MAHLE develops highly efficient magnet-free electric motor
MAHLE develops highly efficient
magnet-free electric motor
MAHLE is currently developing a new kind of
magnet-free electric motor that does not require rare earth elements. This not
only makes production more environmentally compatible, but also brings
advantages in terms of costs and resource security. The central feature of the
new motor is the inductive and thus contactless power transmission—this allows
the motor to operate wear-free and particularly efficiently at high speeds. The
efficiency is above 95% at almost all operating points—a level that previously
has only been achieved by Formula E racing cars. MAHLE has thus succeeded in
combining the strengths of various electric motor concepts in one product. This
new development is easily scalable, so it can be used in anything from
subcompacts through commercial vehicles.
“With our new electric motor, we’re living
up to our responsibility as a sustainably operating company,” says Michael
Frick, Chairman of the MAHLE Management Board (ad interim) and CFO. “Dispensing
with magnets and therefore the use of rare earth elements offers great
potential not only from a geopolitical perspective but also with regard to the
responsible use of nature and resources.”
“Our magnet-free motor can certainly be described as a breakthrough, because it provides several advantages that have not yet been combined in a product of this type,” says Dr. Martin Berger, Vice President Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering at MAHLE. “As a result, we can offer our customers a product with outstanding efficiency at a comparatively low cost.”
The new traction motor from MAHLE is highly
efficient—at almost all operating points—and really demonstrates these
advantages in segments where vehicles are mostly operated in real road traffic.
The new electric motor is also characterized by a high degree of
durability, because the necessary transmission of electrical currents between
the rotating and stationary parts inside the motor takes place without contact
and is therefore wear-free. This makes the engine maintenance-free and suitable
for a wide range of applications.
During its development, MAHLE uses an
innovative simulation process in which various motor designs are adjusted along
different parameters until an optimum is found. This approach is significantly
faster and cheaper than conventional processes. In this way, MAHLE is helping
to quickly create the necessary technical conditions in order to advance
e-mobility in a sustainable manner worldwide.