Simple Energy pioneers rare earth-free motors, eyes comeback in EV race

Mumbai: Simple Energy, the Bengaluru-based electric scooter maker that launched its first product the same day as Ola Electric in 2021, has become the first Indian electric two-wheeler maker to commercially manufacture heavy rare earth-free motors. The development, announced on Tuesday, comes as the industry grapples with China’s curbs on rare earth magnet exports, which have disrupted supply chains and squeezed production across the board.