Renault Group, Valeo and Valeo Siemens eAutomotive have formed a strategic partnership for the design and co-development of a new-generation automotive electric motor, manufactured without the use of rare earth metals.
The partners’ vision is to combine their expertise to “design a unique electric powertrain system that is unparalleled worldwide, offering more power on less energy, without the use of rare earths”.
Under this partnership, each of the partners will contribute to the development and production of the two key parts of the electric motor: the rotor and the stator.
Based upon components based on each company’s “best expertise”, the overall architecture of the all-in-one motor will be designed by Renault. The partnership want to be the first to mass produce a 200kW electric motor without using rare earths, with a target production start date of 2027.
Luca de Meo, Renault Group’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with Valeo, whose know-how is recognized the world over. Together, we will design and develop a new generation of high-tech electric motors, produced at our Cléon plant in Normandy. This partnership is further demonstration of our capacity to be at the forefront of the electric revolution taking place in the automotive industry and to anchor the new automotive value chain in France”.
Christophe Périllat, Valeo’s Chief Executive Officer added, “This strategic partnership will result in a major step forward for electric mobility. We are creating a new-generation automotive electric motor that eliminates the use of rare earths. This new motor will meet the most stringent environmental requirements and the highest performance standards.”
It was separately announced that Siemens has sold its 50% stake in Valeo Siemens eAutomotive to Valeo for 277 million Euros, exiting the joint venture set up in 2016.
