The challenge of lubricants for sustainable versatility

The world of lubricants continues to develop products aligned with electrification, both for 100% electric and hybrid vehicles, without forgetting that solutions for internal combustion models are still necessary. To shed more light on this trend, AutoRevista has been able to gather the opinions of GALP and Klüber Lubrication. Article published in AutoRevista 2.398.

GALP believes that the transition to vehicles that use alternative energies, such as hybrids, electric or bi-fuels such as HVO, has an impact, since they require the use of lubricants appropriate to their characteristics.

“Although EVs do not require engine oil, they do need lubricants for certain parts, such as bearings, gears, steering systems and brakes. These lubricants require special properties, such as greater electrical conductivity, better heat dissipation and compatibility with materials. Hybrid vehicles will be involved in this transition, which will continue to include combustion engines. It will be in this type of vehicle that the technological evolution of lubricants will take place, which will have to reconcile the properties required by a combustion engine with the properties required by a medium in which batteries are involved. In addition to greater electrical conductivity and lower heat dissipation, one of the challenges in the development of these lubricants is their compatibility with the different materials involved in the described media. Even so, there will continue to be a circulating fleet of vehicles with combustion engines for many years. These will require technologically advanced lubricants, which allow longer oil change intervals, with low viscosities and fuel-saving properties, thus contributing positively to the decarbonisation process,” the company says. 

On the other hand, and in terms of how they are adapting to European regulations and the requirements of car and component manufacturers, they say: “The regulations set out the formulation of products, manufacturing processes, waste management, business practices… with the aim of developing more sustainable products that comply with environmental regulations and ensure proper waste management. The standards and specifications established by car manufacturers for lubricant certification reflect technological advances and the specificities of their equipment and also take into account legislation relating to the environmental impact of exhaust gas emissions. The development of high-quality, low-viscosity lubricants, for example, reduces internal resistance and friction in the engine, which leads to greater efficiency and lower fuel consumption. On the other hand, providing advice and lubricant management services to companies helps to optimise the use of lubricants and minimise waste, as well as investment in research and development of advanced lubricants. Despite the challenges and costs associated with them, these regulations help to boost innovation and competitiveness, directing efforts towards a more sustainable future,” they point out.

In relation to the opportunities that could be generated, according to GALP, with the arrival of Chinese car manufacturers, the regulations establish the formulation of products, manufacturing processes, waste management or commercial practices, with the aim of developing more sustainable products that comply with environmental regulations and ensure proper waste management. “The standards and specifications established by car manufacturers for the certification of lubricants reflect technological advances and the specificities of their equipment and also take into account legislation relating to the environmental impact of exhaust gas emissions. The development of high-quality, low-viscosity lubricants, for example, reduces internal resistance and friction in the engine, which leads to greater efficiency and lower fuel consumption. On the other hand, providing advice and lubricant management services to companies helps to optimize the use of lubricants and minimize waste, as well as investment in research and development of advanced lubricants. Despite the challenges and costs associated, these regulations help to boost innovation and competitiveness, directing efforts towards a more sustainable future,” they say.

Finally, in relation to the synergies that could be generated with other sectors in the field of sustainable lubricants, they point out: "There are opportunities for synergies within our sector, such as the supply of biodegradable and highly durable lubricants for mills, for maritime, air, rail transport, logistics fleets or in agriculture. Our current offer includes products for the various sectors of activity: automotive/industry, marine, off-road, with more sustainable characteristics, such as lubricants formulated with high-quality bases and additives that increase oil change intervals and guarantee greater protection of the equipment (increasing its useful life), as well as lubricants with low viscosities that save fuel and biodegradable lubricants. We also take special care when choosing additives, striving to select additives that have the least impact on human health. As regards packaging, actions have also been implemented to promote the circular economy, such as the collection and reuse of pallets and the selection of packaging with a lower environmental impact, that is, the use, whenever possible, of packaging that incorporates recycled material (among others).”

High efficiency and low friction

For his part, Enric Medrano, Automotive Market Manager at Klüber Lubrication, indicates that at Klüber Lubrication they develop high-performance greases and oils for electric vehicles, focusing on reducing friction and wear, improving the durability of key components such as bearings, gears and transmission systems. “Our greases for e-mobility stand out, which minimize noise in e-axles and improve efficiency in gearboxes. For combustion engines, we optimize low-friction and biodegradable synthetic lubricants, complying with Euro 7 and reducing emissions.” 

Regarding the regulations and requirements of manufacturers, he assures: We anticipate regulations such as Euro 7 and REACH with PFAS-free lubricants and sustainable formulations that maximize energy efficiency. We develop greases with long service life and low friction, reducing mechanical losses and energy consumption in power trains. We collaborate with OEMs and Tier 1/2 suppliers to adapt our solutions to the requirements of electrification, sustainability and extreme performance. In terms of opportunities linked to the arrival of Chinese car manufacturers, he highlights that “Chinese car manufacturers, especially in the electric segment, require innovative and competitive solutions. Klüber can offer lubricants specialized in actuators, high-speed bearings and ADAS systems, where friction, wear and noise are critical. Its focus on innovation and costs drives demand for high-performance and sustainable solutions, creating opportunities for technological synergies with European suppliers”.

“Our experience in high-efficiency and low-friction greases for EVs is applied in sectors such as railways, optimizing bearings and gears, and wind energy, improving the reliability of wind turbines. In robotics and industrial machinery, our solutions for electric motors and gearboxes reduce energy consumption, while increasing reliability and durability. In addition, in micro mobility (e-bikes, electric scooters), our lubricants reduce wear and noise, maximizing efficiency and sustainability,” Medrano concludes in relation to the synergies that could be generated with other sectors in the field of sustainable lubricants.

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