India’s EV sector could get a crucial boost from Ola Electric’s new ferrite motor, even as a Chinese rare-earth export ban weighs heavily on the country’s green energy push. Ola Electric announced it became the first domestic two-wheeler maker in the country to earn government certification for its in-house developed rare-earth-free ferrite motor under AIS-041 standards.
Testing at GARC, Tamil Nadu, confirmed that its 7 kW and 11 kW ferrite variants match permanent-magnet motors in power, efficiency and durability.
Built entirely from abundant ceramic ferrites rather than imported neodymium or dysprosium magnets, the ferrite motor cuts costs by up to 30 per cent and avoids supply-chain risks tied to China’s dominance.
However, China’s rare-earth export controls, imposed in April, are still in place. Restrictions on magnet-grade dysprosium and neodymium have snarled global EV motor production.
Impact of China ban
Reuters reports hinted that Indian automakers face potential production cuts if supplies do not resume, since China accounts for roughly 80 per cent of processed rare earths used in EV magnets.
Bajaj Auto warned of a 50 per cent drop in its Chetak scooter output in July due to magnet shortages.
— Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) October 6, 2025
Ola’s ferrite motor seems to answer this market gap. Ferrite magnets rely on iron oxide and barium or strontium, materials India can source domestically.
The ferrite design also tolerates higher temperatures and resists demagnetization over time, traits prized in stop-start urban riding.
Is the trade-off worth it?
Ferrite motors trade off some torque density compared with rare-earth units, meaning slightly larger, heavier assemblies for the same power. India’s EV makers might need to reengineer drivetrains or battery capacity to maintain range and acceleration targets.
