UQM Technologies has been selected to develop a unique motor that does not make use of rare-earth magnets. It will receive an advance of $3 million from the Department of Energy as part of the $175 million that it gives out for advanced vehicle research.
UQM is a Longmont, Colorado based company that has extensive history in developing electric drive train components for electric and hybrid vehicles. Jon Lutz, UQM Technologies' Vice President of Engineering said that the goal of the new technology that they were developing will be motor designs that apply to a full range of vehicle electrification, from mild hybrid to heavy hybrid to full electric vehicles.
Eric Ridenour, UQM Technologies' President and Chief Executive Officer said that they were pleased that the DOE has again selected their company to assist in advancing the state-of-the-art in motor and generator technology for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. He added that the DOE grant will help them apply their extensive experience with the design and engineering of electric motors to the exploration of non-rare-earth magnet motor technology.
Mr Ridenour said that their objective was to identify and evaluate magnet materials and technology that could deliver the performance their customers expect, broaden their product portfolio, potentially lower magnet cost and limit their exposure to price and supply concerns associated with rare earth magnets.