British engineering firm Ricardo has developed a prototype electric motor that eliminates the need for rare earth elements, in a move aimed at reducing reliance on critical raw materials in electric vehicle (EV) production.
The newly developed synchronous reluctance motor, known as the Alumotor, was created through a consortium led by Ricardo and supported by funding from Innovate UK. Unlike traditional EV motors that use rare earth magnets or materials like cobalt, the Alumotor is built using aluminium hairpin windings.
Ricardo said the oil-cooled motor delivers 214 kilowatts of power and achieves a peak efficiency of more than 92 per cent. The company noted that the design is suitable for light commercial vehicles and off-highway use, with the potential to scale across various applications.
“We are excited to be at the forefront of testing aluminium hairpin windings, and are achieving strong performance data that will support future go-to-market activities,” said Dragica Kostic-Perovic, Ricardo’s Chief Engineer for the Alumotor project. “This is a significant development, showing true innovation, and supports our reputation as experts in the design and development of future sustainable technologies.”
Ricardo showcased the prototype at the Materials and Manufacturing Showcase 2025 in London, highlighting its strategy to establish a critical-material-free supply chain for EV components.
The firm has also pursued other sustainability initiatives. In 2023, Ricardo spearheaded the HYdrogen-powered Shipping consortium (sHYpS), which seeks to advance the use of hydrogen as a renewable maritime fuel.