Bengaluru Startup Unveils Rare Earth-Free Electric Motor Technology

Bengaluru: Deep-tech startup Vimag Labs has announced a major milestone after securing its fifth Indian patent for its proprietary Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) technology, a software-defined electric motor that operates without rare-earth permanent magnets.

China currently controls around 91% of global rare earth processing and produces 94% of the world's permanent magnets used in EV motors. Beijing's export restrictions have disrupted global supply chains, pushing magnet prices sharply higher and increasing EV production costs.

The company claims its VMSM delivers performance comparable to conventional Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) while eliminating dependence on rare-earth materials, a critical component in most modern electric vehicle motors. If validated at scale, the innovation could reduce supply-chain risks and manufacturing costs associated with rare-earth magnets.

Vimag said the technology is currently being piloted with two-wheeler and passenger vehicle manufacturers, with future applications planned for light and heavy commercial vehicles, industrial systems (200–600 kW), robotics, defence, and advanced cooling solutions.

The Bengaluru-based startup recently secured US$5 million in Series A funding, led by Accel, to accelerate commercialization and product development.

“This patent is the outcome of over 87,600 engineering hours,” said the company's Co-founder and CEO, highlighting the years of research behind the breakthrough.

Industry experts note that while the technology appears promising, its long-term commercial success will depend on large-scale validation, durability testing, manufacturing scalability, and adoption by automotive and industrial partners. If successful, the innovation could strengthen India's position in next-generation electric mobility and advanced motor technologies.