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Rare-earth magnets, developed in the 1970s, represent the strongest type of permanent magnets available today. The most prevalent variety is neodymium alloys that combine iron and boron, while another type consists of samarium-cobalt magnets. The mining and production of these essential materials raise significant political and environmental issues. To address these challenges, the UK’s Office of Low Emission Vehicles is backing a collaborative research project named OCTOPUS (Optimised Components, Test and Simulation, Toolkits for Powertrains integrating Ultra High-speed Motor Solutions). With Bentley onboard for the next three years, the initiative aims to develop practical applications by 2026—a notable year as it coincides with the launch of Bentley’s first fully electric vehicle.
Cobalt poses a significant issue, as its demand is surging, with half of the world’s known reserves located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This makes cobalt a conflict mineral and raises concerns about child labor in its extraction. The largest boron deposits are found in Turkey, while China dominates the production of both samarium and neodymium. Although copper wiring seems straightforward, the world’s largest copper mine, Grasberg, is located in Papua province, Indonesia, where working conditions are troubling.
While one section of Bentley is focused on reproducing Sir Tim Birkin’s 1929 Blowers, another team working within the OCTOPUS initiative is set to create a complete e-axle powertrain that does not rely on rare-earth magnets. This powertrain is designed not only to outperform the latest permanent magnet motors but also to eliminate copper windings, offering a solution that is both cost-effective and recyclable.
The automotive industry is now on the lookout for a cleaner alternative to lithium-ion battery technology. Currently, the largest lithium reserves are situated in China and Bolivia, both of which have questionable labor practices.
In the meantime, the 2023 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is set to make waves. Pictured here are the titanium exhausts from the 2021 V8 model.
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