In order to realize carbon neutral, decarbonized societies, xEVs are expected to account for an ever-increasing percentage of vehicle production going forward. This is expected to lead to an increase in production of neodymium magnets used in traction motors and generators for xEVs. That being said, neodymium magnets use not only neodymium, which is classified as a light rare earth among rare earths, but also dysprosium and terbium, which are heavy rare earths which are particularly limited in quantity as resources. As such, there are concerns that resource risks will increase as demand grows.
In addition to focusing on improving the characteristics of neodymium magnets, which lead to smaller and lighter motors for xEVs, Hitachi Metals has also been reducing the amount of heavy rare earths used and improving recycling technology to enhance material flows (to reduce the purchase and use of rare earths).
Against this backdrop, the Global Research & Innovative Technology center (GRIT) at Hitachi Metals has been studying the application of ferrite magnets in traction motors for xEVs as a new approach to mitigate resource risks.

Hitachi Metals has recently conducted a simulation to optimize the design of motors based on the idea of applying our NMF^® 15 high-performance ferrite magnets in xEV traction motors. In terms of magnetic properties, these magnets deliver the world's highest levels among ferrite magnets. As a result, we have verified that by optimizing the mounting positions and size of the magnets, ferrite magnet motors can be made to achieve the same level of output as a motor using a neodymium magnet under certain conditions^*2 as shown in the following design example.

High-performance ferrite magnets used [1]: 30% increase in motor weight, with equivalent output level
High-performance ferrite magnets used [2]: Equivalent weight and output levels achieved by increasing rotation speed by 50%.

Examples of xEV traction motor designs

	Nd-Fe-B magnets used (Basis of comparison)	High-performance ferrite magnets used [1] (Equivalent motor performance)	High-performance ferrite magnets used [2] (Equivalent motor size and higher rotation speed)
Motor : "1/8 model" ■Nd-Fe-B magnets ■High-performance ferrite magnets NMF®-15G
Max. output	110kW	110kW	105kW
Max. rotation speed	10,000rpm	10,000rpm	15,000rpm
Thickness in axial direction	1(ref.)	1.4	1.0
Magnet Br	1(ref.)	0.37	0.37
Magnet weight	1(ref.)	1.7	1.2
Motor weight	1(ref.)	1.3	1.0

The results of the simulation show that ferrite magnets can potentially be used in high output motors such as those used to traction xEVs. Spurred by these results, Hitachi Metals now proposes high-performance ferrite magnets as an option for various applications where neodymium magnets have been used in the past to help customers achieve objectives such as resource risk reduction and cost containment.

Hitachi Metals is a general manufacturer of motor materials, and offers not only neodymium and ferrite magnets, but also amorphous metals for cores (iron cores), enameled wires, magnetic wedges, and other materials that realize higher performance and efficiency in motors. We will contribute to the realization of carbon-neutral, decarbonized societies by providing a variety of motor materials while offering solutions to our customers' motor-related issues.

End of report

Media inquiries: Corporate Communication Dept. e-mail hmcc.sa@hitachi-metals.com