Image credit – REUTERS/Issei Kato
If you’re looking to do your part for the planet, opting for a hybrid or electric car is one way to do so as it consumes less fuel in the case of hybrids, and pretty much no fuel if you’re going full electric. However at the same time, the motor does impact the environment in other ways as they do require the use of rare earth metals.
About a decade ago, Honda pledged that they would be reducing the use of rare earth metals in the construction of their motors, and it looks like they have finally achieved that. Recently the company unveiled a new hybrid motor that was developed alongside Japan-based Daido Steel. This new hybrid motor does not rely on rare earth metals like dysprosium and terbium.
However it should be noted that not all rare earth metals have been eliminated as they still require neodymium, but we guess it’s a start. Instead Honda has opted to use magnets produced by Daido Steel that not only cost 10% less than if they were to use rare earth metals, but would also weigh 8% lighter than before, thus resulting in a car that will weigh less, meaning less energy would be required to propel it forward.
Honda plans on debuting these new hybrid motors in the Freed minivan later this fall, so if you’re looking to support Honda’s efforts, perhaps this could be a car worth your consideration.
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