Renault doubles down on rare-earth-free motors to secure supply chain independence
With 90% of the automotive sector reliant on rare-earth magnets, Renault Group is reinforcing its strategic pivot toward EESM technology, with next-generation 800-volt units slated for production in 2027.
Renault Group has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to producing electric motors that eliminate the need for rare-earth magnets, distinguishing itself from the 90% of the automotive market that continues to rely on such materials. By utilising Electrically Excited Synchronous Motors (EESM), the French manufacturer aims to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities associated with China’s near-monopoly on global rare earth production.
The strategic importance of this technology stems from China’s dominance in the raw materials sector, which accounts for 85% of purified light rare earths and 100% of heavy rare earths globally. With Beijing prioritising domestic consumption and higher-value products such as permanent magnets, availability for international manufacturers has become increasingly constrained. Renault’s decision to opt for wound rotors rather than permanent magnets is designed to insulate its operations from these geopolitical and market pressures.
This approach has deep historical roots for the company, which began mass-selling EESM motors in 2012 following the introduction of the technology in the Renault Kangoo Z.E in 2011. The current product range, including the Renault 5 E-Tech, Renault 4 E-Tech, and Alpine A290, employs motors manufactured at the Cléon plant in France. The plant, which has produced powertrains since 2015, continues to serve as the central hub for Renault’s electric motor production.
Looking ahead, Renault is advancing the third generation of its EESM technology, designated as the E7A motor. Although still in development, the specifications for this unit are frozen, featuring an 800-volt architecture compared to the 400-volt standard currently used in the Renault range. This upgrade is intended to significantly reduce charging times, addressing one of the key operational concerns for electric vehicle users.
Production of the new-generation 200 kW E7A motor is scheduled to commence at the Cléon plant in 2027. This timeline aligns with the rollout of upcoming models such as the Alpine A390, unveiled in September 2025, which features a novel powertrain configuration with a 6AM motor on the front axle and a twin-motor setup on the rear, delivering an estimated combined output of 345 kW.
