AEM has unveiled its SSRD technology demonstrator
Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) has unveiled its Super Speed Reluctance Motor (SSRD) technology demonstrator for passenger-car applications, and has also secured a seven-figure contract with a global tier-one company to develop SSRD motors for high-volume passenger-car applications
Global supply chains for rare earth elements are highly concentrated, but the UK Government's promised Critical Minerals Strategy remains indefinitely delayed.
The automotive industry's dependence on rare-earth permanent magnet motors has created a supply chain concentration which is causing strategic challenges for the sector. Over 85% of global rare-earth processing is concentrated in a single region, leaving manufacturers vulnerable to supply disruptions, price volatility, and the inherent challenges of highly concentrated supply chains.
AEM's SSRD technology demonstrator addresses these supply chain challenges, unlike traditional permanent magnet motors that require neodymium, dysprosium, and other elements from concentrated supply chains; the SSRD motor can operate using only abundant materials available from diverse global sources.
The passenger car demonstrator meets or exceeds the specifications of traditional permanent magnet alternatives, offers up to 30,000rpm performance, and delivers excellent WLTP drive-cycle figures and enhanced efficiency in real-life driving environments.
The technology's design is fully recyclable, eliminating permanent magnet costs and combining simplified construction with cost-effective manufacturing to improve supply chain resilience.
Dr James Widmer, CEO and co-founder of AEM, said, "This technology demonstrator proves that British innovation can address one of the automotive industry's key supply chain challenges. We're demonstrating a path to enhanced supply chain resilience while delivering superior performance outcomes for our customers."
The timing of AEM's demonstration aligns with the industry's growing focus on diversifying the supply chain. Recent years have emphasised the importance of resilient supply chains, with manufacturers seeking alternatives that reduce concentration risk and enhance sourcing flexibility.
Widmer said, "We're proving that supply chain diversification is achievable today. This demonstrator shows passenger car manufacturers that they can achieve superior performance while building more resilient and flexible supply chains."
