India revs up alternate EV motor tests as China curbs rare earths exports

FARIDABAD, India (Reuters) -In a 3,500 square foot laboratory in Faridabad, northern India, engineers are fast-tracking tests on an EV motor that could help alleviate one of New Delhi's most pressing trade and diplomatic challenges: its reliance on China for rare earths. Unlike regular EV motors, the one being tested by Sterling Gtake E-Mobility does not use rare-earth magnets - a technology that, while not new, is uncommon and could be transformative for the world's No. 3 car market that has been hit harder than most by China's export curbs on the critical minerals. "We want to be in commercial production as soon as possible," Sterling Managing Director Jaideep Wadhwa said.