Rare-earth-free magnet firm works with Stellantis on new motor designs
17 October 2025 
Niron Magnetics, the US developer of rare-earth-free magnets, is collaborating with the automotive giant Stellantis to develop a new generation of electric motor designs for use in vehicles. The project aims to enhance motor architectures by leveraging the unique properties of iron-nitride magnets to deliver improved performance and efficiency. It will focus, in particular, on variable-flux field-intensifying motors.
The collaboration builds on a strategic investment that Stellantis Ventures made in Niron Magnetics in 2023. Additional support has come from the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO), which has contributed $2.7m to the project as part of its strategy to strengthen US energy independence and to secure critical materials.
Traditional permanent magnets rely heavily on rare-earth elements, primarily sourced from China. Niron’s magnets are made from abundant iron and atmospheric nitrogen, materials readily available in the US and globally. The magnets are said to exhibit extremely high magnetisation.
“Collaborating with the Niron Magnetics team allows us to explore the possibilities of this innovative magnet technology,” says Micky Bly, senior vice-president and head of propulsion systems engineering for Stellantis. “As part of our broader research into advanced propulsion solutions, we’re continually evaluating emerging technologies that could support future mobility options and enhance customer choice.”
“This collaboration is another critical notch of success in our strategy to scale our technology to meet the demands for permanent magnets and securing our domestic supply chains for leading manufacturers like our partners at Stellantis,” adds Niron CEO, Jonathan Rowntree. “By switching to rare-earth-free iron-nitride, we’re not only working together to build a more resilient foundation for industry, but expanding the boundaries of what’s possible for motor performance.”
Niron Magnetic has recently broken ground on its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Sartell, Minnesota. When fully operational, the site will be one of North America’s largest magnet-producing facilities, making 1,500 tons of magnets a year and creating 175 full-time jobs.
Niron Magnetics and Stellantis also plan to collaborate with research institutions including the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Illinois Institute of Technology to leverage their expertise in advanced motor systems analysis and testing.
Niron is also working with a Swedish engineering and motor design firm, Alvier Mechatronics, to integrate its magnets into variable-flux motors.
Niron Magnetics: LinkedIn
