EV traction motor and permanent magnet study

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.

Private equity firm

Uncertainty regarding the long-term impact of alternative e-motor technologies on permanent magnet demand and supply.

Contribution icon 1

ADI benchmarked PSM, IM, and EESM performance, quantifying the system-level cost benefits of high-efficiency magnet motors.

Contribution icon 2

Analysis of the rare earth value chain revealed a critical metallization capacity gap outside of Chinese control.

Contribution icon 3

Primary research through ~20 interviews identified OEM preferences for localized supply and technical support consistency.

Contribution icon 4

Evaluation of established and niche magnet producers based on technical know-how, IP access, and manufacturing track records.

  • 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.
Ed Davis VP, White Deer Energy

Industry experience

Critical minerals supply risk assessment

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 […]

Critical minerals disruption scenario analysis

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 […]

Mining chemicals market and M&A analysis

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 […]

Direct lithium extraction technology assessment

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 […]

Global coal demand and trade flow analysis

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 […]

Lithium-ion battery materials market strategy

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 […]

More insights

News Icon News

Utility capital projects & 2026 energy trends

Utility capital projects are facing mounting delays and cost pressures in 2026, even as AI-driven demand fuels record capex. Meanwhile, the upstream oil and gas market is stabilizing around a normalizing shale cost curve, bulk liquid storage operators are shifting toward capability-driven growth, and the energy transition is exposing critical minerals bottlenecks that are pushing […]

Article Icon Article

U.S. refining capacity is gradually consolidating into larger, more complex facilities

U.S. refining capacity shows limited overall growth, but the structure of the system is shifting. Expansions at large, complex refineries are driving changes on the supply side, while smaller plants face cost and operational constraints that are forcing exits. This is steadily concentrating capacity in fewer, more sophisticated facilities. Key drivers capacity consolidation: Geographic concentration […]

Multi-client studies Icon Multi-client studies

Record utility spending meets project reality

U.S. utilities are entering the largest capital deployment cycle in their history, with total spending projected to reach roughly $1.4 trillion through 2030 and annual capex growing at double-digit rates. The single biggest driver behind this surge is the rapid growth in AI and data centers. Hyperscale facilities are significantly increasing load demand, often on […]