Toyota Developing New Electric Motor to Ease Dependence on Chinese Rare Earth

Toyota looks to break free from China's rare earth grip

Jan 17 2011, 12:18pm CST | by Shane McGlaun

Toyota Developing New Electric Motor to Ease Dependence on Chinese Rare Earth

Toyota is one of the largest companies in the world making and selling hybrid vehicles. The hybrid Prius line is very popular all around the world and the electric motors that Toyota uses for its hybrid vehicles depend on rare earth shipments from China.

China and Japan had some sort of diplomatic issue a while back and China withheld shipments of rare earth to Japan. The embargo didn't hurt anything for Toyota, but in the future when the hybrid market is larger, it could be disastrous. To prevent that from happening Toyota is working on a new electric motor.

The new motor will reduce the need for rare earth from China. China currently produces 97% of the rare earth in the world and has 30% of the reserves on the planet. The US, Australia, and Canada also have rare earth deposits, but it was cheaper to get the material from China than to mine it at home.

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
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