Advanced Electric Machines has developed a new electric motor that eliminates rare-earth materials entirely. The British tech firm revealed its Super Speed Reluctance Motors ahead of the UK Government’s upcoming Critical Minerals Strategy announcement.
The SSRD motors represent a shift from traditional permanent magnet designs. They don’t use any rare-earth elements during manufacturing.
AEM’s approach addresses a supply chain concern that’s been growing across the automotive industry. Over 85% of global rare earth material extraction currently happens in a single region.
Performance and Commercial Interest
The new motors can spin up to 30,000rpm and deliver what AEM calls “excellent figures on the WLTP drive cycle, and superior efficiency in real life driving environments.”
Despite being in the demonstrator phase, the technology has already secured commercial backing. A leading car manufacturer – which AEM hasn’t disclosed – has signed a seven-figure deal to develop SSRD motors for high-volume passenger car applications.
The fully recyclable components show how materials from diverse supply chains can create competitive electric motors.
Government Strategy Alignment
The timing coincides with the UK Government finalizing its Critical Minerals Strategy. That initiative focuses on diversifying rare earth element supply chains while supporting rapid decarbonization and national security goals.
AEM’s CEO and co-founder Dr. James Widmer positioned the development as an example of British innovation tackling automotive supply chain challenges.
“This technology demonstrator proves that British innovation can address one of the automotive industry’s key supply chain challenges,” he said. “We’re demonstrating a path to enhanced supply chain resilience while delivering superior performance outcomes for our customers.”
Dr. Widmer emphasized the practical benefits for manufacturers.
“This demonstrator shows passenger car manufacturers that they can achieve superior performance while building more resilient and flexible supply chains. We’re proving that supply chain diversification is achievable today.”
AEM was founded in 2017 by Dr. Widmer and Dr. Andy Steven as a Newcastle University spin-out. The North East England company develops electric motor and transmission systems for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
