LG Innotek Develops Rare Earth Element-free DCT Motor, First in the World

SEOUL, KOREA - LG Innotek announced on August 28 that it has developed a DCT (dual-clutch transmission) motor without using rare earth elements, for the first time in the world. The DCT motor is a core driving component that helps drivers shift gears smoothly in accordance with changes in driving situation.

The size, performance, and price of the newly-developed DCT motor are similar to those of existing DCT motors. However, the weight of the former is about 4 percent lighter than that of existing ones.

In particular, the biggest strength of the cutting-edge DCT motor is the non-use of rare earth elements whose supply and price are volatile due to their limited deposits.

LG Innotek registered patents for 13 related technologies both at home and abroad.The company plans to mass-produce the rare earth element-free DCT motor at its Mexican plant from 2015.