Leveraging magnets free of rare-earth elements, the companies are collaborating to develop a new generation of electric motor designs for automotive use.
MINNEAPOLIS—Niron Magnetics recently announced it is collaborating with Stellantis, using magnets free of rare-earth elements, to develop a new generation of electric motor designs for automotive use. Niron’s Iron Nitride magnet technology is reported to offer a promising alternative to traditional rare-earth-based magnets, helping to reduce dependence on foreign-dominated supply chains.
According to a release from Niron Magnetics, the company is “scaling the world’s first advanced manufacturing process for the mass production of permanent magnets powered by its breakthrough material formulation.” Its proprietary magnet technology, based on Iron Nitride and free of rare earth elements, is reported to enable magnets that exhibit exceptionally high magnetization and are anticipated to “drive innovation across industries.”
The joint project is said to build upon Stellantis Ventures’ strategic investment in Niron Magnetics in 2023, as well as its ongoing collaboration with Niron in areas such as traction motors, automotive audio, and other magnet-driven systems. It includes additional support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO), which contributed $2.7 million to the project as part of its strategy to strengthen American energy independence and secure critical materials.
Permanent magnets play a vital role in numerous vehicle systems, from audio and power steering to fluid pumps and powertrains. Magnets are critical components in a wide range of powertrains, including those used in internal combustion engines, hybrids, and electric vehicles, the release stated.
Traditional permanent magnets rely heavily on rare earth elements, primarily sourced from China. In contrast, Niron Magnetics’ Iron Nitride magnets are made from abundant iron and atmospheric nitrogen, materials that are readily available in the United States and globally, the company said in the release.
“Collaborating with the Niron Magnetics team allows us to explore the possibilities of this innovative magnet technology,” said Micky Bly, senior vice president, head of propulsion systems engineering for Stellantis, in a statement. “As part of our broader research into advanced propulsion solutions, we’re continually evaluating emerging technologies that could support future mobility options and enhance customer choice.”
The Stellantis-Niron project aims to enhance motor architecture across all vehicle types by leveraging the unique properties of Iron Nitride magnets to deliver improved performance and efficiency.
“This collaboration is another critical notch of success in our strategy to scale our technology to meet the demands for permanent magnets and securing our domestic supply chains for leading manufacturers like our partners at Stellantis,” said Jonathan Rowntree, CEO of Niron Magnetics, in the release. “By switching to rare-earth-free Iron Nitride, we’re not only working together to build a more resilient foundation for industry but expanding the boundaries of what’s possible for motor performance.”
The announcement coincided with the groundbreaking of Niron Magnetics’ first commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Sartell, Minnesota. When fully operational, the site is expected be one of North America’s largest magnet production facilities, producing 1,500 tons of magnets annually and creating 175 full-time jobs.
Niron Magnetics and Stellantis will also collaborate with leading research institutions, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Illinois Institute of Technology, to leverage their expertise in advanced motor systems analysis and testing, the release stated.