Japanese Automakers Accelerate Rare-Earth-Free Motor Development, Astemo Targets 2030 Production

According to Setn News on June 29, Japanese automakers are intensifying efforts to reduce dependence on rare-earth materials in electric vehicles. Astemo, a major Japanese parts supplier, recently unveiled a breakthrough rare-earth-free motor that uses iron instead of the rare-earth element neodymium while maintaining high performance. The company plans to introduce the technology into mass-production vehicles around 2030.

Other manufacturers are progressing rapidly: Nissan's latest Leaf EV has cut heavy rare-earth usage by approximately 90% compared to the initial model, while Mitsubishi Rayon's rare-earth-free motors began production in 2023 and are already used in Honda Accord windshield wipers. Japan's automotive shift stems from supply chain vulnerabilities exposed in 2010 when rare-earth export tensions emerged.