The 17-year-old who could transform electric cars forever—his groundbreaking motor ditches rare earth magnets

A Young Inventor Steals the Show

Robert Sansone is hardly your average high school student. At 17, he clinched first prize at the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair—considered the top global competition for students in the science and technology arena. Not only did Robert secure the prestigious title, but he also walked away with a check for $75,000, a clear sign that the scientific community is buzzing about his latest creation.

The Motor That Could Change Everything

What’s so special about Robert’s invention? He’s designed a type of synchronous reluctance motor that ditches permanent magnets altogether. These kinds of motors have been around for a while, mostly powering pumps and ventilation systems, but nobody had ever successfully adapted them for electric vehicles—until now. Sansone’s prototype manages to boost torque by 39% compared to conventional models, all while eliminating the need for rare and expensive materials, whose extraction takes a heavy environmental toll.

Cutting Costs, Saving the Planet

Getting rid of rare earth metals would mean lower production costs and less reliance on industrial powerhouses like China (currently the main exporter of such materials). For the auto industry, this would mark a giant leap toward a supply chain that’s both more sustainable and less at risk from shifting geopolitics. In other words: fewer headaches, more green cars, and a less fragile market.

• 39% torque increase over standard motors
• No need for rare earth metals, which are tough on both budgets and the planet
• Lower costs and reduced dependence on dominant suppliers
• A greener, more stable supply chain for the automotive sector

Passion, Perseverance, and a 3D Printer

This achievement didn’t come out of nowhere. Sansone spent a full year bringing his prototype to life, using a 3D printer, copper, and a steel rotor. But Robert’s innovation streak goes way back. At just 17, he’s already built more than 60 personal projects, from a robotic hand to a go-kart capable of reaching 110 km/h (that’s about 68 mph, for those thinking in miles). His interest in motors started years ago, as he raised concerns about the widespread use of magnets in electric engines.

Innovation: Not Just for the Big Players

Robert Sansone’s story is living proof that innovation doesn’t always need sprawling labs or million-dollar budgets. Sometimes, all it takes is curiosity, persistence, and a knack for tinkering. Should his motor make it to widespread development and industrial production, it could become a true game-changer for the electric vehicle industry—with tangible benefits for both the economy and our environment.