Assessment of Product Carbon Footprint Reduction Potential Using Lightweight Rotor Components for Electric Traction Motors

The mobility sector is currently undergoing one of the most profound transformation processes in its history. With ambitious climate targets on the horizon, there is a pronounced shift towards electric traction drives. However, in comparison to drivetrains with internal combustion engines, electric drivetrains and batteries have a larger carbon footprint during manufacturing. Thus, product innovations become important to reduce the carbon emissions associated with the traction motor. Among these innovations are lightweight components such as rotor shafts, balancing disks, and magnetic fixations. This study compares three novel components with spring behavior designed for lightweight rotors in terms of their carbon footprint, contrasting them with state-of-the-art electric traction rotors. Given the substantial carbon footprint resulting from the use of rare earth magnets in rotors, efforts are directed towards highest value preservation. With regard to the potential of lightweight components, carbon emissions can be reduced during the electric motor operation. This paper discusses a life cycle assessment of electric traction rotors using lightweight components. ... mehrA hotspot analysis shows that the environmental impact of the components can be significantly reduced by avoiding the use of chrome steel and by recycling of permanent magnet materials.