Ziehl-Abegg, known for its fans and elevator drives, claims to be the first company in the world to have succeeded in developing an electric elevator synchronous machine without rare earth magnets – while maintaining the same high performance. The use of an innovative motor design is intended to strengthen technological independence and ensure stable production in the long term – regardless of geopolitical risks or export restrictions.

The new elevator machine with ferrite magnets does not require any critical raw materials such as neodymium or dysprosium, which were previously considered indispensable for high-performance drives due to their power density. These so-called rare earths come almost exclusively from China, which has recently tightened export conditions massively. “We have not only solved a technological problem, but also a strategic one,” explains Joachim Ley, CEO of Ziehl-Abegg.

Despite dispensing with high-performance magnets made of rare earths, the new motor achieves identical performance data – and that with the same dimensions. This is a significant step forward, particularly for high-torque applications in the elevator sector, which place high demands on smooth running and energy efficiency. This was made possible by Ziehl-Abegg's in-depth expertise in the development of electric machines. A patent application has already been filed.

The new size 200 elevator motor will be presented to an international audience of experts for the first time at this year's Interlift in Nuremberg. Expansion to other sizes is planned for 2026. With this, Ziehl-Abegg once again aims to prove its pioneering role in the field of electric drive technology. “And we are safeguarding our production against shortages due to a lack of rare earth magnets,” emphasizes company boss Ley.

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