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Modal Motors is trying to cut China out of electric motors entirely
Modal Motors aims to eliminate reliance on China for electric motor manufacturing by avoiding rare-earth magnets. Founder Michael Van Steenburg believes this approach is essential as China restricts access to these materials. With innovative designs for drones and electric motors, he seeks to lead a shift in U.S. manufacturing, countering practices that merely recreate existing Chinese technologies.
Key points
- Modal Motors is founded by Michael Van Steenburg, aiming to build electric motors in the U.S. without rare-earth magnets.
- Van Steenburg argues that other U.S. companies are just reshoring Chinese motor designs rather than innovating.
- The startup plans to showcase two products: a drone motor and a unique 'Hybrid Enigma Drive'.
- Van Steenburg reflects on his past involvement with a hybrid drivetrain for China, highlighting a significant shift in global supply dynamics.
Why it matters
- The move aligns with the growing trend of reshoring and the U.S. government's focus on strengthening domestic manufacturing.
- Other industries are also investigating independence from Chinese supply chains due to geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions.
- As of 2025, the trend toward reducing dependency on rare-earth materials is becoming prominent in tech sectors, driven by supply chain vulnerabilities.
Modal Motors represents a proactive shift in U.S. manufacturing, aiming to innovate beyond existing Chinese technologies and reduce susceptibility to geopolitical risks, which could reshape the electric motor industry.