In new energy vehicles, NdFeB permanent magnets are usually installed on the rotor of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). When current passes through the stator winding to generate a rotating magnetic field, the permanent magnet's inherent magnetic field interacts with it, generating torque to drive the rotor to rotate - this is the precise physical process that occurs when you step on the "gate". Therefore, rare earth permanent magnets are called the "invisible heart" of new energy vehicles.

Rare earth permanent magnets: the "magnet king" of modern motors

The history of the development of rare earth permanent magnet materials can be described as an evolution of materials science. From the earliest natural magnets, to AlNiCo magnets in the early 20th century, to ferrite permanent magnet materials in 1947, humans have been constantly pursuing stronger magnetic properties. The real revolution occurred in 1983 when the third-generation rare earth permanent magnet material neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) came into being.

Why is neodymium iron boron called the "king of permanent magnets"? Its magnetic energy product is 10 to 15 times higher than that of ferrite, 5 to 8 times higher than that of traditional electric excitation materials, and second only to superconducting excitation. This material has extremely high remanence and coercivity, strong anti-demagnetization ability, and can allow the motor to generate a strong magnetic field in a smaller volume.

Why is it necessary for new energy vehicles?

Unlike traditional fuel vehicles, new energy vehicles have almost stringent requirements for drive motors: high power, small size, light weight, and high efficiency. Rare earth permanent magnet synchronous motors just meet these requirements perfectly:

Efficiency king: The efficiency can reach up to 97%, which is 6% higher than the efficiency of the induction motor used by Tesla in the early days, which directly translates into a longer driving range.

Power density king: Small size, light weight, and power density far exceeds other motor types, making vehicle layout more flexible.

Precise control: High speed regulation accuracy, fast response speed, and smooth and immediate power response.

In contrast, although AC induction motors are low in price and high temperature resistance, they have low power density; switched reluctance motors are low in price but have high noise and vibration. In terms of comprehensive performance, rare earth permanent magnet synchronous motors are undoubtedly the optimal solution for current new energy vehicle drive motors.

According to research, each new energy vehicle consumes an average of 2.5 kg of NdFeB permanent magnet materials. With the explosive growth of new energy vehicles:

In 2025, the global demand for rare earth magnets for new energy vehicles is expected to reach 30,000 tons.

The compound growth rate of rare earth magnet demand from 2021 to 2025 is 35%+, and new energy vehicles contribute about 60% of the growth.

Although rare earth permanent magnets are small, they have become an indispensable "industrial vitamin" for new energy vehicles. In the field of new energy vehicles, the essence of competition has shifted from the application level to the basic science level. With its advantages in rare earth resources and processing technology, China is transforming this strategic resource into a fulcrum for defining the future automotive technology paradigm.