NIT Karnataka to Pioneer Rare Earth-Free Electric Vehicle Motors for India’s EV Revolution – EQ
In Short : The Centre for System Design at NIT Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, has secured ₹10.3 crore from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation under the MAHA-Electric Vehicle Mission. The project aims to develop rare earth-free axial flux synchronous and radial flux switched reluctance motors for EVs. Collaborating with IIT-Madras, IIT-Hyderabad, and CDAC, the initiative seeks to boost India’s EV self-reliance and sustainability.
In Detail : The Centre for System Design (CSD) at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, has received ₹10.3 crore in funding from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the Government of India’s MAHA-Electric Vehicle Mission. The funding supports the development of rare earth-free electric vehicle motors, aiming to advance indigenous EV technologies and reduce dependency on imports.
The project, titled “Rare Earth Magnet Free Axial Flux Synchronous, Radial Flux Switched Reluctance Motor and their Controllers for EV Applications,” focuses on designing advanced electric traction motors without rare earth materials. By eliminating the reliance on rare earths, primarily imported from China, the initiative promotes sustainable and self-reliant electric mobility solutions in India.
NITK will lead the project in collaboration with IIT-Madras, IIT-Hyderabad, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Thiruvananthapuram. The institution has been designated as one of seven Electric Mobility Nodes (E-Nodes) under the MAHA programme, emphasizing power electronics and motor drives for EV applications.
The project team is led by Dr. K.V. Gangadharan, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at NITK, with support from Professors B. Venkatesa Perumal and Jeyaraj in the Departments of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, Sandesh Bhaktha B from the Department of Aeronautical and Automobile Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, serves as a co-principal investigator.
The initiative aligns with the Indian government’s emphasis on promoting indigenous technology and reducing reliance on foreign imports in the EV sector. Developing rare earth-free motors is expected to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of India’s electric vehicle ecosystem while mitigating global supply chain vulnerabilities.
The MAHA-EV Mission, which funds this project, is part of broader government efforts to advance high-impact areas in electric vehicle development. It prioritizes initiatives that can significantly contribute to the growth, sustainability, and technological maturity of India’s EV sector, fostering domestic innovation and self-reliance.
Collaboration between NITK, IITs, and CDAC highlights the role of academic-industry partnerships in driving innovation and technological advancement. Such cooperation enables the development of cutting-edge solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Indian EV market and strengthens the country’s research and development ecosystem.
Focusing on rare earth-free motors addresses global supply chain challenges associated with rare earth materials. By developing alternative motor technologies, the project aims to improve India’s EV supply chain resilience, reduce costs, and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities in a strategically critical sector.
