GKN Automotive partners on European R&D project for next-gen electric motors
April 19, 2023
GKN Automotive has joined a new €4 million European research and development project launched by Mondragon University, Spain. The project aims to develop lower-cost, more efficient permanent magnet electric motors with increased power density for mass-produced, next-generation electric vehicles.
The concept of a low-cost, high-power-density and highly efficient recyclable motor for next-generation mass produced electric vehicles includes a set of changes to the electric motor configuration and materials that will be validated on two variants of the electric motor. These changes will allow magnets in the electric motor to be smaller in size, contain less rare earth material, and be eligible for reuse and recycling. Compared to two main reference electric motors already on the market, the final electric motors are said to offer up to a 20% reduction in power losses, a 28% reduction in production costs, and a reduction in material use of up to 66%.
A long-term circular strategy for rare earth critical raw materials (CRM) will be implemented, targeting a reduction in the use of two key rare earth materials (neodymium and dysprosium) of up to 80% and recycling more than 80% of any rare earth material used. This is intended to conserve resources and create increased resilience in the European supply chain.
The project – HEFT – is funded by the European Commission and includes a total of eight partners from Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, Spain and the UK. GKN Automotive joins as a key industrial partner, assuming responsibility for manufacturing and assembly, and ensuring the final electric motor design meets industry needs and requirements. Other partners in the consortium are Magneti Ljubljana, Vyncolit, Ikerlan, the University of Nottingham, the University of Bologna and KU Leuven.
“The HEFT project is an exciting opportunity to develop the next-generation of eMotors that will be more sustainable and efficient, while costing less to manufacture. I believe development in these areas is key to the future of electric mobility so I’m delighted that we can contribute our expertise in eDrive innovation as an industrial partner, helping to meet an industry need,” stated Aitor Tovar, Senior Global Manager eMotor Development at GKN Automotive. “Minimising the environmental impact of manufacturing, particularly through a reduction in the use of rare earth critical raw materials, is an essential consideration in the development of future products, so the implementation of a circular economy strategy is another key motivation in our participation in this project.”
Javier Poza, HEFT Project Coordinator and Head of Electric Machines and Drives research group at Mondragon University, commented, “The HEFT project will allow European companies, research institutions and universities to successfully position themselves in the market, improving their capabilities and know-how in highly efficient and cost-effective eMotor design and manufacturing. It will also promote new job opportunities linked to magnet recycling and circular economy for rare earth-based magnets.”
HEFT plans to organise OEM workshops to increase adoption of its solutions. It will also work with policymakers to promote regulations that will help maintain the leadership of EU companies while increasing their competitiveness and job opportunities linked to the new circular business models.
HEFT will also be aligned with the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) action plan towards a circular economy market of rare earth permanent magnets. HEFT will be supported by an advisory board, including companies, institutions and alliances, to ensure the competitiveness and success of the project results.
All the work from GKN Automotive will be carried out from its facility in Zumaia, Spain.
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