What Types of Rare Earth Elements Do New Energy Vehicles Require?
3 Answers
New energy vehicles utilize both light rare earth and heavy rare earth elements. Rare earth elements are not actually soil, but rather a type of rare metal. They consist of the lanthanide series from the periodic table of chemical elements, along with two closely related elements - scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y), totaling 17 elements, which are further categorized into light and heavy rare earths. Applications of rare earth elements: 1. Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Motors: Emerging in the early 1970s as a novel type of permanent magnet motor, rare earth permanent magnet motors operate on the same principle as electrically excited synchronous motors, with the key difference being the replacement of excitation windings with permanent magnets for excitation. Compared to traditional electrically excited motors, rare earth permanent magnet motors offer significant advantages including simpler structure, reliable operation, compact size, lightweight, reduced losses, and high efficiency. Additionally, their shape and dimensions can be flexibly designed, making them highly valued in the new energy vehicle sector. 2. Rare Earth Power Batteries: Rare earth elements not only participate in the preparation of current mainstream lithium battery electrode materials but also serve as excellent raw materials for the positive electrode preparation of lead-acid or nickel-metal hydride batteries. Patent JP2004127549 describes a battery negative electrode that can be composed of a rare earth-magnesium-nickel-based hydrogen storage alloy.
New energy vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, primarily require rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, which play a central role in permanent magnet motors. I've noticed they enhance motor efficiency, reduce size, increase power, and help extend driving range. Neodymium-iron-boron magnets, formed by combining neodymium and praseodymium, are the mainstream choice, while dysprosium is added to improve stability at high temperatures. Rare earth mining is concentrated in a few regions like China, posing risks of supply chain volatility; the industry is promoting recycling initiatives and alternative materials, such as induction motors, to reduce dependency. As a user, I recognize the importance of sustainable management to ensure technological progress doesn't come at the expense of environmental protection.
I've been driving a new energy vehicle for a while now, and I truly believe that neodymium, a rare earth element in the motor, is key. It makes acceleration smoother and quieter while saving electricity. Praseodymium and dysprosium are also commonly used, helping the vehicle run stably in extreme weather. Rare earth minerals mainly come from China, but growing demand has raised environmental concerns, such as water pollution from mining. Fortunately, manufacturers are starting to recycle old magnets or develop new rare earth-free motors, like some companies using induction technology instead of permanent magnets. This could make future vehicles greener and more affordable, reducing maintenance hassles for everyday drivers.
