Lucid Motors is developing plans to build electric motors that avoid the use of rare earth materials, interim Chief Executive Marc Winterhoff said at the European debut of the company’s Gravity SUV this week.
The U.S.-based automaker is preparing to expand its line-up with three new models, including an off-road vehicle, as it ramps up production of the Gravity. The first of these will launch late next year on Lucid’s new mid-size platform.
Asked about alternatives to permanent-magnet motors, Winterhoff confirmed the company is pursuing similar efforts to European suppliers. “Well, yes, the answer is yes. We’re working on it,” he said. “We actually have a plan for driving without any rare-earth, and there’s a stepping stone between these, because you have to distinguish between heavy rare-earth and light rare-earth.”
He added that heavier rare earths are more difficult to source than lighter ones and noted that Lucid has secured additional supply sources outside China.
French supplier Valeo and German supplier Mahle launched a permanent-magnet-free motor in 2024, designed to deliver 220 to 350 kilowatts for larger vehicles while reducing lifecycle emissions by about 40%.
Lucid’s production has previously faced challenges from supply bottlenecks and shortages of rare earth magnets. In April, China introduced export restrictions on rare earth magnets, tightening global supplies. Winterhoff told investors in August that Lucid had swapped in alternative materials and secured sufficient supply to continue production through year-end.
At that time, the California-based company trimmed its 2025 production guidance to 18,000–20,000 vehicles, down from 20,000. Lucid began taking European orders for the Gravity SUV this week, with first deliveries scheduled for early 2026.
Source: eletric-vehicles
