Japanese researchers are developing a switched reluctance (SR) motor as an alternative to electric vehicle motors that depend on rare-earth magnets. The researchers, from the Tokyo University of Science, unveiled the 50kW machine at a recent trade show in Japan.

The researchers say that their motor operates with an efficiency of more than 95% and has a higher torque density that previous SR motors. Although the current version does not produce as much torque as a permanent magnet motor, they believe that further development will result in a version that is “more than competitive”. They are also hoping to reduce noise and vibration levels, which are an issue with the current version.