Bengaluru Startup Secures Fifth Patent for Rare-Earth-Free EV Motor to Reduce India's Dependence on China
Bengaluru-based Vimag Labs has secured its fifth Indian patent for its Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor, a rare-earth-free electric vehicle motor designed to match conventional performance using software, copper coils, steel, and power electronics. The innovation aims to reduce India's dependence on China's rare earth supply as pilot projects progress toward commercial deployment later this year.
The patented Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor uses software, copper coils, steel, and power electronics to generate magnetic fields that match the power and efficiency of traditional electric vehicle motors without relying on rare earth magnets. The development is aimed at strengthening India's electric mobility ecosystem by reducing its dependence on imported rare earth materials.
According to the company, prototype versions of the motor have achieved a peak power output of 10 kW and torque ranging between 48 Nm and 58 Nm. Pilot projects are currently underway for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, a passenger vehicle manufacturer, and a Euro
Bengaluru’s Vimag Labs Secures Fifth Patent for Fully Indigenous Magnet-Free Electric Motor
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) July 15, 2026
China in Shock!
No Magnets Required in this Motor pic.twitter.com/36DpezTDFD
pean company. Vimag Labs is targeting commercial shipments of the technology by the end of this year.
Founded in 2025, Vimag Labs has raised 5 million dollars in funding from Accel and other investors. The company believes its patented technology can play a significant role in safeguarding India's electric vehicle industry from supply chain vulnerabilities linked to rare earth materials.
The innovation comes at a time when China controls approximately 90 percent of the global rare earth supply chain. Previous export restrictions imposed by China triggered sharp price increases, exposing the risks associated with heavy dependence on imported rare earth resources. By developing a rare-earth-free electric vehicle motor, Vimag Labs aims to provide a domestically developed alternative that supports India's long-term electric mobility ambitions while enhancing supply chain resilience.

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