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Modal Motors develops rare-earth-free electric motors to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains
Key points
- Modal Motors is developing electric motors without rare-earth magnets.
- The goal is to establish a U.S. supply chain independent of China.
- The startup will compete at TechCrunch Disrupt.
- Products include a small motor for drones and a planar "Hybrid Enigma Drive."
Addressing Supply Chain Dependence
Modal Motors, founded by Michael Van Steenburg, is working on electric motors that eliminate the need for rare-earth magnets. This approach seeks to reduce the United States' reliance on China for these critical materials, which have seen supply restrictions in the past.
Distinction from Other Reshoring Efforts
Van Steenburg argues that other companies attempting to reshore electric motor manufacturing in the U.S. are still dependent on rare-earth magnets, for which domestic supply chains are not yet fully established. Modal Motors' strategy bypasses this dependency by designing motors that do not require these materials.
Product Development
Modal Motors is developing two main products. One is a compact electric motor suitable for drones, fans, blowers, and actuators, designed for high torque density and efficiency. The second is the "Hybrid Enigma Drive," a planar electric motor intended for low-profile applications.
Company Background
Michael Van Steenburg has a decade of experience building electric motors in North America and a background in the automotive industry, including work on hybrid drivetrains. Modal Motors is set to compete in Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Modal Motors, a new startup, is developing electric motors that do not use rare-earth magnets, aiming to create a U.S.-based supply chain independent of China. This initiative addresses concerns about China's control over rare-earth materials, which are critical for traditional electric motor manufacturing.