Mahle says it is developing a new kind of magnet-free electric motor that does not require rare earth elements.

The central feature of the new motor is the inductive and thus contactless power transmission; this allows the motor to operate wear-free and particularly efficiently at high speeds, Mahle says, adding the efficiency is above 95% at almost all operating points — a level that previously has only been achieved by Formula E racing cars.

The company says this development is easily scalable, so it can be used in anything from subcompacts through commercial vehicles.

The new electric motor also makes the engine maintenance-free, because the necessary transmission of electrical currents between the rotating and stationary parts inside the motor takes place without contact.