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December 9, 2022
Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

Proposing High-Performance Ferrite Magnets for xEV Traction Motors
Hitachi Metals, Ltd. (hereinafter “Hitachi Metals”) has verified in simulations that by optimizing
the design of motors that use our high-performance ferrite magnet NMF® 15 (hereinafter "ferritemagnet motors"), they are able to achieve the same level of output as traction motors for xEV*1
that use neodymium magnets. Ferrite magnet motors do not use neodymium, a rare earth element,or dysprosium or terbium, resources which are particularly limited in quantity. As such, they areexpected to reduce resource risks and costs in addressing the growing demand for xEVs. Hitachi
Metals now proposes high-performance ferrite magnets in addition to neodymium magnets for use
in xEV traction motors.
1. Background
In order to realize carbon neutral, decarbonized societies, xEVs are expected to account for an everincreasing percentage of vehicle production going forward. This is expected to lead to an increase inproduction of neodymium magnets used in traction motors and generators for xEVs. That being said,
neodymium magnets use not only neodymium, which is classified as a light rare earth among rare earths, butalso dysprosium and terbium, which are heavy rare earths which are particularly limited in quantity as
resources. As such, there are concerns that resource risks will increase as demand grows.
In addition to focusing on improving the characteristics of neodymium magnets, which lead to smaller andlighter motors for xEVs, Hitachi Metals has also been reducing the amount of heavy rare earths used andimproving recycling technology to enhance material flows (to reduce the purchase and use of rare earths).
Against this backdrop, the Global Research & Innovative Technology center (GRIT) at Hitachi Metals has
been studying the application of ferrite magnets in traction motors for xEVs as a new approach to mitigate
resource risks.
2. Overview
Hitachi Metals has recently conducted a simulation to optimize the design of motors based on the idea ofapplying our NMF® 15 high-performance ferrite magnets in xEV traction motors. In terms of magnetic
properties, these magnets deliver the world's highest levels among ferrite magnets. As a result, we haveverified that by optimizing the mounting positions and size of the magnets, ferrite magnet motors can be madeto achieve the same level of output as a motor using a neodymium magnet under certain conditions*2 as shownin the following design example.
High-performance ferrite magnets used [1]: 30% increase in motor weight, with equivalent output level
High-performance ferrite magnets used [2]: Equivalent weight and output levels achieved by increasing
rotation speed by 50%.

Toyosu Prime Square, 5-6-36 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
httsp://www.hitachi-metals.co.jp/e/index.html

Examples of xEV traction motor designs
High-performance
Nd-Fe-B magnets used
(Basis of comparison)

ferrite magnets used[1]
(Equivalent motorperformance)

High-performance
ferrite magnets used[2]
(Equivalent motor sizeand higher rotationspeed)Motor：“1/8 model”▬ Nd-Fe-B magnets▬ High-performance
ferrite magnets
TMNMF -15G
Max. output

110 kW

110 kW

105 kW

Max. rotation speed

10,000 rpm

10,000 rpm

15,000 rpm

1 (ref.)1.4

1.0Magnet Br

1 (ref.)

0.37

0.37

Magnet weight

1 (ref.)1.7

1.2

Motor weight

1 (ref.)

1.3

1.0

Thickness in axial
direction*Designed for fixed rotor and stator diameters, taking into account operating temperatures and strength athigh speeds.
The results of the simulation show that ferrite magnets canpotentially be used in high output motors such as those used totraction xEVs. Spurred by these results, Hitachi Metals now
proposes high-performance ferrite magnets as an option forvarious applications where neodymium magnets have beenused in the past to help customers achieve objectives such as
resource risk reduction and cost containment.
Hitachi Metals is a general manufacturer of motor materials,
and offers not only neodymium and ferrite magnets, but also
Photo: NMF® series ferrite magnets
amorphous metals for cores (iron cores), enameled wires,
magnetic wedges, and other materials that realize higherperformance and efficiency in motors. We will contribute to the realization of carbon-neutral, decarbonizedsocieties by providing a variety of motor materials while offering solutions to our customers' motor-related
issues.
*1: General term for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)*2: These are results of simulations performed using a comparable motor. Results may vary depending on the motor.

End of report
Media inquiries: Corporate Communication Dept. e-mail hmcc.sa@hitachi-metals.com

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“Proterial” reflects the essence of our corporate philosophy, which consists of three elements: Mission:“Make the best quality available to everyone;” Vision: “Leading sustainability by high performance;” andValues: “Unfaltering integrity” and “United by respect.” It combines “pro-” with the word “material.”“Pro-” represents our “three pros”:
Professional — work that exceeds expectations

Progressive — a spirit that keeps challenging

Proactive —an enterprising attitude“Material” refers to the high-performance materials that our original technologies produce and underpinnedby the three pros. With our focus on solving customer issues and bringing new levels of value, we promise tocontribute to the realization of a sustainable society through the products and services that embody ourphilosophy.

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