Commercial Vehicle eMobility –lubrication solutions

Driving efficiency

The ability of dedicated electrified transmission fluid (ETF) to drive efficiency gains is already well documented. This both via enhanced cooling of the eMotor and improved mechanical efficiency. These gains may be used either to increase power output and performance or to deliver cost savings by allowing a reduction in battery size.

Learnings from passenger car electrification suggest that direct cooling for eMotors and multispeed eAxle solutions are likely to be adopted much earlier along the eCV development timeline because the share of battery cost in a vehicle is so large. In many cases cooling will be managed by the ETF, although in others specialised eMotor coolants may be used instead.

Other technical advances are imminent, so Afton is staying ahead through relevant research and partnerships. Immersion-cooled battery modules and direct-cooled charging stations that can support the higher power outputs and fast charging demanded by eCV applications are already on the horizon.

CV-specific work to understand EVs at CV scale and their specific needs is a topic of current research. This will help to understand how to transfer learning to real world performance.

Lubricant strategy

For many years yet, eCV will be primarily an OEM business and will be informed by developments in passenger car lubricants. Whichever electrification solutions are pursued beyond 2030, long-term equipment reliability – often with extended drain intervals – will be a crucial feature that advanced lubricant technology will have to deliver.

Afton continues collaborating with OEMs to develop technology for all eCV applications including ETF and eMotor coolants. The intent is to build-in flexibility, by working with oil company partners to maximise advanced base oils that will help to future-proof eCV lubrication.

In turn, TCO-focused CV operators will benefit from the combination of improved efficiency and reduced downtime, gaining value that far outweighs the cost of the latest high performance e-fluids.

While the hardware decisions and oil specifications being determined by OEMs now will not significantly impact the service fluid market until after mass adoption of eCVs, now is the time to prepare: a mutual focus on efficiency will deliver benefits for all participants at every stage of this journey.

Afton is committed to deliver short-term performance needs by offering technology to help our customer develop and market products that improve fuel economy. Whilst eCV continues to eVolve, Afton continues to ensure that our technology is also moving into the efficient future!

© 2022. Afton Chemical Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU). 10/22. The information in this bulletin is, to our best knowledge, sure and accurate, but all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee since the conditions of use are beyond our control. Afton Chemical Corporation and its affiliates disclaim any liability incurred in connection with the use of these data or suggestions. Furthermore, nothing contained herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any product in conflict with existing patents covering any material or its use.