Did you know that most hybrid and electric automobiles use rare earth materials like dysprosium and neodymium? It's true, these materials are used in motor magnets for many popular new models, like the Toyota Prius, as well as other EVs and hybrids from competing automakers and manufacturers.
The problem with these materials? They've been limited by the Chinese government, which supplies 90 percent of rare earth materials to the world. As the supply for them dwindles, the prices soar, which is bad news for the forward-thinking vehicles that already cost a bit more than standard gasoline autos. The Toyota Prius, in particular, holds a battery that contains more than twenty lbs. of the the rare earth element lanthanum. The Prius models also use the dysprosium and neodymium motor magnets.
Have no fear, readers. Toyota has a plan to combat these rare-earth issues. The company has stated that it has reached an "advanced stage" of research on new induction-type electric motors which won't require any rare-earth materials but will provide the same environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient benefits. These new motors will be lighter and more efficient. The brand will premiere an induction motor-powered Toyota RAV4 EV SUV in 2012, but it is said to be different from the current project initiated after China's announcement. Toyota also recently announced that it's working on a lightweight magnesium-sulfur battery that will hold twice the energy of traditional lithium-ion cell batteries.
Toyota certainly is on top of new technologies- but that isn't surprising to us here at Mark Toyota. We know that the Japanese automaker always has something forward-thinking up its sleeve because this is evident in all of the new 2012 Toyota vehicles. Why not give yourself the pleasure of taking a test drive in the vehicle of your dreams today? Stop by Mark Toyota at 1765 Park Avenue Plover, WI 54467 and see us. We look forward to meeting you soon!
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