Schaeffler Unveils Method to Extract and Recycle Rare Earth Magnets from EV Rotors

Schaeffler’s E-Mobility facility in Szombathely, Hungary, has introduced a novel approach to handling defective electric motor rotors. Instead of discarding these components, the company’s team has figured out how to retrieve the rare earth magnets embedded within them. This initiative, dubbed “Pioneering Sustainability,” saw the participation of seven engineers in Hungary and two additional specialists in Germany.

The process involves mechanically pressing the magnets out of the faulty rotors, a step that preserves their integrity for subsequent reuse. After extraction, the magnets are treated and integrated into newly manufactured rotors, effectively closing the loop on material usage. This not only reduces waste but also lessens the dependency on newly mined rare earth elements, which are critical for EV motor performance.

By repurposing these components, Schaeffler aims to cut down on the environmental footprint associated with rare earth extraction and processing. The company sees this as a step forward in making electric mobility more sustainable, turning a production challenge into an opportunity for circular economy practices within the automotive supply chain.