Tesla unveils rare earth-free Cybercab motor — SkimNews
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- Tesla unveiled a new rare earth-free electric motor for its Cybercab, which is 18% smaller and 25% lighter than current top-performing drive units, with improved efficiency
- Elon Musk confirmed via Twitter that the Cybercab’s motor does not use rare earth metals, aligning with Tesla’s 2023 goal to eliminate them from permanent magnet motors
- Neodymium—a rare earth element used in powerful permanent magnets—is not present in the new motor, a shift from Tesla’s prior use in Model 3 and later vehicles
- China dominates global rare earth processing, giving it leverage over supply chains, a risk that intensified after it imposed export controls on these materials
- Permanent magnet motors typically offer higher power density and efficiency than AC induction motors, which Tesla originally used and did not require rare earths
- The Cybercab consumes 165Wh/mi, making it the most efficient electric car on record, due to its design, lightweight build, and advanced motor technology
Why it matters: By removing rare earths from a high-efficiency motor, Tesla reduces reliance on a supply chain controlled by China, cutting strategic risk without sacrificing performance. This makes scaling production more resilient, especially as export controls tighten and global EV competition grows.
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