Conifer’s Axial-Flux Motors Power Ahead with Rare Earth-Free & China-Free Design

Conifer, a Silicon Valley startup founded by former engineers from Apple and Lucid, is rewriting the electric motor script. Their secret? axial-flux motors built with ferrite (iron) magnets, not rare-earth magnets traditionally sourced from China. This is a significant move, as it directly challenges the supply chain vulnerabilities currently embedded in the EV and industrial motor sectors. 

Traditional motors typically use neodymium magnets and find widespread use because they are easier to produce. However, they are heavily reliant on Chinese supply chains. Thus, Conifer has replaced them with ferrite magnets — widely available, tariff-free, and far more environmentally benign. This change could significantly reduce geopolitical and logistical risks in the electric motor industry.

What sets Conifer apart is not just the choice of materials but also the architecture. Unlike the more common radial motors, Conifer’s axial-flux motors are significantly shorter and lighter, while maintaining high torque and power density. Their patented stator design eliminates much of the complexity and waste associated with conventional motor production. 

Furthermore, by using techniques like those in battery manufacturing, Conifer has simplified the winding process, cutting production costs and scrap volume dramatically. According to the company, their manufacturing process is ten times simpler than conventional approaches and reduces stator winding costs by up to 90%.

These advancements make Conifer’s axial-flux motors ideal for a broad range of applications — from industrial automation and HVAC systems to in-wheel powertrains for light electric motorcycles. In fact, some customers in the micromobility and delivery robot sectors are already integrating Conifer’s technology, reporting efficiency gains of over 20%.

Still, these electric motors won’t replace those in EVs. Yes, axial-flux motors produce excellent torque, but lack high-end power and rpm, which hurts performance. Moreover, the in-wheel design of Conifer’s solution adds unsprung mass, which can alter the driving characteristics of the vehicle, like ride and handling, in a negative way. For an electric scooter, these are less of an issue.

Beyond design, Conifer is investing in scalability. The company has raised $20 million in seed funding and is on track to produce 75,000 motors annually. Early production is expected to begin later this year. With global demand for efficient and resilient electrification solutions growing, Conifer’s China-free, rare earth-free approach to motor manufacturing is arriving at a critical time.

Image credit: Conifer