Honda co-develops 1st heavy rare earth-free motor for hybrid cars
[TOKYO] Honda Motor Co said it had co-developed the world's first electric motor for hybrid cars that uses no heavy rare earth metals, a breakthrough that would trim costs and reduce its dependence on the expensive materials controlled mainly by China.
Japan's third-largest automaker said on Tuesday the technology, developed with Daido Steel, will be used in the next Freed minivan to be unveiled this autumn.
Hybrid vehicles, which combine a gasoline engine and electric motor for better mileage, have gone mainstream in many developed countries but procuring a steady supply of rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium has been a challenge.
Automakers have been trying to diversify their source of rare earth materials to ease their dependence on China.
The redesigned motor still uses a light rare earth element, neodymium.
REUTERS
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Transport & Logistics
EV automakers get reprieve in US tax credit rules
Abu Dhabi hub carrier Etihad adds banks to US$1 billion IPO
Luminar to cut nearly 20% jobs as part of restructuring
Chinese share of French EV market slumps after incentives curbed
Ferrari unveils US$423,000 sports car with 1960s bloodline
Airbus called for compensation to take on money-losing Spirit operations: sources