Modal Motors Targets Magnet-Free Designs to Bypass China’s Supply Chain Control

By Sean O'Kane · TechCrunch · 2026-09-23

TechCrunch reports that startup founder Michael Van Steenburg is launching Modal Motors to build electric drivetrains that function without rare-earth magnets. By ditching these materials, the company aims to establish a domestic manufacturing process that avoids the export restr

TechCrunch reports that startup founder Michael Van Steenburg is launching Modal Motors to build electric drivetrains that function without rare-earth magnets. By ditching these materials, the company aims to establish a domestic manufacturing process that avoids the export restr