Towards more efficient and sustainable mobility: a technical overview of the new lubrication needs in electrified powertrains
— News
The Evolution of Mobility and Emerging Lubrication Needs
The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation with the increasing adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles. These electrified powertrains present unique lubrication challenges, requiring innovative solutions to ensure optimal performance and long-term durability.
Challenges in Hybrid Powertrains
Hybrid vehicles combine internal combustion engines (ICEs) with electric motors, resulting in different operating cycles compared to traditional vehicles. Key challenges include:
- Lower operating temperatures: the intermittent use of the combustion engine leads to reduced operating temperatures, increasing the risk of water condensation and fuel dilution in the engine oil. These phenomena can cause emulsion formation and acidic deposits, raising the risk of corrosion and wear, as reported by Lubrizol.
- Frequent starts: the high number of cold starts at high power in hybrid vehicles places additional mechanical stress on components, requiring lubricants with excellent anti-wear properties. An analysis from Infineum Insight confirms this need.
Moreover, stop-start systems and the continuous switching between electric and mechanical drive require lubricants with enhanced oxidation resistance and thermal stability.
Requirements for Electric Vehicles
In fully electric vehicles, while the absence of an internal combustion engine eliminates some issues, new demands arise:
- Electrical compatibility: fluids must have appropriate insulating properties to prevent stray currents and ensure the safety of electrical components, as highlighted by Lubrizol.
- Thermal management: electric motors and batteries generate significant heat, so lubricants must facilitate effective thermal dissipation to maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevent overheating. This was one of the key topics addressed in Lubrizol’s technical webinar.
- Noise reduction and acoustic comfort: in the absence of engine noise, even slight mechanical sounds become noticeable. Lubricants must therefore help reduce noise in moving components.
Innovations in Lubricant Fluids
To meet these challenges, the lubricant industry is developing advanced solutions:
- Friction reduction: using low-viscosity oils helps minimize internal friction, improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Infineum Insight explores these developments in lubricant design.
- Compatibility with advanced materials: lubricants must be formulated to work with new materials and coatings used in electrified powertrain components, as discussed in another article from Infineum.
- Emulsion management: in hybrid engines, it is crucial for lubricants to have balanced emulsion stability, enabling effective water management and preventing the formation of white sludge, as explained in this technical insight.
- Advanced dielectric properties: in EV systems, lubricants must maintain high dielectric strength to electrically insulate active components and ensure operational safety.
- Sustainability and reduced environmental footprint: next-generation lubricants are increasingly based on biodegradable oils, with lower sulfur and phosphorus content and longer service life, reducing waste and emissions associated with disposal.
Iglom’s Approach
In this context of technological and regulatory change, Iglom closely monitors the evolving requirements of next-generation lubricants. While working exclusively to specifications provided by its Clients, the company makes a concrete contribution through:
- Rigorous quality control, to ensure products comply with the most stringent specifications.
- Constant updates to production processes, to maintain high standards of efficiency and safety.
- Ongoing collaboration with partners, to foster a cleaner, more reliable, and forward-looking industry.
- Monitoring of regulatory developments, to ensure proactive and responsible production management.
