In a bid to design, co-develop and manufacture a new-generation automotive electric motor, eliminating the use of rare earth materials, Renault Group, Valeo and Valeo Siemens eAutomotive have signed a memorandum of understanding to form a strategic partnership.
A communication from Valeo said the three partners will combine their know-how and recognised expertise to design a unique electric powertrain system that is unparalleled worldwide, offering more power on less energy without using rare earth materials.
Under this partnership, each partner will contribute to developing and producing the two critical parts of the electric motor, such as the rotor and the stator.
Renault will develop and produce the EESM (electrically excited synchronous motor) rotor technology. Designed without using rare earth materials, it offers enhanced energy performance. In addition to the supply of components based on each company’s best expertise, the overall architecture of the all-in-one motor for Renault Group will also be designed by the OEM, the communication said.
Valeo and Valeo Siemens eAutomotive will develop and produce the stator based on Valeo’s technological expertise in copper wire assembly. Thanks to its unique know-how in this field, which allows it to use a higher density of copper in the stator, Valeo is able to generate more power without having to use more electrical energy.
The three companies will be the first to mass-produce a 200kW electric motor without using rare earth materials, starting in 2027. Production of the motor for the automaker’s own needs will be based at Renault Group’s Cléon plant in Normandy, France.
Luca de Meo, CEO, Renault Group, said, “Together, we will design and develop a new generation of high-tech electric motors, produced at our Cléon plant. This partnership is further demonstration of our capacity to be at the forefront of the electric revolution taking place in the automotive industry and to anchor the new automotive value chain in France”.
Christophe Périllat, CEO, Valeo said that this strategic partnership will be a significant step forward for electric mobility. “Alongside Renault Group, we are creating a new-generation automotive electric motor that eliminates the use of rare earths. This new motor will meet the most stringent environmental requirements and the highest performance standards,” he added.