Ola, TVS plan shift to ferrite motors to cut rare earth dependence: Report

A recent white paper by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), as cited in the report, underlined the growing need for customised magnet solutions

Electric two-wheeler makers are set to introduce new models using ferrite magnets, as they look to cut reliance on rare-earth materials and guard against global supply disruptions, Business Standard reported on Wednesday.

Ola Electric is said to be working with global partners to develop a new generation of ferrite-based motors. The report, citing sources familiar with the matter, notes that the motor design has been significantly re-engineered to deliver both high efficiency and strong performance.

A recent white paper by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), as cited in the report, underlined the growing need for customised magnet solutions. It suggested that with new suppliers and design tweaks, India could take significant steps toward building domestic capabilities in this space.

The report also states that TVS is working on similar ferrite motor technology. An official aware of the developments said that TVS is actively exploring alternatives, although the company has not issued an official response, the BS report said.

The Business Standard article notes that global legacy firms — including some in Germany — have already adopted ferrite magnets in internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Companies such as BOSCH have also used ferrite magnets in some of their electric motors, an ARAI executive was quoted as saying.

Ola, in earlier statements, had mentioned that its premium electric scooter models currently using rare-earth magnets source the materials from countries beyond China — such as those in Southeast Asia and Europe. This, the company explained, was possible because it has always preferred standardised magnet designs over customised ones.

Ferrite magnets, the report adds, are now widely available and relatively inexpensive. Their global availability makes them a viable fallback option in the event of rare-earth supply disruptions, and they are less vulnerable to geopolitical risks.

However, ferrite materials do have limitations. Their magnetic flux is lower compared to rare-earth magnets, which can affect a vehicle’s torque and power delivery. They are also more prone to losing magnetism at extremely high temperatures, the Business Standard report said.