According to Iowa State University, where some of the work is being carried out, one aspect of the research is to create better materials for motor components. To that end, the team is looking to make stator cores -- a static, magnetic part --  from a new electrical steel that has double the silicon content of what’s available today.

The higher silicon content ultimately reduces eddy currents, heat and power loss. But it also makes the steel brittle, not to mention more expensive to make, the university said.  

Researchers are looking at ways to make that steel more ductile as well as ways to lower its cost.

"The fundamental drive for this project is that we want more cost-effective and efficient electric motors," said Iowa State University materials science and engineering professor Jun Cui, who is leading the project.

"In about 10 years, if we're lucky, we should see a real impact of this work,” he said.

You can read more about the project here.