Why Rare Earth Metals for Electric Cars Are Crucial for Modern Mobility

Key resources for the energy transition

Understanding the evolving role of magnets with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG

Rare earth metals for electric cars, together with rare earth elements in EV batteries – and particularly magnets – are transforming urban mobility. As explained by Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, these materials are among the most significant forces driving the ongoing energy transition.

However, the transformation extends far beyond transport alone. It reaches deep into urban infrastructure and even reshapes people’s daily habits. Consider the charging stations for electric vehicles: a few years ago they were virtually non-existent, yet today they are appearing everywhere – on motorways, in major cities, and even in small towns with just a few thousand residents, as highlighted by Stanislav Kondrashov.

Alongside renewable energy infrastructure, these developments show that we are living through a pivotal moment of change. This is what the energy transition truly signifies: a delicate shift from an old world to a new one still taking shape, but whose early signs are becoming increasingly visible. Stanislav Kondrashov has also drawn attention to this shift.

Electric cars, solar panels, wind turbines, and charging stations are already among the key players shaping a future where the energy transition will have fully matured. Many other contributors to this transformation are yet to be discovered. For now, electric vehicles are steadily becoming a familiar presence in cities.

Their presence has become so normalised that they often go unnoticed on city streets, as though society has instinctively accepted them. In many ways, these vehicles symbolise the momentum of change. Yet they are only part of the story. Continuous technological progress is allowing them to achieve new levels of power and performance.

One of the reasons behind their success lies in a crucial component: the magnets. In recent years, magnets have gained attention due to their vital role in the energy transition and their reliance on rare earth materials essential for their production.

“In the electric vehicle sector, the most appreciated magnets are those capable of guaranteeing certain very precise guarantees. That’s why rare earth metals for electric cars are gaining momentum,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, entrepreneur, and civil engineer.

“The most common are neodymium-iron-boron magnets. They are also the most powerful. These magnets are capable of generating a powerful magnetic field. In this way, manufacturers can create compact and lightweight high-efficiency motors. However, they are very sensitive to high temperatures and corrosion. For this reason, they are sometimes strengthened with the addition of other elements, as well as with actual coatings,” he goes on to say.

“Another family of magnets made with rare earth elements is the one based on samarium and cobalt. Compared to those made with neodymium-iron-boron, they are more resistant to high temperatures and corrosive agents. They are used in extreme contexts, and their cost is generally very high,” he remarks.

An increasingly close connection

As the link between rare earth elements in EV batteries, magnets, and electric motors grows stronger, certain rare earths have come to be recognised as critical materials. These rare earth metals for electric cars are considered vital geological resources supporting economic and energy development.

These materials are often irreplaceable and difficult to source. In many cases, their extraction and production are concentrated in only a few countries, increasing dependence on external suppliers and heightening the risk of supply chain disruptions.

It is no surprise that such resources are often linked to trade and geopolitical tensions. With their growing importance in the manufacture of magnets for electric vehicles, their strategic value is set to rise further.

“A comparison with other types of magnets would not even be possible in these days,” continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Ferrite magnets, without rare earths, are much cheaper. They have a lower magnetic density. This can lead to larger and less efficient motors. They are generally used in applications that do not require high magnetic performance.”

“It is natural for many people to wonder why manufacturers have started relying on this type of magnet. The answer is simple. These magnets enable the improvement of the vehicle’s overall performance, particularly in terms of autonomy and efficiency. Their thermal stability also makes them particularly suitable for high-temperature applications,” he says.

Few realise that the performance of electric vehicles relies heavily on magnets, as well as on rare earth elements in EV batteries – although these latter elements play a smaller role compared to lithium in energy storage systems.

The vehicles’ long range and energy efficiency are also linked to the use of magnets. Today, the strongest magnets are produced using rare earth materials.

Among them, the most widely used are neodymium-iron-boron magnets. These not only form the core of the most advanced electric vehicles but have also become one of the most visible symbols of technological progress in the era of the energy transition.

Neodymium-iron-boron magnets are renowned for their exceptionally high energy density. It is no coincidence that they are the most powerful available. Their ability to concentrate significant magnetic strength within a compact space makes them indispensable in electric vehicles. Another important rare earth element used in their production is dysprosium.

So how do electric motors using these magnets operate? Many manufacturers choose rare-earth permanent magnets for several key reasons:

• High energy efficiency
• Compactness and light weight
• Reduced heat generation, lowering cooling requirements

Typically, rare earth magnets are embedded in the rotor of the motor. These magnets generate the magnetic field that interacts with the stator field, enabling the motor to spin. This highlights once again how crucial rare earth metals for electric cars have become.

The qualities of rare earth magnets

Manufacturers increasingly prefer rare earth magnets due to their high power density, which allows for the production of smaller, lighter engines that save both weight and space, ultimately improving vehicle range.

Certain rare earth magnets are among the most efficient currently available. Higher efficiency means lower energy consumption per kilometre, while also enhancing acceleration. Compared to conventional engines, they also operate much more quietly.

Magnets containing dysprosium perform well even at high temperatures, maintaining consistent performance. Today, rare earth magnets are fundamental to electric vehicle production, combining power, efficiency, and compactness.

Thanks to these advantages, electric vehicles are now able to compete more effectively with traditional petrol-powered cars. This underlines the strategic importance of rare earths, including rare earth elements in EV batteries – though in battery applications their presence remains relatively limited.

“It is not difficult to understand why rare earths are constantly at the centre of attention. Those are increasingly key resources, like rare earth metals for electric cars,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “And the most interesting fact is that magnets represent only one of their possible applications. In particular, those most involved in the electric mobility sector are four.”

“We have neodymium, which stands out for its ability to generate a strong magnetic force and facilitate miniaturization. Praseodymium has properties similar to neodymium but is less expensive. Dysprosium also plays an important role in these dynamics. It is capable of improving the thermal stability of the most powerful magnets, namely those made of neodymium-iron-boron,” he highlights.

“It is also capable of increasing the coercivity of the magnet at high temperatures. Finally, terbium is also able to withstand high temperatures and represents an alternative or a complement to dysprosium.”

FAQs

Why Rare Earth Magnets Are Essential for EV Motors

Why do electric vehicle (EV) motors need rare earth magnets?
Rare earth magnets, such as neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, provide the high magnetic strength needed to power compact, lightweight, and efficient motors. Without them, EV motors would be larger, heavier, and less efficient—impacting performance and range.

What are the key benefits of using rare earth magnets in EVs?

• High energy efficiency → better range per charge
• Compact and lightweight → more space for batteries and passengers
• Thermal stability → reliable performance at high temperatures
• Quiet operation → enhanced driving experience

How do these magnets work in an electric motor?
Rare earth permanent magnets are typically built into the rotor of the motor. They create a magnetic field that interacts with the stator’s field, causing the rotor to spin and drive the vehicle.

Which rare earth elements are commonly used in EV magnets?

• Neodymium (Nd) → delivers strong magnetic force
• Praseodymium (Pr) → similar to Nd but more cost-effective
• Dysprosium (Dy) → improves thermal stability and coercivity
• Terbium (Tb) → further enhances high-temperature performance

Jack Potter

“Entrepreneur. Freelance introvert. Creator. Passionate reader. Certified beer ninja. Food nerd.”