British startup Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) has secured a significant development partnership with a major global automotive supplier, signaling renewed momentum for its innovative electric motors that do not rely on rare earth elements. Unlike most traction motors using materials like neodymium or dysprosium, AEM’s technology eliminates the need for magnets by using only recyclable, widely available materials such as steel and aluminum, while also aiming to eliminate copper- making these motors more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This development is especially relevant given the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the USA and China over access to rare earth elements. Much of the global supply of rare earths is extracted and processed in China, which has caused increasing concern for Western manufacturers reliant on these critical materials for automotive, semiconductor, defense, and wind turbine industries. The current trade disputes and uncertainties surrounding rare earth supplies have put intense pressure on the supply chain, making alternatives like AEM’s magnet-free motors even more attractive for the future of electric mobility.
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