Toyota supplier Aisin Seiki Co. is developing a new motor for hybrid and electric vehicles which will not use Rare Earth Materials (REM’s). What are REM’s? There are 17 naturally-occuring Rare Earth chemical elements, many of which are used to manufacture products ranging from camera lenses, magents, and welding goggles to the motors for hybrid and electric vehicles. As their name implies, REM’s are scarce. Moreover, REM’s are not distributed evenly around the world, with China currently controlling roughly 90% of the world’s supply. China has reduced export quotas for REM’s for two consecutive years in 2010 and 2011, causing REM prices to rise dramatically. Some REM’s have more than doubled in price over the same two-year period since demand has increased and supply has been reduced. Currently, all hybrid and electric motors use REM’s, making the cost of building electric and hybrid motors heavily dependent on Chinese export policy. By having a REM-free motor for its electric and hybrid vehicles, Toyota models such as the Prius, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, and the all-electric RAV4 EV will have a distinct advantage over the competition both in terms of supply chain and pricing.
New Motor Design for Toyota Hybrids and Electrics
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