India’s first heavy rare-earth free EV motors: Indian electric vehicle (EV) maker Simple Energy has become the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in India to commercially produce heavy rare-earth (HRE) free motors, marking a significant milestone in the country’s EV industry. This breakthrough reduces dependence on critical materials largely sourced from China and strengthens India’s path toward self-reliant electric mobility.
At the core of this innovation is a patented motor architecture, developed entirely by Simple Energy’s in-house R&D team. Traditionally, EV motors have relied on heavy rare-earth magnets due to their high torque density and compact size. However, global supply chain disruptions and export restrictions imposed by China earlier in 2025 exposed the vulnerabilities of this dependency. Simple Energy responded by achieving 95% localisation across its manufacturing and supply chain operations, creating a system resilient to global uncertainties.
Suhas Rajkumar, CEO and co-founder of Simple Energy, said, “Global supply chain disruptions and material dependencies have made one thing clear: the future of electric mobility must be built on self-reliance. Deep localisation and a ‘Make in India’ approach are no longer aspirations—they’re imperatives.”
The new motors replace heavy rare-earth magnets with optimised alternative compounds, while proprietary software algorithms manage heat, magnetic field, and torque delivery in real time. According to the company, this ensures comparable performance and torque-driven character to conventional HRE-based motors. The entire production takes place at Simple Energy’s 200,000 sq. ft. facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, enabling full control over design, testing, and deployment.
Unlike most EV players who rely on external suppliers, Simple Energy designs and manufactures its own motors. This end-to-end control has allowed the company to rapidly innovate and bring a locally developed, rare-earth-free motor to market, giving it a strategic edge in the Indian EV sector.
The innovation also addresses environmental concerns. By avoiding heavy rare-earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium, the motors reduce the environmental impact associated with the mining and processing of these materials. Additionally, the technology strengthens supply chain independence and shields the company from price volatility in global markets.
Simple Energy’s breakthrough comes amid broader industry efforts in India. Startups like Sterling Gtake E-Mobility and Chara Technologies, as well as established players like Ola Electric, are exploring rare-earth-free motor technologies to ensure sustainability and supply security.
The company currently produces electric scooters, including the Simple ONE Gen 1.5 and Simple OneS, and is preparing to scale up operations. With plans for an IPO in FY27, Simple Energy aims to expand its retail network and solidify its market position.
The company’s heavy rare-earth-free motor technology is unique in combining patented magnet compounds with advanced control algorithms. This ensures high performance, reliability, and sustainability while promoting “Make in India” self-reliance, setting a benchmark for the Indian EV industry and the global push toward strategic independence in electric mobility.
Related Articles:-
