What are the applications of rare earth in new energy vehicles?
2 Answers
Rare earth is used in new energy vehicles in rare earth permanent magnet motors, rare earth power batteries, catalysts in three-way catalytic converters, and ceramic materials in oxygen sensors. Below is a detailed introduction: Rare earth permanent magnet motor: Rare earth permanent magnet motors have significant advantages such as simple structure, reliable operation, small size, light weight, low loss, and high efficiency. Additionally, the shape and size of these motors can be flexibly designed, making them highly valued in the new energy vehicle sector. Rare earth power battery: Rare earth elements not only participate in the preparation of electrode materials for mainstream lithium batteries but also serve as excellent raw materials for the positive electrodes of lead-acid batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries. Catalysts in three-way catalytic converters: The main components of three-way catalytic converters are rare earth elements, which play a key role as storage materials, partial replacements for primary catalysts, and catalytic promoters. The rare earths used in exhaust gas purification catalysts mainly consist of mixtures of cerium oxide, praseodymium oxide, and lanthanum oxide. Ceramic materials in oxygen sensors: Due to their unique electronic structure, rare earth elements possess exceptional oxygen storage capabilities and are often used in the preparation of ceramic materials for oxygen sensors in electronic fuel injection systems, enhancing their catalytic performance.
As someone who has been working with automotive technology for a long time, rare earth elements are primarily used in new energy vehicles for drive motors, especially permanent magnet synchronous motors. These motors require strong magnets to efficiently convert electrical energy, and rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium enhance magnetic strength, making the motors lighter and more powerful, thereby improving vehicle acceleration and range. Think of Tesla or BYD models—they all use this technology to reduce energy loss. However, rare earth mining is resource-intensive and can be environmentally polluting, which is why many manufacturers are now researching alternative materials, such as ferrite magnets, to partially replace them. Overall, rare earths make electric vehicles more efficient, but we also need to find more environmentally friendly solutions. Also, don’t overlook their minor applications in batteries—though limited, some catalysts use rare earths to improve charge-discharge efficiency. I believe this area has great potential and is worth keeping an eye on.
