17-year-old designed an electric motor that could enable manufacturing of electric vehicles that do not require rare-earth magnets. "The highschooler had heard of a type of electric motor -- the synchronous reluctance motor -- that doesn't use these rare-earth materials. This kind of motor is currently used for pumps and fans, but it isn't powerful enough by itself to be used in an electric vehicle. So, Robert Sansone started brainstorming ways he could improve its performance."

"Over the course of a year, Sansone created a prototype of a novel synchronous reluctance motor that had greater rotational force -- or torque -- and efficiency than existing ones. The prototype was made from 3D printed plastic, copper wires and a steel rotor and tested using a variety of meters to measure power and a laser tachometer to determine the motor's rotational speed. His work earned him first prize, and $75,000 in winnings, at this year's Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the largest international high school STEM competition."

This 17-year-old designed a motor that could potentially transform the electric car industry

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