominates global rare earth production, refining and processing. This makes manufacturers vulnerable to “supply disruptions and price volatility,” to put it diplomatically.
Unlike traditional permanent magnet motors that require neodymium, dysprosium and other rare earth elements, AEM’s SSRD motor uses only abundant materials available from diverse global sources. The technology’s fully recyclable design eliminates permanent magnets entirely, enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
In a recent technology demonstration, the new motor matched or exceeded the specifications of traditional permanent magnet alternatives. The motor performed at up to 30,000 rpm capability, and achieved “excellent” efficiency figures on the WLTP drive cycle and in real-life driving tests.
“This technology demonstrator proves that British innovation can address one of the automotive industry’s key supply chain challenges,” said Dr James Widmer, CEO and co-founder of Advanced Electric Machines. “We’re demonstrating a path to enhanced supply chain resilience while delivering superior performance outcomes for our customers.”
Source: Advanced Electric Machines
