ZF Friedrichshafen AG has developed a new electric motor, I2SM, that doesn't rely on rare-earth elements, aiming to reduce environmental and economic concerns.

The I2SM motor uses innovative inductor technology to transfer electricity without rare-earth permanent magnets, enhancing efficiency at high speeds and safety.

ZF's new motor maintains power density on par with traditional rare-earth magnet motors while addressing size and weight challenges for competitive viability.

The company has introduced an inductive exciter technology for electric motors, allowing for contactless electricity transmission within the rotor shaft, leading to smaller and more efficient motors.

With an efficiency rate of 98-99% and no need for active cooling, ZF's inductive exciter technology matches the performance density of permanent-magnet synchronous motors.

ZF has produced a 220 kilowatt prototype of the new motor technology, which is adaptable in size for various applications, and anticipates automotive industry availability by 2025.