New STLE White Paper Outlines EV Advancements and Future Outlook

A new white paper from the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) compiles insights into recent advancements in electric vehicles as well as their future outlook. Entitled "Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility: Findings from the Inaugural STLE Conference on Electric Vehicles," the white paper is free for members and non-members alike. 

Included in the white paper is information collected during STLE's Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference which was held in November 2021. The event brought together industry experts who provided their perspectives on electric vehicles (EVs) and the changing requirements for lubricants used within them. 

Dr. Neil Canter of Chemical Solutions, STLE technical advisor and a member of the STLE EV Conference Planning Committee, prepared the white paper. “The revolutionary shift from internal combustion engine powered vehicles to BEVs has significant ramifications for producers of automotive lubricants, industrial lubricants and raw materials used in their manufacture,” said Canter in STLE's press release announcing the release of the white paper. “STLE is leading the charge for identifying the technical challenges and commercial opportunities related to EV technology.”        

The white paper covers a range of topics, some of which include: 

• thermal management
• bearings
• tribology and lubrication challenges
• electric vehicle testing. 

Vehicle electrification is expanding rapidly and will have impacts on many components and systems traditionally used. STLE states in the forward to the white paper it recognizes the rapid transition taking place and the need to provide information to the industry to help navigate the changes and challenges. 

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In particular, there will be impacts to lubricants and the materials used to make them as electric vehicles have different operating requirements. Among the factors cited in the white paper that will need to be taken into account for lubrication in EVs are cooling, anti-wear, bearing reliability, efficiency and material compatibility. 

STLE also notes in the introduction to its white paper changes will likely be necessary to industrial lubricants as well for the manufacture of electric vehicles and their components. 

Given the ongoing importance of electrification and its impacts on various design aspects, STLE will host a second edition of its Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference. The event is scheduled for Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2022 at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, Tex. Both virtual and in-person participation will be available for the various sessions and group discussions. 

Abstracts are currently being accepted for speakers; they are due by Aug. 15, 2022. Expected presentation topics will include: 

• EV hardware
• grease
• drivetrain efficiency
• testing requirements for EVs
• and EV lubricant formulation.