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Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Vimag Labs has secured its fifth Indian patent for a software-defined electric motor platform that operates without rare-earth permanent magnets. The patent marks a significant milestone for the startup as it advances its technology for electric mobility and industrial applications.
The newly granted patent, titled “A Robust Rotating Transformer Excited Synchronous Motor and Its Control,” covers a rotating transformer excited synchronous motor and its control system, which forms the basis of the company’s proprietary Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) platform. According to Vimag Labs, the technology replaces conventional rare-earth permanent magnets with software-controlled magnetic fields generated through power electronics and advanced control algorithms.
How the technology works
Most electric vehicles today use Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs), which rely on powerful rare-earth permanent magnets such as neodymium and dysprosium embedded inside the motor’s rotor. These motors are widely used because they offer high efficiency, compact size and strong performance.
Vimag Labs’ Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) eliminates the need for rare-earth permanent magnets. Instead, it creates and controls the magnetic field electronically using software, power electronics and intelligent control systems.
According to Vimag Labs, the platform is designed to deliver performance comparable to conventional Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors while eliminating the need for rare-earth permanent magnets.
Why rare earth-free motors matter
Rare-earth permanent magnets are considered one of the most strategically important components in electric vehicle manufacturing.
China dominates the global refining of rare-earth elements and the manufacturing of permanent magnets used in electric motors. Recent export restrictions on several rare-earth materials have increased concerns across the global automotive industry, prompting manufacturers to accelerate the search for alternative motor technologies that reduce supply chain risks.
A commercially successful rare earth-free motor platform could help automakers reduce dependence on imported permanent magnets and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Global race for alternative motor technologies
Vimag Labs is not the only company working on rare earth-free motors.
Several global automakers and suppliers, including BMW, Valeo, Mahle and ZF, have explored motor technologies that reduce or eliminate the use of rare-earth permanent magnets through different engineering approaches. Tesla has also stated that its future-generation vehicles aim to significantly reduce dependence on rare-earth materials.
However, large-scale commercial adoption of such technologies remains limited, making this an active area of global research and development.
Current stage of development
Earlier this year, Vimag Labs raised $5 million in a Series A funding round led by Accel, with participation from Chakra Growth Capital and ThinKuvate, to accelerate product development and commercialisation.
The company said it has completed more than 87,600 engineering hours in developing the technology.
Vimag Labs is currently conducting pilot programmes with two-wheeler and passenger vehicle manufacturers and plans to expand the platform for use in commercial vehicles, industrial systems, robotics, defence applications and cooling systems. The company has also signed a manufacturing agreement with Jendamark as it prepares for future commercial deployment.
With the latest grant, Vimag Labs’ intellectual property portfolio now includes five granted patents, ten patent applications and fifteen trademarks.
Commercialisation remains the next challenge
The technology is currently in the pilot stage and has not yet entered commercial mass production.
While the patent marks a significant milestone for the Bengaluru startup, its commercial success will depend on its ability to meet cost, durability and performance requirements at production scale. If successfully commercialised, the technology could help reduce dependence on rare-earth permanent magnets in electric motors and strengthen India’s position in next-generation electric motor technology.
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