EV LUBRICANTS
Global players such as Shell and ExxonMobil
have been quick to move, even if it’s hard to see
how they can expect to enjoy the same returns
that the ICE has provided them with for such
a long time. These companies have to innovate,
and in the growing EV market there is now
demand for thermal fl uids used for e-motor
cooling, along with the direct cooling of
e-motor windings, inverter cooling and battery
thermal management. Electric engines also
require supplementary e-motor bearing
lubrication, not to mention more conventional
greases for wheels and steering.
In that respect the signs are good for
companies such as Lubrizol and Afton
Chemical, petroleum additive suppliers whose
main customers are the oil companies and
OEMs. Adam Banks, e-mobility marketing
manager, from Afton Chemical believes the
company is set to benefi t from
the fact that it is one of only four additive
companies in the world, yet he adds that
the cost of developing new products places
the lubricant industry second only to the
pharmaceutical industry.
“It’s an evolution rather than a revolution,”
says Banks. “The development time cycle for a
transmission means decisions are being made
now for, say, launches for 2021/2022, which is
maybe when we start to see a tipping point in
sales for hybrid and electric vehicles.
“For hybrids, the transmission is where the
electrical and mechanical power combine,” he
adds. “One of the big challenges is heat, which
we need to make sure we’re managing properly
and protecting the lubricants so that they don’t
degrade over time.
“Another characteristic of the lubricant we
need to get right is the protection of materials
“Next-generation electrified
designs will bring a more
challenging environment
for the lubricant”
Xavier Branquet, global lead, OEM Group, Lubrizol
60 // January 2020 // www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com
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