Researchers from the **Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)** have created an **innovative electric motor** that eliminates the need for **copper or aluminum coils**, thanks to the use of **carbon nanotubes (CNT)** and a new wiring technology called **Core-Sheath Composite Electrical Cables (CSCEC)**.
These cables, only 0.3 mm thick including insulation, are **lightweight and flexible**, with the potential to **completely replace copper in small electric motors**.
## How the technology works
The **Lyotropic Liquid Crystal-Assisted Surface Texturing (LAST)** process allows to:
– Organize carbon nanotubes efficiently.
– Remove metallic impurities without destroying the one-dimensional structure.
– Increase electrical conductivity by 130%, reducing the motor’s weight.
This development led to the creation of a **functional motor without copper**, capable of powering a **toy car** with **2-3V and 3.5W of power**, demonstrating its viability as a proof of concept.
## Impact on electric mobility
Currently, a **Tesla Model S** has a **front motor weighing 31.8 kg** and a **rear motor weighing 36.3 kg**, of which approximately **25% is copper**.
If **CSCEC cables** were incorporated, the total weight of the motors could be **reduced from 68 kg to 52.2 kg**, optimizing **energy efficiency**.
The reduction in motor weight would result in: lower rotational inertia and better acceleration. Reduction in mechanical losses, more compact cooling systems, and **increased battery range**.
## Pending challenges for implementation
Despite the progress, there are still **technical and economic limitations** that need to be addressed:
– **Lower electrical conductivity** of carbon nanotubes (7.7 MS/m compared to copper’s 59 MS/m).
– **High manufacturing cost** of CSCEC cables (375-500 USD/kg compared to 10-11 USD/kg for copper).
– **Complete redesign of motors and electrical systems** required to integrate this technology.
– **Energy-intensive manufacturing process**, still using aggressive chemicals like chlorosulfonic acid.
## Ecological potential and future of development
Although facing challenges, this technology promises **significant environmental benefits**:
– **Reduced dependence on copper and aluminum**, reducing mining impacts.
– **Lighter motors**, optimizing energy consumption in electric vehicles, drones, and eVTOLs.
– **Decrease in battery demand**, prolonging their lifespan and reducing the use of critical materials.
– **Flexibility in electrical system design**, improving motor architecture.
– **Clean CNT production potential**, crucial to scale this innovation.
## A revolution in electric mobility and energy efficiency
The use of **carbon nanotubes** in electric motors could transform the **design and performance of transportation systems**, reducing the environmental footprint and improving energy efficiency.
If scientists manage to overcome **conductivity, cost, and manufacturing barriers**, this technology could become a **cornerstone of sustainable mobility** in the coming years.
