Everyone knows that hybrid vehicles are key in lowering our environmental impact. Most consumers, however, probably don't realize that electric motors employ rare earth metals like neodymium and dysprosium. In order to continue the production of class-leading hybrid models like the Toyota Prius without using up Mother Nature's precious materials, Toyota has been developing a new kind of electric motor.

Lighter and more efficient than current hybrid powerplant offerings, the revolutionary induction-type motors would not require the use of precious-metal-filled magnet strips. This is essential considering that Toyota employs a significantly large portion of the industry's earth metal usage. To give you an example, the Prius battery contains over 20-lbs of the rare element lanthanum in addition to the amount of neodymium and dysprosium used in the motor's current magnet.

While the above facts might initially leave hybrid-lovers and tree-huggers a bit bummed out, O'Brien Toyota assures you that Toyota is doing everything it can to help avoid this situation. Already, company officials say that the alternative-motor research and development is in highly advanced stages. John Hanson, Toyota spokesman, also notes that the automaker is considering the issue as a whole and thinking ahead to future problems that might arise. He says, "It's a long-term approach. When you're looking at a geopolitical issue like rare-earth supply, that can lead to developments that create very good solutions."¹

We don't know about you, but O'Brien Toyota feels good knowing that our favorite automaker is dedicated to looking out for the environment. Whether it's creating entirely unique new Toyota models or adapting parts used in current ones, the automaker always seems to stay one step ahead of the game. To learn more about this latest initiative, feel free to stop by 2550 North Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46219 and ask any one of our team members.

Source: ¹http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-14/toyota-readying-electric-motors-that-don-t-use-rare-earths.html