Rare-Earth-Free Traction Motor

Rare-Earth-Free Traction Motor

Program:
REACT
Award:
$3,042,556
Location:
Greenville, South Carolina
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
01/31/2012 - 02/15/2015
Website:

Technology Description:

Baldor Electric Company is developing a new type of traction motor with the potential to efficiently power future generations of EVs. Unlike today's large, bulky EV motors which use expensive, imported rare-earth-based magnets, Baldor's motor could be light, compact, contain no rare earth materials, and have the potential to deliver more torque at a substantially lower cost. Key innovations in this project include the use of a unique motor design, incorporation of an improved cooling system, and the development of advanced materials manufacturing techniques. These innovations could significantly reduce the cost of an electric motor.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Baldor's redesigned EV motor could be a rare-earth-free alternative to traditional EV motors, producing comparable power at lower cost.

Security:

The U.S. produces a small fraction globally of industrial rare earths. Developing alternatives to the use of rare earths has the potential to reduce our dependence on these materials and will have a positive impact on our national economic and energy security.

Environment:

The transportation and electric power sectors account for nearly 75% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions each year. Better magnets would support the widespread use of EVs and wind power, significantly reducing these emissions.

Economy:

The U.S. spends nearly $1 billion per day on petroleum. Improvements in magnet technology would enable a broader use of EVs, which would help insulate our economy from unexpected spikes in the price of oil.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Patrick McGrath
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov

Partners

ABB, Inc.
Arnold Magnetic Technologies

Related Projects

• Ames National Laboratory - Cerium-Based Magnets
• Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) - Exchange-Spring Magnets
• Baldor Electric Company - Rare-Earth-Free Traction Motor
• Brookhaven National Laboratory - Improved Superconducting Wire for Wind Generators
• Case Western Reserve University - Iron-Nitride Alloy Magnets
• Dartmouth College - Manganese-Aluminum-Based Magnets
• Northeastern University - Iron-Nickel-Based Supermagnets
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) - Manganese-Based Magnets
• QM Power - Efficient, High-Torque Electric Vehicle Motor
• University of Alabama - Rare-Earth-Free Nanostructure Magnets
• University of Houston - Low-Cost Superconducting Wire for Wind Generators
• University of Minnesota (UMN) - Iron-Nitride-Based Magnets
• University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) - Double-Stator Motor Design
• Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) - Carbon-Based Magnets

Release Date:
04/20/2011