General Discussion, page-76

Hi marcusA,
From my understanding Tesla used AC-induction motors in the earlier models which do not use RE-Magnets. But while they have some advantages, they do not perform as well as the RE-PMSM. I believe I have read somewhere of some OEM's employing or planning to employ a combination of motors, to reduce the RE requirement and get the advantages of both style of motors.

Here’s why Tesla uses AC induction motors? – ProVsCons

Permanent Magnet vs Induction Motor: Torque, Losses, Material (horizontechnology.biz)

Tesla's recent announcement related to a RE-free PSPM. So still a permanent magnet motor but using different chemistry. The only alternative chemistry I am aware of is iron nitride magnets. First discovered in the 1950's it has yet to be commercially applied in battery technology. Niron Magnetics who appear to be the leaders in this field, appear to be still in the pilot phase. It will take some time to be able to scale up to commercialise the process, let alone scale up sufficiently to displace the existing rare-earth magnets. Like alternative chemistries for Li-ion batteries, I see room for different technologies as the market expands.

EV Motor Materials Monthly Special Feature: Q&A with Niron Magnetics - Adamas Intelligence

Home - Niron Magnetics

Niron Magnetics to Present at the 2023 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit - Niron Magnetics