Shell offers a bespoke range of products for electric vehicles

The rise of hybrid and electric vehicles means the automotive industry is going through one of the most profound shifts in its history.
However, electric drivetrains still require lubricants – but special ones – because once added to the sealed environments in electrified vehicles, they need to perform at optimum levels throughout the vehicle’s lifetime. 
Shell says this is why its team has developed a bespoke range of fluids and greases for electrified drivetrains.
Electrification comes in different forms and requires a variety of lubricants:
• Hybrid Electric Vehicle (mild and full hybrid) (HEV): electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) harvesting energy while braking or coasting which is stored in a small battery and deployed by an electric motor mated to the gearbox to boost the ICE. Has a very short electric-only range, if any. Lubricants required: engine oil, gear/transmission fluid, and greases.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): still featuring an ICE, but with a larger battery which can be charged when plugged to the mains. If battery charge is low, vehicle is driven by the ICE. Mechanical drivetrain with engine, gearbox and differential, similar to HEV. Lubricants required: Engine Oil, Gear/Transmission Fluid and Greases (and potentially Thermal Fluids).
• Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): fully electric with large battery packs mounted low in the floor of the chassis. Electric engine(s) driving front or rear axle or both, usually without a gearbox. Lubricants required: Transmission Fluids, Thermal Fluids, Speciality Greases.
Shell explains that its product portfolio contains three product types delivering across a range of benefits, including performance, range, charging speed and battery life.
Shell Thermal Fluids are based on GTL base oils and are said to have excellent compatibility with wide range of construction materials. They can be used for direct immersive cooling of battery cells.
Shell E-Fluids are ready for future immersive direct cooling. They have been specially formulated with synthetic base oils and additive technology unique to Shell, with Shell stating they provide its OEM partners and customers with a solution that exceeds the future demand of the electric vehicle transmissions.
Shell explains that its E-Grease uses Shell’s novel thickener technology to exceed the latest electric vehicle grease requirements. Shell E-Grease E6 M has been developed according to requirements of OEMs and tested in Formula E.

For more information about these products, visit www.shell.com.au