Bentley Aims To Revolutionize Sustainability Of Electric Motors
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Bentley Motors has announced a three-year research study that aims to revolutionize the sustainability of electric motors. Supporting Bentley’s commitment to offering only hybrid or electric vehicles by 2026, the result could see recycled rare-earth magnets used in selected ancillary motors for the very first time.
The study, titled RaRE (Rare-earth Recycling for E-machines), intends to build on work completed at the University of Birmingham in devising a method of extracting magnets from waste electronics. Furthermore, the project will scale up this process and repurpose the extracted magnetic material into new recyclable magnets for use within bespoke ancillary motors.
Adding to the sustainability benefits that RaRE will provide, the bespoke motors created through this method promise to minimize complexity through manufacture while supporting the development of the UK supply chain for both mass production and low volume components.
Commenting on Bentley’s research ambitions, Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering, Bentley Motors, said, “As we accelerate our journey to electrification, offering only hybrid or electric vehicles by 2026, and full electric by 2030, it is important that we focus on every aspect of vehicle sustainability, including sustainable methods of sourcing materials and components. RaRE promises a step-change in electrical recyclability, providing a source of truly bespoke, low voltage motors for a number of different applications and we are confident the results will provide a basis for fully sustainable electric drives.”
This study will run in parallel to Bentley’s OCTOPUS research program which aims to deliver a breakthrough in e-axle electric powertrains, utilizing a fully integrated, free from rare-earth magnet e-axle that supports electric vehicle architectures. As with OCTOPUS, RaRE is an OZEV funded project delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary goal of Bentley's new RaRE research study?
What is the primary goal of Bentley's new RaRE research study?
The RaRE study aims to revolutionize the sustainability of electric motors, specifically by developing a method to extract and repurpose rare-earth magnets from waste electronics for use in new recyclable magnets.
Q.Which specific components will use the recycled magnets if the RaRE study is successful?
Which specific components will use the recycled magnets if the RaRE study is successful?
If successful, the RaRE study could lead to recycled rare-earth magnets being used in selected ancillary motors for the first time. The project focuses on creating bespoke, low voltage motors.
Q.How will the RaRE project contribute to the UK supply chain and manufacturing processes?
How will the RaRE project contribute to the UK supply chain and manufacturing processes?
The bespoke motors developed through RaRE aim to simplify manufacturing complexity. The project will also support the development of a UK supply chain for both mass production and low volume components.
Q.Is the RaRE research study linked to any other Bentley sustainability initiatives?
Is the RaRE research study linked to any other Bentley sustainability initiatives?
Yes, the RaRE study will run concurrently with Bentley's OCTOPUS research program. Both projects are funded by OZEV and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, focusing on electric powertrain advancements.
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