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Relevance: GS-III (Science & Technology, Environment, Indian Economy) Source: Tech & Science Updates, 2026

1 · What is the news?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are our future, but their motors rely heavily on expensive “rare-earth” magnets. Unfortunately, the global supply of these metals is controlled by a few countries outside India, making our auto industry vulnerable.
Recently, a Bengaluru-based start-up claimed to solve this by creating “virtual magnets.” Instead of using rare-earth metals, they use software to control electricity flowing through copper coils, turning them into electromagnets.While this sounds like a brilliant, cost-saving idea for the common Indian buyer, science experts warn it is not that simple. Electromagnets constantly drain the car’s battery to stay magnetic, which could severely reduce how far your EV can travel on a single charge.

2 · How EV Motors Work

Step 1: The Basic Motor Principle
Electric motors move vehicles by using powerful magnetic forces (push and pull) between a stationary part and a rotating part.
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Step 2: The Permanent Magnet
Currently, EVs use “Permanent Magnets” made from rare-earth metals. They are naturally magnetic and do not drain any battery power to create their magnetic field.
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Step 3: The Virtual Magnet Idea
The start-up wants to replace these with electromagnets (copper coils). Smart software controls the electricity flowing through them to mimic a real magnet.
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Step 4: The Efficiency Trap
The problem? Electromagnets constantly consume battery energy to stay magnetic. This means you need a much heavier, more expensive battery to travel the same distance.

3 · Key Technical Concepts Explained Simply

Permanent vs. Electro
Natural vs. Powered
Permanent magnets are naturally magnetic, saving power. Electromagnets require a constant flow of electricity through copper coils to work, causing heat and energy loss.
The Software Myth
It Still Needs Power
Software cannot magically create magnetism out of thin air. It only directs electricity. Every step of software regulation eats up precious battery life.
SRM Motors
Another Alternative
Switched Reluctance Motors (SRMs) don’t use permanent magnets either. But they deliver power in jerky spurts, making the car noisy and less efficient for smooth driving.
Import Dependency
The Geopolitical Threat
Rare-earth elements (like Neodymium) are crucial for EV magnets, but their supply is heavily concentrated outside India. This puts our booming auto industry at risk.

UPSC Prelims Quick Facts: Government Initiatives
NCMM (2024-2031) The National Critical Mineral Mission mandates the Geological Survey of India to complete 1,200 domestic exploration projects to find our own lithium and rare-earth reserves.
Urban Mining (Recycling) The government has launched a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme to recover precious critical minerals by recycling old batteries and electronic waste (e-waste).
IREL (India) Limited A public sector unit under the Dept of Atomic Energy. They are currently setting up a dedicated plant in Visakhapatnam to manufacture rare-earth magnets locally.
Strategic Priority Until alternative motors become truly efficient, India’s safest bet is aggressive domestic mining, recycling, and local manufacturing of permanent magnets.

MCQ Practice Question
Q. With reference to Electric Vehicle (EV) motors and India’s critical minerals strategy, consider the following statements:

  1. Permanent magnets naturally consume continuous battery power to maintain their magnetic field inside a motor.
  2. IREL (India) Limited is setting up a facility in Visakhapatnam to manufacture rare-earth permanent magnets indigenously.
  3. The National Critical Mineral Mission aims to recover critical minerals by recycling end-of-life batteries and e-waste.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 2 and 3 only    (c) 1 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

  • Statement 1 — Incorrect: Permanent magnets are naturally magnetic. They do not consume extra electrical battery power to create their magnetic field. It is electromagnets (virtual magnets) that constantly drain power.
  • Statement 2 — Correct: IREL (under the Department of Atomic Energy) is spearheading India’s indigenous production of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) in Visakhapatnam.
  • Statement 3 — Correct: The NCMM includes a major ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme to promote “urban mining” by recovering critical minerals from old batteries and e-waste.
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