Get connected to electric vehicle lubricant technology
Edward P. Salek, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report August 2022
A new STLE white paper on e-mobility is now available.
One of STLE’s strategic goals is to be recognized as the go-to resource for knowledge in lubrication and tribology. There’s no better example of that goal being put into action than a new white paper entitled Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility.
Published in May of this year, the 32-page publication captures findings from the inaugural STLE Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference held in November 2021. The conference included more than 20 speakers from leading companies and organizations with an interest in e-mobility. These speakers provided their unique perspectives to find common ground on the requirements for lubricants operating in electric vehicles (EVs).
The white paper was prepared by Dr. Neil Canter of Chemical Solutions, STLE technical advisor and a member of the STLE EV Conference Planning Committee. It summarizes the key findings and challenges discussed in the conference and includes as much information as possible from specific slides used by the speakers.
In the white paper introduction, Canter explains the significance of the shift to EV technology. “The movement from the global motor vehicle industry to develop battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as replacements for internal combustion engine powered vehicles has generated a revolutionary shift that has not been seen in over a century.”
“The ramifications for producers of automotive lubricants and raw materials used in their manufacture are and will be significant,” he continues. “EVs have different operating requirements where characteristics such as electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity must be addressed. What lubricant properties need to be evaluated to determine if a potential automotive fluid will be able to meet the performance requirements of EVs?”
Other factors also will be affected by the transition to BEVs, according to the white paper. For example, “The manufacturing process will involve the use of industrial lubricants needed to build such parts as the drivetrain and the car body. How will demand for industrial lubricants change?”
STLE members have the option of securing a free print or digital copy at
www.stle.org/EVWhitePaper. Nonmembers also can download a free digital copy. Postage charges will apply on nonmember print copy orders.
A second STLE Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, Texas (USA). This hybrid event offers both in-person and online registration options. The conference will continue STLE’s quest to lead the tribology and lubricants industry in exploring the technical challenges and commercial opportunities related to EV technology.
Conference registration will open in late August or early September. For more information, visit
www.stle.org/EVConference.
You can reach Certified Association Executive Ed Salek at esalek@stle.org.