Do you positively know that the Model S will use rare earth metals in its manufacturing process?
I'm asking this because the Tesla Roadster uses a three-phase electric motor (called an induction motor) that does not rely on permanent magnets. This leaves the decision to use rare earth metals as a purely optional one (like in, maybe use them for the chassis). I was under the impression that the Model S would be using the same type of electric motor, but I may be wrong.
Of course, we still must not forget the environmentally destructive mining of lithium, needed for the Li-Ion battery pack.
I'm asking this because the Tesla Roadster uses a three-phase electric motor (called an induction motor) that does not rely on permanent magnets. This leaves the decision to use rare earth metals as a purely optional one (like in, maybe use them for the chassis). I was under the impression that the Model S would be using the same type of electric motor, but I may be wrong.
Of course, we still must not forget the environmentally destructive mining of lithium, needed for the Li-Ion battery pack.