ILMA Compoundings - May 2021 - 12

INDUSTRY RUNDOWN

EV Challenges and
Opportunities for
Lubricant Manufacturers
General Motors Co. is projecting to have a zero tailpipe
emission lineup by 2035, and Jaguar Land Rover expects
its entire portfolio to be electric by 2025. Ford Motor Co.
is doubling its electric vehicle (EV) investment by 2025.
Moves like these certainly impact the lubricants industry,
but it's not the end of the automotive world - far from it.
Some might say it is an opportunity.
Like their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts,
EVs still require several lubricants, fluids and greases. While
EVs and ICE vehicles' performance requirements have
some similarities, there are substantial differences that need
specialized fluids and analysis.
One big difference in EVs is the gear oil. EVs do not have
a transmission, but they do have a gearbox containing gear
reducers. Those reducers run better when they are kept cool
because cold temperatures increase conductivity, allowing
the motor to deliver more torque.
TestOil President Mary Messuti told the Daily Herald
Media Group, " Electric vehicles do require lubrication on
many fronts. In fact, friction reduction, which extends time
between charges, is even more important in these vehicles
than it is in ICE vehicles. The fluid performance attributes of
electrical conductivity, thermal transfer, copper corrosion protection and elastomer compatibility are key considerations. "

Both gear oils and coolants for EVs
require a significant amount of
additive chemistry - greater than
ICE vehicles, according to TestOil.
The unique materials that make up the EV motor, such
as copper, laminates and insulation, must also be considered.
Many EVs contain rare earth elements, including tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold and cobalt.

MAY 2021

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Per TestOil, the rare earth components are both critical
and expensive. Therefore, identifying wear particles in the
fluid early on, while the parts can still be saved and before
damage to the vehicle occurs, is very important.
Both gear oils and coolants for EVs require a significant
amount of additive chemistry - greater than ICE vehicles,
according to TestOil. Without much historical data on EV
fluids and their rate of additive depletion, promises of long
life and performance are just that - promises.
The gearbox is not the only place EVs need specialized
lubricants. Thermal management fluids for the battery and
power electronics are in development to support fast charging
and strong acceleration to increase range and ensure safety.
What do tribologists see as significant considerations for
EVs? According to a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers survey, among the top issues that lubricant
manufacturers need to solve are low-friction and low-noise
bearing greases and synthetic gear oils, and developing fluids
compatible with the different materials in EVs.
But the most cited problems were related to electricity
itself. Lubricant molecules can be affected by electric or static
current. The question scientists and engineers must answer is
how a lubricant should resist this phenomenon.
Electric engine components also generate heat issues
during peak usage and rapid shutdown. Combined with
electric and magnetic field compatibility and fire hazards
from static electricity discharge inside the oil system, this
could create a deadly problem.
However, it's important to remember that there will be no
sudden flip of the switch in 2035. Perhaps gasoline-powered
cars will no longer roll off assembly lines, but they will still
be on the road. The person who bought a new Ford truck
today might want to get a good 20 years out of it. If so, the
owner will be replacing and refreshing the fluids regularly
well past 2035.

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ILMA Compoundings - May 2021

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