Despite the battery electric vehicle (BEV) market growing slower than in previous years, BEV sales will continue to rise, driven by the availability of more models and regulatory pressure.
IDTechEx’s latest report, “Electric Motors for Electric Vehicles 2025-2035: Technologies, Materials, Markets, and Forecasts”, explores the advantages and disadvantages of motor types used in EVs, covering the evolution of materials, costs, and power density.
Motor Types and Their Rankings
Permanent magnet (PM) and magnet-free motors have their place within the EV industry. PM motors have dominated the BEV market for years and continue to do so, providing the best efficiency and power density for various EV applications.
Magnet-free wound rotor synchronous motors (WRSM) are a primary alternative to PM motors, with adoption seen from players like Renaut and BMW. Induction motors are helpful for short acceleration bouts in dual motor vehicles as they are low-cost and have no rolling drag when not in use.
Environment and Efficiency
Rare earth PM motors dominate the power density market; however, rare earth materials typically have better environmental effects than alternatives such as induction motors and WRSMs. Despite having lower power density, these types can still compete, just not always for first place.
Motors with a higher power density are generally better for the environment as they can power more with less material. However, this also depends on the materials used within them and on an application basis, with different vehicles having varying requirements.
IDTechEx reports that improving a motor’s efficiency could reduce the battery capacity needed within a vehicle, saving money on battery costs. Permanent magnet motors have one of the best motor efficiencies on a WLTP cycle. In contrast, WRSMs have better efficiency at higher speeds, so the best primary motor for a vehicle largely depends on speed and use expectations.
Alternative Motor Materials
Alternative material demand arises from the need for countries such as the US to scale up domestic manufacturing. The importance of local material sourcing in the EV market must be recognized. As China essentially controls the rare earth material supply required for motor manufacturing, there are risks of price volatility and uncertainty arising within the industry.
As rare earth costs increase, PM motor costs will increase as well. Magnet-free motors are less likely to experience the same uncertainty, though their performance capabilities are not always as desirable.
Players such as Proterial (ferrite magnets), Niron Magnetics (iron nitride technology), and PASSENGER (strontium ferrite and manganese aluminium carbon alloys) are working to provide more locally sourced and environmentally friendly motor materials. However, despite efforts, rare earth materials, including neodymium, continue to outperform their competitors.
Growth Within the EV Market
IDTechEx reports that while EV market share in Europe has started to decrease, both plug-in hybrids and BEVs are likely to return to growth in the coming years thanks to regulatory pressure and the threat of hefty fines.
China continues to maintain high growth in EV market share from its past strong growth, meaning this rate could soon begin to slow. Meanwhile, the US may see a slower growth rate and steady adoption to start quickly, playing catch-up.
IDTechEx’s report, “Electric Motors for Electric Vehicles 2025-2035: Technologies, Materials, Markets, and Forecasts”, explores the best motor options for EV manufacturing in the future, outlining benefits, disadvantages, and key players within the market.