Scandium Canada has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Windsor’s Center for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy (CHARGE) to evaluate aluminum-scandium alloy wire for electric vehicle (EV) traction-motor windings.
Researchers at the University of Windsor’s CHARGE Lab will evaluate aluminum-scandium alloy wire for use in EV traction-motor windings. Image: University of Windsor. (Image: University of Windsor)
The proposed research will compare the alloy with conventional copper conductors.
Testing is expected to examine whether aluminum-scandium wire can reduce conductor weight while meeting the electrical and mechanical requirements of traction motors.
Scandium Canada will develop and supply the wire samples. The university’s CHARGE Lab will lead electrical simulation and motor testing. The work will also examine wire-coating processes along with dielectric strength and heat resistance.
“CHARGE’s testing capabilities allow us to evaluate our Al-Sc wires under real electric motor conditions,” said Luc Duchesne, chief science officer of Scalium+. “Validating functionality, durability, and cost-effectiveness in this setting is exactly the kind of rigorous, application-driven work needed to move our alloys toward qualification.”
Copper remains the standard conductor for traction-motor windings because of its electrical conductivity. Aluminum offers lower weight, though it generally requires a larger conductor cross-section. The study will examine whether adding scandium can provide the strength and formability needed to manufacture motor windings.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Scandium Canada and Scalium+ to evaluate aluminum-scandium alloy wires in traction motor windings,” said Narayan Kar, founder and director of the CHARGE Lab. “The work speaks directly to the efficiency and range challenges the industry is working to solve.”
The MOU is an early-stage agreement. The partners still plan to develop formal research proposals and seek additional grant funding before advancing the testing program.
Filed Under: Electric Motor, Technology News