Grease Performance Requirements and Future Perspectives for Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Applications

Electric vehicle sales are growing globally in response to the move towards a greener environment and reduction greenhouse gas emissions. As any machine, grease lubricants will play significant role component life of these new power plants drivetrains. In this paper, lubrication electric vehicles (EVs) hybrid (HVs) be discussed terms performance requirements. Comparisons EVs HVs for requirements current internal combustion engines (ICEs) reviewed contrast major differences under different operating conditions. The conditions demanding. Greases formulated manufactured meet specific specifications HVs, which operate within electrification components, reviewed. Specifically, thermal electrified effects from higher temperatures electromagnetic fields on lubricant degradation, rheology, elastomer compatibility, corrosion protection need evaluated accurately HV. between conventional ICEVs can grouped into following technical areas: energy efficiency, noise, vibration, harshness (NVH), presence electrical modules, sensors circuits, bearing lubrication. Additional considerations include heat transfer, seals, protection, materials’ compatibility. authors review future development trends EVs/HVs driveline management influence selection gear oils, coolants, greases as they contact with sensors, circuits affected by fields. increasing parts demand bearings other remaining mechanical components. Thus, it is imperative that specialized should explored applications ensure maximum friction, wear, guarantee longevity automobile. Low-viscosity used achieve improvements efficiency. However, low-viscosity fluids reduce film thickness application. This reduced increases temperature reduces calculated fatigue bearings. Bearing components even more crucial original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) specify fluids. application premium using leverage materials, geometries, surface topography combat impact lubricants. addition, create their own NVH challenges. Wind road noise prominent, no masking ICE. Increasing comfort, quality, reliability issues complicated introduction powertrain E-driveline subsystems. paper elaborates industrial test standard specified electrical/hybrid