Global automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler has signed a five-year contract with “REEtec AS” from Norway for the supply of rare-earth materials. The aim of the collaboration is to make electric motors for hybrid modules, hybrid transmissions and all-electric axle drives even more sustainable. Strong permanent magnets made from rare-earth materials such as neodymium are considered essential for optimum magnetic flux in electric motors.
In-house technology for rare-earth material production
In the future, Schaeffler will source these materials from REEtec AS. According to the Norwegian company, it uses an innovative and extremely sustainable process to produce pure rare-earth elements. The partnership is set to begin in 2024. Schaeffler has been producing electric motors in large series since 2021, offering power ranges from 20 to more than 300 kilowatts. REEtec AS has been separating rare-earth materials on an industrial scale with its own technology since 2019. The new plant in Herøya near Porsgrunn, Norway, will process rare-earth carbonates produced by “Vital Metals” in Canada. Schaeffler intends to reduce the emissions of its primary products and raw materials in the supply chain by 25% until 2030. The company aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040.
https://www.schaeffler.de/en/news_media/press_releases/press_releases_detail.jsp?id=87800193
