A Japanese startup has developed a motor for electric vehicles that requires no rare-earth elements. The global auto industry is keen to substitute rare earths. Most of the materials are supplied by China, whose exports could be disrupted by a future trade war under Trump. The venture, Next Core Technologies, showed off its motor at CES, one of the world's largest tech fairs, held earlier this month in Las Vegas. It drew plenty of interest from visitors. The prototype contains no terbium or dysprosium. These elements are used in high-performance EV motors for heat resistance. Next Core Technologies says it applied its own metal refining and processing skills to prevent overheating. The Kyoto-based venture also says the motor uses far less electricity than conventional types.