New Gadget 2011

Ever wonder why electrics cars are more expensive than gas-guzzling vehicles? Part of the reason is the use of rare earth elements needed to power the motor. Only one country holds the monopoly of these rare substances: China, which currently produces an astonishing 97 percent of all rare earths used globally.
Such dependence on rare earth elements need to stop, and this is what a Japanese professor wants to achieve with his invention. Professor Nobukazu Hoshi of Tokyo University of Science has developed an electric car that does not need any kind of rare earth elements. The prototype is a remodel of the 1999 Mazda Roadster and is powered by a 400V/ 9.5kWh hybrid car motor. It also has five modules of lithium battery, each weighing 20 kilograms, and a so-called �switched reluctance motor� that boosts an output of 50kW.
Although the prototype is impressive on its own, Mr. Hoshi says there is still room for improvement, especially in boosting the car�s torque and energy efficiency, as well as reducing the noise and vibration.
It is also interesting to note that Toyota is also working on a rare earths-free engine for its electric cars.
Source : celebritycombo.com