Magnets in Motors

The global move towards the electrification of vehicles continues to gather momentum.  In 2010, the number of electric cars on the world’s roads reached 7.2 million, of which 46% were in China (iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2020).  By 2030, the number of electric cars is expected to swell to 250 million, a massive growth in a relatively short time.

Battery-driven electric vehicles (EVs) get propulsion from an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine.  The power to drive the electric motor comes from a large traction battery pack.  To preserve and maximise battery life, the electric motor must operate super-efficiently.

Magnets are a primary component in electric motors.  A motor operates when a coil of wire, encircled by strong magnets, spins.  The electric current induced in the coil emits a magnetic field, which opposes the magnetic field emitted by the strong magnets.  This creates a repulsive effect, much like putting two north-pole magnets next to each other.