ADI analyzed the North American addressable market for permanent magnets, evaluating the technical dominance of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PSM) over induction and externally excited synchronous motors (EESM) alternatives. The work mapped the rare earth supply chain to identify metallization gaps and localized sourcing risks for major automotive OEMs.
The client
Private equity firm
The situation
Uncertainty regarding the long-term impact of alternative e-motor technologies on permanent magnet demand and supply.
ADI’s contributions
E-motor technology deep-dive
ADI benchmarked PSM, IM, and EESM performance, quantifying the system-level cost benefits of high-efficiency magnet motors.
Supply chain risk mapping
Analysis of the rare earth value chain revealed a critical metallization capacity gap outside of Chinese control.
OEM procurement strategy
Primary research through ~20 interviews identified OEM preferences for localized supply and technical support consistency.
Competitive landscape assessment
Evaluation of established and niche magnet producers based on technical know-how, IP access, and manufacturing track records.
Key outcomes
Validated the long-term preference for permanent magnet motors and secured localized supply chain strategies.
Client Results
ADI was a very responsive and thoughtful partner. They brought significant domain expertise and knowledge to the table, which really helped me become a more thoughtful investor in this market.
ADI assessed supply‑chain exposure by mapping industrial materials to underlying critical minerals using asset‑level mining and refining data. Geographic concentration, fungibility, and business consequence were applied to narrow priority risks. The analysis addressed constraints on substitution and short‑term mitigation under geopolitical uncertainty. The client Integrated energy company The situation Limited visibility into mineral supply exposure […]
ADI developed disruption scenarios for priority critical minerals covering access risk, price volatility, and cost pass‑through. Scenario probability and impact were evaluated using policy signals, historical precedents, and supply concentration indicators. Trade‑offs between near‑term mitigation and longer‑term structural options were assessed. The client Integrated energy company The situation Exposure to policy‑driven supply disruptions ADI’s contributions […]
ADI conducted a global assessment of mining chemicals demand tied to ore degradation, processing pathways, and energy‑transition metal demand. The work translated ore production, flotation routes, and reagent dosage rates into mineral‑level market sizing through 2030 while testing sensitivity to commoditization and regulatory pressure. ADI evaluated trade‑offs between volume growth and pricing erosion to support […]
ADI evaluated direct lithium extraction routes across adsorption, ion‑exchange, and solvent‑based systems using performance and cost considerations. Pilot‑scale maturity, brine characteristics, and downstream integration constraints were assessed against U.S. policy incentives. Trade‑offs between recovery efficiency and scalability were explicitly tested. The client Energy technology developer The situation Commercial readiness of DLE pathways unclear ADI’s contributions […]
ADI analyzed metallurgical and thermal coal demand using industrial activity, steelmaking technology, and power‑generation economics. Regional import dependence and trade flows were evaluated across demand scenarios. Downside risk from fuel substitution and policy intervention was explicitly tested. The client North American coal miner The situation High uncertainty in long‑term coal demand ADI’s contributions Demand driver […]
ADI evaluated the global lithium-ion battery (LIB) value chain, emphasizing technical and economic requirements for cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes. The analysis contrast the rapid adoption of LFP chemistries against NCM and emerging sodium-ion alternatives while modeling cost curves across major manufacturing hubs. Operational constraints, including raw material price volatility and grid-scale storage demands, were assessed […]
Democrats won control of the House and the Senate on November 3 and flipped the governorships of Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Nevada, and Iowa. Energy was a central issue in many of these races, particularly the cost of electricity and the growth of data centers. Power prices have risen in many states in recent years. Data […]
In the November 2026 edition of the ADI Newsletter, ADI examines the implications of EQT’s acquisition of Range Resources and what the deal could mean for natural gas markets in Appalachia and at the Henry Hub. The newsletter also explores the growing role of oil and gas capabilities in supporting the energy transition, from geothermal […]
As ADI discussed recently in Trends shaping the U.S. midstream outlook, rising LNG exports, growing power demand from AI data centers, and continued oil and gas production growth are driving a new wave of midstream investment. Much of the industry’s recent focus has been on relieving Permian gas takeaway constraints through projects such as Kinder Morgan’s […]