Stellantis and Niron Advance Rare-Earth-Free Magnets

Stellantis and magnet maker Niron Magnetics announced a joint program to develop electric motor designs using Iron Nitride permanent magnets that avoid rare-earth elements.
The project builds on Stellantis Ventures’ 2023 investment in Niron and includes $2.7 million in support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office.
Iron Nitride magnets are made from abundant iron and atmospheric nitrogen rather than lanthanide-based materials, offering a pathway to reduce dependence on concentrated rare-earth supply chains while keeping vital magnetic performance for traction motors, power steering, pumps and other vehicle systems.
Partners intend to apply the material’s characteristics to novel motor architectures, including variable-flux designs aimed at improving efficiency and torque control across internal combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains.
Niron and Stellantis will collaborate with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Illinois Institute of Technology on testing and analysis, and Niron is breaking ground on a commercial facility in Sartell, Minnesota, planned to produce about 1,500 tons of magnets annually and create roughly 175 full-time jobs.
Executives say the effort targets resilient domestic supply chains and expanded motor performance options for future vehicles.