(Photo: © Ziehl-Abegg)
March 2026
According to the company, Ziehl-Abegg is the first company worldwide to succeed in developing a high-performance synchronous lift motor that operates entirely without rare earth magnets – without compromising on power output.
Use of this innovative motor design strengthened technological independence and ensured long-term production stability, regardless of geopolitical risks or export restrictions, the company pointed out.
The new lift motor with ferrite magnets, eliminates the need for critical raw materials such as neodymium and dysprosium, which have traditionally been considered indispensable for high-performance drives due to their power density. These so-called rare earth elements are sourced almost exclusively from China, which has recently tightened its export regulations significantly.
"We’ve solved not only a technological challenge but also a strategic one," explained Joachim Ley (in the picture above), CEO of Ziehl-Abegg.
Despite foregoing rare earth high-performance magnets, the new motor delivered identical performance – all within the same dimensions, according to the press release. This marked a major advancement, particularly for high-torque lift applications where smooth operation and energy efficiency were critical, Ziehl-Abegg emphasised. A patent application had already been filed.
The new size 200 lift motor was unveiled to an international professional audience at the interlift 2025 trade fair in Nuremberg. Series expansion to include additional sizes was scheduled for 2026."We are safeguarding our production from potential disruptions caused by shortages of rare earth magnets," CEO Ley stressed.
More informations: ziehl-abegg.com
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