- 14 Mar 2002
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Japanese manufacturers are developing new technologies to produce powerful motor magnets for electric and hybrid vehicles that do not rely on heavy rare earths. These materials are geopolitically sensitive and dominated mainly by China. Heavy rare earth elements—defined as those with atomic numbers 62 or higher—are essential for high-performance magnets, particularly in EV and hybrid motors: they enhance heat resistance but are mainly mined and processed in China, leaving global supply chains vulnerable.
Neodymium magnets developed by Proterial Ltd., formerly Hitachi Metals Ltd. (via Asahi).
Japan's advanced materials companies are investing in magnets that do not require heavy rare earths, protecting auto production from potential disruptions. Currently, hybrid and EV motors depend on neodymium magnets, the strongest class of permanent magnets available. Since neodymium weakens at high temperatures, manufacturers have traditionally mixed in small amounts of dysprosium and terbium, two heavy rare earths, to maintain performance under heat.
Neodymium magnets developed by Proterial Ltd., formerly Hitachi Metals Ltd. (via Asahi).
Japan's advanced materials companies are investing in magnets that do not require heavy rare earths, protecting auto production from potential disruptions. Currently, hybrid and EV motors depend on neodymium magnets, the strongest class of permanent magnets available. Since neodymium weakens at high temperatures, manufacturers have traditionally mixed in small amounts of dysprosium and terbium, two heavy rare earths, to maintain performance under heat.