No rare earth metals in the Model S

<i>Tesla does not use rare earth metals in our battery or motor.</i><p>The HN Title [1] should be changed, as it is in effect editorializing beyond the information provided, IMHO. As others have noted, there is no information to suggest the statement is generally true, beyond these two sub-system components.<p>[1] Currently: &quot;No rare earth metals in the Model S&quot;

I wasn&#x27;t sure what the implications of rare earth metals were, so I looked it up. In sort, Rare metal extraction involves substantial pollution in the mining, onsite processing, and refining phase. Mines create environmental degradation through topsoil loss, poorly controlled tailings ponds that leach into groundwater as well as lakes and rivers, roads slicing through habitat, and the use of large amounts of energy to extract and process the materials they uncover. Some rare earth metals require substantial processing, and that provides a number of opportunities for pollution at every step of the way. More here: <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/sep/26/rare-earth-metals-technology-boom" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.theguardian.com&#x2F;commentisfree&#x2F;2011&#x2F;sep&#x2F;26&#x2F;rare-ea...</a>

While the motors may be REE-free, I wouldn&#x27;t be so sure about the rest of the vehicle.<p>Many models of LED&#x27;s, lasers, displays, headlights, and power circuits use trace but nonetheless essential amounts of rare earths. The motors and actuators (power windows and locks, charge port and frunk poppers) and seat heater relay might also contain them.

I think the point the poster is trying to get across is that there are no more rare earth metals in a Tesla model S than any other car of its class. Of course there may be some small amount of rare earth metals in the speakers or the electronics, but this is not an increase from any other car.<p>The issue of rare earth metals was used by some nay-sayers to incorrectly argue that the Tesla model S is more environmentally damaging than equivalent gasoline powered cars.

Why is this notable, beyond possibly price associated with them? The only issue with rare earth metals is that at various times the supply of them has been politically shaky, though I think that is currently not the case? I&#x27;m not really sure...

It would be possible to build a more compact motor using NFeB magnets, but the cost outweighs the slight weight&#x2F;performance gain. It is also my understanding that induction motor that Tesla uses is more efficient at regenerative braking.

The linked page describes this as something that &quot;absolutely belongs up on the Model S Facts page&quot;. Is there anything particularly negative about rare earth metals aside from their potential scarcity?<p><i>Edit: fersho311 answers my question in the same minute I ask it. Thanks :)</i>

The typical hipster that would complain about &quot;rare earth&quot; metals in a car they&#x27;ll never afford doesn&#x27;t care about the rare earth in their iPhone or iPad (which is one of the reasons they are made in China).

Fascinating! but I would add that not only DC motors use permanent magnets, but also many synchronous motors, including stepper motors.

No other electric car manufacturer can make this claim, as the rest use permanent magnets in their motors despite the higher cost. Why, I don&#x27;t know.

Does anyone know the relative merits of induction vs brushless with regards to regenerative braking?

This is just a forum post by Joe Random, not sure why it was posted here.

Lithium?