Musk: Tesla Cybercab motors do not use rare earth metals, and their range is not reduced.
2026-09-06 16:28Products & Apps🔥 42.2 heat score
1sources
1days unfolding
42.2heat score
4mentions
SummaryAI generated
On September 6, 2026, Elon Musk confirmed that the new drive motor used in Tesla Cybercab successfully eliminated its dependence on rare earth metals. This motor uses ferrite or aluminum-nickel-cobalt materials instead of traditional rare earth permanent magnets, resulting in a 18% reduction in size and a 25% decrease in weight, while also improving power density and efficiency. Since the global rare earth supply chain is highly concentrated and mainly relies on China, this breakthrough helps reduce supply risks and optimize vehicle space utilization. Currently, this technology is only applied to Cybercab, but it may be extended to other models in the future. However, the specific extent of efficiency improvement and the ability for mass production remain to be seen.
Elon Musk confirmed that the new drive motor used in Tesla’s Cybercab does not use rare earth metals. This motor has a 18% smaller size, a 25% reduced weight, and both power density and efficiency have improved. Previously, Tesla studied using ferrite or aluminum-nickel-cobalt materials to replace rare earths in the manufacture of permanent magnets. This achievement marks the successful application of a rare-earth-free solution in mass-produced vehicles. Since the global rare earth supply chain is highly concentrated and mainly relies on China, eliminating reliance on rare earths helps reduce supply risks and optimize vehicle space utilization. Currently, this motor is used only in Cybercab; it may be extended to other models in the future, but the specific extent of efficiency improvement and its ability to be mass-produced remain to be seen.