Nissan cuts rare earths used in Leaf EV motor by 90%

Nissan cuts rare earths used in Leaf EV motor by 90%

 

TOKYO/NAGOYA, Japan -- Nissan Motor and parts makers have developed technology for electric vehicle motors that significantly cuts the Japanese carmaker's reliance on rare-earth minerals that are mainly produced by China.

Nissan makes a breakthrough in electric vehicle engine technology: Cutting the use of rare earth elements by 90%.

Nissan and its Japanese partners have just announced new electric vehicle engine technology that reduces the amount of heavy rare earth elements by 90%, aiming to lessen dependence on global supply.

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Nissan Motor and its parts manufacturing partners have made a major breakthrough in the development of electric vehicle (EV) engine technology. This new solution allows the Japanese automaker to significantly reduce its reliance on rare earth minerals, which are crucial materials but are currently under pressure from supply constraints and export restrictions.

Reduce the amount of rare earth elements in electric motors by 90%.

According to data from Nissan, new technology has allowed the company to reduce the amount of rare earth elements used in the motors of the latest generation Leaf electric vehicle by more than 90% compared to the first version launched in 2010. Typically, electric vehicle motors require the use of dysprosium and terbium to enhance the heat resistance of permanent magnets.

  By changing the rare earth distribution process and improving the design to reduce heat generation during operation, Nissan has solved the fuel shortage problem while maintaining performance. Although the new Leaf has been on sale in Japan since the beginning of the year, the percentage of these component reductions has only just been officially announced.

Dealing with the risk of supply chain disruptions.

Nissan's move comes amid restrictions on the export of rare earth elements being used as a form of economic pressure. A prime example is Suzuki Motor, which was forced to halt domestic production of small cars by May 2025 following international trade barriers. By February 2026, an additional 20 companies and organizations, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aero Engines, were added to the list of those restricted from exporting dual-use products.

The trend of phasing out rare earth elements in the technology industry.

Efforts to reduce the use of rare earth elements are spreading beyond the automotive industry to the smartphone sector. MinebeaMitsumi, a renowned component manufacturer, switched all its smartphone camera drive components to a type that does not use heavy rare earth elements last fall. The company is now investing several billion yen (approximately $6.33 million per billion yen) to establish production lines in the Philippines to meet the increasing demand.

In the US, General Motors is also working closely with the government on a plan to stockpile rare earth minerals and other critical minerals. Reducing reliance on centralized rare earth supplies is considered a vital strategy for maintaining the stability of the electric vehicle and high-tech equipment industries worldwide .