Water-based lubricants in electric vehicles face significant technical challenges with thermal stability and electrical properties. Current EV lubricants must maintain low electrical conductivity (typically below 50 nS/m) while providing thermal protection across operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to above 150°C in motor bearings. Field measurements show conventional WBLs experience up to 75% viscosity reduction under high-frequency electrical fields typical in EV powertrains.

The core engineering challenge lies in creating water-based formulations that simultaneously provide electrical insulation, thermal conductivity, and boundary lubrication without the metallic additives that compromise electric component performance.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including aqueous lubricants with graphite and specialized dispersants, bio-based formulations utilizing decarboxylated rosin acids, glycerol-hypericin combinations, and polyalkylene glycol blends with targeted sulfur additives. These and other approaches address the practical requirements of modern EV propulsion systems while maintaining compatibility with the electrical and thermal demands of high-performance electric drivetrains.

Innovations in Lubricants

Properties