Matter Showcases Next-Gen Rare-Earth-Free Electric Motor at CES 2026
At CES 2026, Ahmedabad-based electric mobility leader Matter announced a groundbreaking partnership with Niron Magnetics to unveil a prototype of the world’s first rare-earth-free Variable Flux Motor (VFM) for high-performance electric motorcycles. This innovation marks a significant shift in EV propulsion, moving away from a dependency on expensive and geopolitically sensitive rare-earth minerals like neodymium.
The Technology: Iron Nitride and Variable Flux
The prototype motor utilizes Niron Magnetics’ proprietary Iron Nitride permanent magnets. Unlike traditional rare-earth magnets, Iron Nitride is made from abundant materials, providing a more sustainable and resilient supply chain for the global EV market.
Key technical highlights of the new motor include:
- Variable Flux Design: Eliminates the traditional trade-off between low-speed torque and high-speed efficiency, allowing for superior performance across all speed ranges.
- Improved Thermal Stability: The Iron Nitride technology offers better heat management, which is critical for high-performance riding in diverse climates.
- Performance Gains: The collaboration aims to unlock significant improvements in torque delivery, acceleration, and riding range.
Redefining Electric Performance
By integrating this rare-earth-free technology into its platform, Matter aims to dismantle the barriers to rapid EV adoption. The VFM design is particularly beneficial for motorcycles, offering:
| Feature | Benefit of Rare-Earth-Free VFM |
| Acceleration | Faster 0-60 km/h times due to optimized flux |
| City Riding | Superior controllability in stop-and-go traffic |
| Highway Cruising | High efficiency at sustained top speeds |
| Sustainability | Reduced environmental impact by avoiding rare-earth mining |
Prasad Telikapalli, Co-founder and CTO of Matter, stated that this technology represents a “step-change” in electric motor capabilities, helping to redefine two-wheeler propulsion globally while strengthening technological independence.
Future Outlook and Innovation
While the current flagship Matter AERA is recognized as the world’s first geared electric motorbike, this new prototype signifies Matter’s entry into the next era of powertrain engineering. The company plans to continue exploring the integration of Iron Nitride magnets into its production-scale high-performance models to drive a more globally competitive EV ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did Matter showcase at CES 2026?
Matter unveiled a prototype for a Next-Generation Rare-Earth-Free Variable Flux Motor (VFM) developed in collaboration with Niron Magnetics.
What are rare-earth-free magnets?
Rare-earth-free magnets, like the Iron Nitride ones used in Matter’s prototype, are permanent magnets made without minerals like neodymium or dysprosium. They are more sustainable and use more abundant materials.
What is a Variable Flux Motor (VFM)?
A VFM is a motor design that can adjust its magnetic field strength. This allows it to provide high torque at low speeds for acceleration and high efficiency at high speeds for cruising without compromise.
Why is Matter using Iron Nitride magnets?
Iron Nitride magnets offer high magnetization and performance equivalent to traditional magnets but are free of the supply chain risks and environmental costs associated with rare-earth elements.
When will this motor be available in production bikes?
Matter and Niron Magnetics are currently in the exploratory and prototype phase to refine the technology for production-scale applications in future high-performance electric motorcycles.
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