133870High Speed, Magnet Free Traction Motors and DrivesClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKElectric vehicles are powered predominantly by one type of motor containing rare earth permanent magnet. The rare earth magnet material is extracted from its ore at considerable environmental cost. Permanent magnet motors are limited in speed, and always consume power when the vehicle is moving. Premature end of motor life occurs by the magnet degrading. The subsequent recycling process is a challenging task. This feasibility study is looking at a different type of motor: the Switched Reluctance Motor which contains no magnet and has a simple construction. The motor can run fast enabling the same power to weight as the permanent magnet motor, has no drag torque and a longer life in the harsh automotive environment. At the end of life the recycling of constituent motor parts is simpler. The switched reluctance motor has not been adopted as an alternative drive motor because the power electronics driving the motor is not a standard design increasing its cost. Capacitors in the circuit are put under more stress and the control of the motor is complex to maintain low acoustic noise and smooth motor rotation. This feasibility study is investigating combining a switched reluctance motor with a new configuration of power electronics which will potentially create a low cost, highly integrated, efficient electric vehicle drive with power available over a wide speed range.