Work to create an alternative motor for electric vehicles that’s less harmful to the global environment is set to begin, thanks to support from the £1.8 million Ford Low Carbon Vehicle Transformation Fund.
Electric motors have been in use for decades. Of the many different motor types, permanent magnet motors offer the best performance. However, nearly 85% of the world’s reserves of the special materials needed for permanent magnets come from China.
In addition to the geo-political issues that result from relying on one country for natural resources, current practices mean this finite resource is being depleted, which results in worrying environmental issues, including concerns about the long-term sustainability of distributing “rare earth” material around the globe.
Thanks to funding from the Ford Low Carbon Vehicle Transformation Fund, one of the first projects to be supported will see Caerphilly-based Deregallera lead a project that will involve them working with Cwmbran-based firm Meritor and academics at Cardiff University to design, develop and test a new low-carbon electric vehicle motor which uses fewer “rare earth” materials, making them cheaper and minimising environmental and climate impacts.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: “The Welsh Government is committed to building the new industries of the future here in Wales. These are the businesses that will create the new green jobs we need to secure a sustainable and prosperous Welsh economy.
“The record-high temperatures we experienced earlier this week is a clear demonstration that climate change is a threat to society. That’s why the Welsh Government has declared a climate emergency.
“As part of the action we’re taking, we’re committed to decarbonising our society, including developing transport systems that do not harm the environment. We need more electric cars, buses, and cleaner trucks on our roads. As a globally responsible nation, we also want to look after nature and make sure we do not squander finite global resources like “rare earth” materials.
“As part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to innovation, we want to see Welsh companies and academics come together to find innovative made-in-Wales solutions to global problems. So, I am delighted we have been able to fund this exciting new project, which delivers on that ambition.
“I am excited by the potential of this project to deliver an alternative vehicle motor that is sustainable. This could deliver significant benefits to our economy and our society. I am confident this will lead to the creation of new innovative, all-Welsh supply chains that will help power our economy long into the future.”
Keyword: Project to develop EV motor using fewer rare earth materials to begin