Indian Startup Vimag Labs Develops Magnet-Free EV Motor to Reduce Dependence on China

India's electric vehicle industry could soon become less dependent on China's rare earth supply chain, thanks to an innovative motor technology developed by Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Vimag Labs.

The company has introduced a software-defined magnet motor that eliminates the need for permanent rare earth magnets, a key component used in most high-performance electric vehicle (EV) motors today. Instead, the technology relies on software, copper coils and advanced electronics to generate magnetic fields inside the motor.

The breakthrough comes at a time when countries worldwide are looking to reduce their dependence on China, which dominates the global rare earth ecosystem.

Why Vimag Labs built a magnet-free motor

The idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when a shipment of critical magnets for Vimag Labs remained stranded at a Shanghai port for nearly three months.

According to co-founder and CEO Manish Seth, the disruption exposed the risks of relying on a single country for a vital component used in EV manufacturing.

That experience motivated the company to create an electric motor that could deliver the same performance as conventional permanent magnet motors without relying on rare earth minerals.

How the technology works

Unlike traditional EV motors that use permanent magnets made from rare earth elements such as Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB), Vimag Labs' technology replaces these magnets with copper coils.

Its proprietary software continuously controls the electromagnetic field inside the motor, effectively creating what the company calls a software-defined magnet.

Because the magnetic field can be adjusted in real time, the motor can optimise efficiency, torque and power delivery while also improving overall vehicle performance.

The company says software updates can further enhance motor performance through over-the-air (OTA) upgrades without changing any physical hardware.

Why rare earth independence matters

According to industry estimates, China controls nearly 90% of global rare earth processing and around 94% of permanent magnet production used in advanced electric motors.

This concentration has created supply chain risks for countries like India, particularly as global demand for EVs, artificial intelligence infrastructure, robotics and defence equipment continues to grow.

Rare earth refining is also an environmentally complex process that generates radioactive waste, making domestic production difficult for many countries.

By eliminating rare earth magnets altogether, Vimag Labs believes India can manufacture advanced EV motors entirely using locally available materials such as copper, steel and conventional electronics.

Focus on Indian EV manufacturers

The company is currently working with multiple electric two-wheeler, three-wheeler and passenger vehicle manufacturers in India.

While official names have not been disclosed, Vimag Labs says its technology is being tested by one of India's top electric two-wheeler manufacturers and is also being integrated into projects with leading automotive companies in India and Europe.

The startup expects to manufacture between 1,000 and 10,000 motors by the end of the year as production gradually scales up.

Looking ahead

Vimag Labs has secured its fifth Indian patent for its Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) platform and is preparing for another investment round after previously raising $5 million in Series A funding.

The company is also working on next-generation applications, including electric trucks, buses, defence systems and custom semiconductor chips designed specifically for its software-defined motor architecture.

Its long-term goal is to establish India as a global leader in deep-tech motor innovation while reducing reliance on imported rare earth technologies.

Key Highlights

• Bengaluru startup Vimag Labs has developed a magnet-free EV motor using software-defined magnetic fields.
• The technology eliminates the need for rare earth permanent magnets sourced largely from China.
• The innovation was inspired by supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The motor uses copper coils, electronics and proprietary software instead of permanent magnets.
• The company claims the technology can improve efficiency while enabling OTA software upgrades.
• Vimag Labs is testing the motor with leading Indian EV manufacturers.
• The startup expects to produce up to 10,000 motors by the end of the year.
• It has secured five Indian patents for its Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor technology.

FAQs

What is Vimag Labs?

Vimag Labs is a Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup developing software-defined electric motors that do not require rare earth permanent magnets.

How does the magnet-free motor work?

Instead of permanent magnets, the motor uses copper coils and proprietary software to generate controlled magnetic fields inside the motor, delivering performance comparable to conventional EV motors.

Why is reducing dependence on rare earth magnets important?

China dominates global rare earth processing and magnet manufacturing, making supply chains vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and export restrictions.

Which industries can use this technology?

The technology is designed for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, robotics, aerospace and defence applications.

Is Vimag Labs already working with automobile manufacturers?

Yes. The startup says its technology is currently being tested with leading Indian EV manufacturers and automotive suppliers, although company names have not been disclosed.

What are the future plans of Vimag Labs?

The company plans to expand production, develop custom semiconductor chips for its motors and explore applications in heavy commercial vehicles and defence systems.