Mahindra & Mahindra is working on strategic engineering solutions to reduce its reliance on rare earth magnets, which are critical components in electric vehicle (EV) motors. The move comes in response to ongoing global supply constraints and the rising costs of these key materials.
The company has acknowledged the challenges caused by the limited availability of rare earth magnets—particularly those used in permanent magnet motors. These materials, predominantly sourced from China, have faced fluctuating prices and export restrictions, prompting automakers to seek alternatives.
To address this issue, Mahindra is exploring the use of alternative motor technologies and revised powertrain designs. The company aims to not only mitigate supply chain risks but also strengthen its localization efforts and secure long-term sustainability for its EV portfolio.
According to senior Mahindra executives, research and development teams are actively evaluating magnet-free motor options such as induction motors and separately excited synchronous motors (SESM), which do not rely on rare earth materials. These technologies may offer slightly lower efficiency but present fewer geopolitical and environmental risks.
Mahindra’s initiative aligns with the broader industry trend of reducing dependency on scarce raw materials while advancing innovation in electric mobility. The company is expected to integrate these solutions into its upcoming EV models under the Born Electric platform, which will debut in the coming years.
As India’s EV ecosystem grows, such strategic engineering actions by domestic manufacturers are considered vital steps toward supply chain resilience, cost efficiency, and technological self-reliance.
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