Evolving regulations and consumer trends will continue to drive the automotive industry to reduce CO2 emissions. This in turn will drive growth in the adoption of alternate powertrain vehicles such as BEVs, FCEVs, HEVs and PHEVs. Next-generation EV hardware designs aimed at maximizing energy efficiency are likely to require new, optimized, high performance, low viscosity fluids. Integrated electric drive units which combine an electric motor, power electronics and a gearbox will challenge lubricant formulators to deliver low viscosity fluids that balance traditional lubrication with electro-performance, material compatibility and thermal management (cooling). Therefore, base oil selection is a critical consideration when developing next-generation EV fluids.

Overview
Evolving regulations and consumer trends will continue to drive the automotive industry to reduce CO2 emissions. This in turn will drive growth in the adoption of alternate powertrain vehicles such as BEVs, FCEVs, HEVs and PHEVs. Next-generation EV hardware designs aimed at maximizing energy efficiency are likely to require new, optimized, high performance, low viscosity fluids. Integrated electric drive units which combine an electric motor, power electronics and a gearbox will challenge lubricant formulators to deliver low viscosity fluids that balance traditional lubrication with electro-performance, material compatibility and thermal management (cooling). Therefore, base oil selection is a critical consideration when developing next-generation EV fluids.
This presentation summarizes recent evaluations documenting benefits in energy efficiency, and other key EV fluid performance areas, made possible via a new low-viscosity/low-volatility polyalphaolefin (PAO) technology platform.
The results demonstrate that this novel base-stock technology can enable formulators to develop next-generation fluids with improved performance for EVs.
Key Takeaways
- Review why base oil selection is a critical consideration when developing next-generation EV fluids.
- Learn about the EV fluid performance benefits made possible via a new low-viscosity/low-volatility PAO technology platform.
- Discover how this novel base-stock technology can enable formulators to develop next-generation fluids with improved performance for EVs.
Speaker

McDonald joined the former Mobil Research & Development Company in 1990 after receiving his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Bucknell University. His initial assignments included proof-of-performance testing of U.S. Mobil 1 formulations, as well as working with the automakers to obtain approvals on Mobil 1 engine oils, in which capacity he secured the first major Mobil 1 factory-fill approval for Corvette. In 2020, McDonald took over the role of Global Technology Program Manager for EV and Driveline fluids and assumed his current role in 2023, where he serves as Synthetics Market Development Advisor for EV fluids in the ExxonMobil Product Solutions company.