Home / Business and Economy / Indian Automakers Accelerate Rare-Earth-Free Motor Production Amid China Curbs
Indian Automakers Accelerate Rare-Earth-Free Motor Production Amid China Curbs
9 Sep
Summary
- Indian engineers fast-tracking tests on rare-earth-free EV motor
- 7 Indian automakers reviewing the motors, production could begin within a year
- China controls over 90% of global rare-earth processing capacity
As of September 9th, 2025, engineers in a Faridabad, India laboratory are fast-tracking tests on an EV motor that could help alleviate the country's reliance on China for rare earths. Unlike regular EV motors, this one being developed by Sterling Gtake E-Mobility does not use rare-earth magnets, a technology that is uncommon but could be transformative for India's car market, which has been hit harder than most by China's export curbs on these critical minerals.
Seven Indian automakers are currently reviewing the rare-earth-free motors, and if cleared, production could begin within a year, well ahead of an initial 2029 target. Sterling sped up the timeline after China announced the curbs in April in response to U.S. tariffs. While China has since resumed some rare earth shipments to the U.S. and Europe, India remains effectively cut off due to political tensions with Beijing.
Against this backdrop, Sterling and several other Indian firms are expediting work on alternate technologies that eliminate magnets or use ferrite or "light" rare earths, materials for which there is no dependence on China. China controls over 90% of the world's rare-earth processing capacity, giving it diplomatic clout and dominance over the supply chain as the global pivot to EVs intensifies demand for these vital elements.
