GM developing motors without rare earth materials

December 02, 2023

General Motors and Niron Magnetics are partnering to develop and commercialize a new type of motor technology for electric vehicles without using rare earth materials.

GM’s EV platform (Ultium) traditionally uses permanent magnets from rare earth minerals like terbium, dysprosium, praseodymium, and neodymium. These minerals are expensive and almost always processed overseas.

Niron Magnetics, based in Minnesota, USA, has developed a unique permanent magnet, the Clean Earth Magnet®, which is free from critical materials, including rare or heavy rare earth minerals. This magnet, powered by iron nitride, an abundant and affordable material, has the potential for widespread commercial use in future EVs.

As part of the partnership, GM and Niron will co-develop the Clean Earth Magnet motor technology for use in future GM EVs. GM Ventures has also invested in Niron, supporting the scaling of Niron’s manufacturing and commercialization of their sustainable magnets.

Anirvan Coomer, president of GM Ventures, stated, “We believe Niron’s unique technology can play a key role in reducing rare earth minerals from EV motors and help us further scale our North American-based supply chain for EVs. Our path to an all-electic future will be enabled not only by our own research and development efforts, but also by investing in next generation technology from startups and established companies outside our four walls.”

Jonathan Rowntree, CEO of Niron Magnetics, said, “GM invented rare earth permanent magnets nearly 40 years ago, and now we’re working together to bring the next generation of automotive magnet technology to market. We think that our Clean Earth Magnets can help GM in its goal to put everyone in an EV.”

GM, along with its subsidiaries and joint venture entities, sells vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun, and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a provider of safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com.