Scandium Canada has signed a non-exclusive memorandum of understanding with the University of Windsor’s Center for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy (CHARGE) to explore the potential use of aluminum-scandium (Al-Sc) alloy wire as a winding material for EV traction motors. The two intend to develop a research project that assesses the functionality, durability, practicality and cost-effectiveness of Al-Sc wire in traction motor applications.
Under the agreement, Scandium Canada will develop and produce the Al-Sc alloy wire for evaluation and supply the wire specifications. CHARGE will lead the electrical simulation, the motor segment and system testing, and the development of a wire coating process.
Both parties will take part in benchmarking the wire against established copper wire materials and in the physical, mechanical and specialized testing, including dielectric strength and heat resistance. The proposed research would measure Al-Sc wire against the demands of electric traction motors, a segment where conductor weight, heat resistance and mechanical performance bear directly on motor efficiency and vehicle range.
Marketable outcomes that prove viable will be commercialized through Scalium+, formerly Ferreol Technologies, Scandium Canada’s wholly owned commercialization subsidiary for Al-Sc alloys.
“This collaboration puts our R&D infrastructure on aluminum-scandium alloys directly in front of one of North America’s leading electric powertrain teams. It is a concrete step toward technical and commercial validation of our aluminum-scandium wire concept for powertrains, and it advances on the strength of the science, independent of the Crater Lake mine timeline,” said Félix Lapointe, CEO of Scalium+.
“Preliminary results tell a consistent story. Copper is the reference conductor in electric motors, but it is heavy. Aluminum delivers comparable conductance at roughly half the weight. Minor additions of scandium to aluminum alloys significantly increase their strength, and the alloy remains malleable enough to draw into wire and form into windings,” said Mark S. Kozdras, Strategic Advisor to Scandium Canada.
Source: Scandium Canada
