Renault, Valeo, and Valeo Siemens eAutomotive to manufacture rare-earth metals free e-motors
Renault Group, Valeo, and Valeo Siemens eAutomotive have announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a strategic partnership for the design, co-development, and manufacture of new-generation automotive electric motor, reducing the use of rare earths in France.
The three affiliates will blend their know-how and recognized expertise to design a unique electric powertrain system that is unparalleled globally, offering more power on less energy, without the use of rare earths.
Under this collaboration, each of the three partners will contribute to the development and production of the two key components of the electric motor: the rotor and the stator.
Renault will develop and produce the EESM (electrically excited synchronous motor) rotor technology, designed without the use of rare earths, it offers enhanced energy performance.
In addition to the supply of components based on each company's best expertise, the overall architecture of the all-in-one motor for Renault Group will also be designed by Renault.
Valeo and Valeo Siemens eAutomotive will develop and produce the stator, which is based on Valeo's technological expertise in copper wire assembly. Thanks to its unique know-how in this field, which allows it to use a higher density of copper in the stator, Valeo can generate more power without having to use more electrical energy.
Renault Group, Valeo, and Valeo Siemens eAutomotive will be the first to mass-produce a 200kW electric motor without using rare earths, starting in 2027. The production of the motor for the automaker's own needs will be based at Renault Group's Cléon plant in Normandy, France.
Luca de Meo, Renault Group's Chief Executive Officer, stated: "We are delighted to be partnering with Valeo, whose know-how has recognized the world over. Together, we will design and develop a new generation of high-tech electric motors, produced at our Cléon plant. This partnership is a further demonstration of our capacity to be at the forefront of the electric revolution taking place in the automotive industry and to anchor the new automotive value chain in France".
Christophe Périllat, Valeo's Chief Executive Officer, mentioned: "This strategic partnership will result in a major step forward for electric mobility. Alongside Renault Group, we are creating a new-generation automotive electric motor that eliminates the use of rare earths. This new motor will meet the most stringent environmental requirements and the highest performance standards."
