The electric vehicle industry is trying to solve the problem of rare earth metals, which are increasingly difficult to source ethically, without sacrificing motor efficiency.
BMW’s 5th generation electric motor, which will power its new BMW iX M60, provides a solution that combines old-school sensitivity with high-tech Electric vehicle technology to truly improve efficiency without the use of rare-earth minerals , says a MotorTrends report.
Old tech boosts electric vehicle sustainability
BMW recently announced that the standard combined output of front & rear motors of its new iX M60 will be 532 hp & 749 lb-ft of torque. The front motor will produce 255 horse power while the rear engine in normal operation will have output of 483 horse power. Other modes such as Sport Boost mode would see the combined output increase up to 610 hp.
To achieve these impressive numbers, BMW developed its 5th-generation magnet free motor, which operates as a 3 phase AC synchronous motor and, in a retro version, uses brushes & a commutator to power the rotor windings. Typically, brushes & commutators generate dust and cause wear that requires periodically replacement. This is why most manufacturers of electric vehicles have decided not to use them.
However, BMW hopes its use of modern materials & high-tech sealing technology will mean longer life for its brushed motor than traditionally. According to MotorTrend, a BMW representative told them that the new motor’s brush modules are placed “in an enclosed & sealed compartment, eliminating dust contamination inside stator/rotor wiring.”
Turning away from rare earth metals
The rare earth metals used in permanent magnet motors are becoming increasingly difficult to source ethically fashion & China controls more than 90% of the world’s reserves of materials. Companies such as Germany’s company MAHLE & even Bentley are developing highly efficient magnet free induction motors in a bid to reduce this heavy reliance on China & improve the sustainability record of an industry that relies largely on promise of reducing fossil fuel consumption.
BMW followed suit with its new magnet free electric motor. According to automaker, its 5th-generation motor has higher energy density, better heat management & faster switching frequency. All of this, company says, “results in higher RPM, more torque and even more power.”
In other words, BMW helps the electric vehicle industry cope with one of the problems that pushes detractors to pretend that it is not so good for the planet as advertised. And it does so while enabling the stunning specs featured by its new iX M60.
