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A Survey on the Sustainability of Traditional and Emerging Materials for Next-Generation EV Motors

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Lucchini

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Riccardo Torchio

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy
    Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/b, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Nicola Bianchi

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy)

Abstract

The transportation sector is experiencing a profound shift, driven by the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, the sustainability of the materials used in their production, particularly in electric motors, is becoming a critical focus. This paper examines the sustainability of both traditional and emerging materials used in EV traction motors, with an emphasis on permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), which remain the dominant technology in the industry. Key challenges include the environmental and supply-chain concerns associated with rare earth elements (REEs) used in permanent magnets, as well as the sustainability of copper windings. Automakers are exploring alternatives such as REE-free permanent magnets, soft magnetic composites (SMCs) for reduced losses in the core, and carbon nanotube (CNT) windings for superior electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The topic of materials for EV traction motors is discussed in the literature; however, the focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability is often lacking. This paper fills the gap by connecting the technological aspects with sustainability considerations, offering insights into the future configuration of EV motors.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Lucchini & Riccardo Torchio & Nicola Bianchi, 2024. "A Survey on the Sustainability of Traditional and Emerging Materials for Next-Generation EV Motors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:23:p:5861-:d:1527139
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Valero, Alicia & Valero, Antonio & Calvo, Guiomar & Ortego, Abel, 2018. "Material bottlenecks in the future development of green technologies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 178-200.
    2. Youguang Guo & Xin Ba & Lin Liu & Haiyan Lu & Gang Lei & Wenliang Yin & Jianguo Zhu, 2023. "A Review of Electric Motors with Soft Magnetic Composite Cores for Electric Drives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-17, February.
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    4. Vigneselvan Sivasubramaniyam & Suganthi Ramasamy & Manikandan Venkatraman & Gianluca Gatto & Amit Kumar, 2023. "Carbon Nanotubes as an Alternative to Copper Wires in Electrical Machines: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-17, April.
    5. Tan, Kang Miao & Yong, Jia Ying & Ramachandaramurthy, Vigna K. & Mansor, Muhamad & Teh, Jiashen & Guerrero, Josep M., 2023. "Factors influencing global transportation electrification: Comparative analysis of electric and internal combustion engine vehicles," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
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