Rare Earth Magnet Materials for EV Motor Systems – NEOM, Saudi Arabia

Client Background

A regional systems integrator involved in the NEOM smart city project in Saudi Arabia, responsible for supplying electric drive systems for autonomous shuttles, last-mile mobility units, and intra-city light electric vehicles. The client required rare earth magnet materials for compact, high-efficiency motors designed to operate in desert climates with minimal maintenance.

Project Scope

Hongbang Technology was selected to provide custom NdFeB permanent magnet materials engineered for thermal stability, sand-dust resistance, and efficient torque-to-weight performance in EV traction motors. The application emphasized long service life in elevated temperatures and high-dust environments, with minimal degradation over time.

Technical Deliverables

Material Composition: Low heavy-rare-earth NdFeB (Dy-free variant), optimized for ambient temperature operation up to 180 °C
Form Factor: Magnet blocks sized to client motor housing design, with full CNC finishing and demagnetization-proof packaging
Coating: Advanced Parylene-C + Epoxy dual-layer coating for improved corrosion and particulate resistance in arid environments
Performance Testing: Accelerated lifecycle testing completed in both Riyadh and NEOM test tracks (thermal, shock, and particle exposure)

Implementation Timeline

Q2 2023: Technical alignment and joint prototype development
Q3 2023: Delivery of 1.2 tons of pre-production magnets for motor assembly and testing
Q1 2024: Transition to production phase with monthly deliveries of 500–600 kg

Outcome & Impact

Motor prototypes achieved 94.3% efficiency at nominal load in desert environment simulations
No coating degradation or magnetic loss observed after 1,000 hours of sand-dust chamber testing
Client initiated a framework agreement with Hongbang for potential expansion to solar-powered autonomous delivery fleets in other Gulf states