Rare earths are primarily known for their use in electric car engines. However, they are also irreplaceable in conventional vehicles - whether in the manufacturing process or as part of a vehicle component.
The raw material group of rare earths is essential for the expansion of electromobility and therefore also for the transport transition. However, strategic metals are not only relevant for electric cars, but also for diesel and petrol vehicles: In addition to most electrically powered engines, they are contained in many car components or are used in the production of individual vehicle components.
Equipped with rare earths from front to back
The Industry portal Rohstoff.net has researched the diverse fields of application of rare earths in conventional cars. For example Neodymium or Terbium used in permanent magnets in small motors to drive window regulators or air conditioning systems. In turn, cerium oxide contained in polishing agents gives car windows their shine, and in diesel fuels it reduces CO2-emissions. In modern spark plugs, yttrium is found in nickel-yttrium alloys, which enable a longer service life and service life.
Rare earths in conventional vehicles
Cars with conventional drive systems still very popular
While the demand for rare earth elements is increasing due to the expansion of electromobility, the majority of cars on the roads worldwide still have combustion engines. Overall, their number is many times higher than that of e-cars: 1.3 billion combustion cars compared to 26 million electric cars. Conclusion: As the sale of cars with conventional drive systems is currently permitted in the EU until 2035, strategic raw materials will continue to be needed in large quantities for cars with combustion engines for a long time to come.
Rare earths: critical raw materials
Various economic forecasts According to the latest forecasts, the demand for rare earths will continue to rise steadily. At the same time, the raw materials are only available in limited quantities. The supply of these raw materials is therefore categorised as critical by the EU. This also makes them an interesting tangible asset for private buyers. Read our article to find out where else strategic metals are used beyond the automotive industry "Precious spice metals for high-tech products".
