Electric vehicle drivetrains present unique challenges for lubricant formulations, with copper windings, power electronics, and high-voltage environments creating conditions where conventional lubricants can fail. Testing shows that electrical discharge through bearings can generate localized temperatures exceeding 2000°C, while copper components exposed to sulfur-containing additives show corrosion rates 300% higher than with zinc-based formulations. These conditions demand lubricants that balance electrical resistivity (>10^8 ohm-cm at 120°C) with sufficient wear protection and thermal stability.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing formulations that provide sufficient corrosion protection and bearing lubrication while maintaining the electrical resistivity needed in high-voltage environments.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including phosphorylated dispersants with zinc-free formulations, tetrahydrobenzotriazole compounds for enhanced anti-corrosion properties, sulfur-free detergents paired with phosphorus antiwear agents, and bearing corrosion suppression apparatus using series-connected capacitors. These and other approaches enable lubricant engineers to address the competing requirements of electrical compatibility and mechanical protection in modern electric drivetrains.

1. Lubricating Composition with Phosphorylated Dispersant and Zinc-Free Formulation for Enhanced Electrical Resistivity

CHEVRON ORONITE COMPANY LLC, 2025

Lubricating composition for electric vehicles with improved electrical resistivity and antiwear properties, comprising a major amount of lubricating oil and about 1.0-5.0 wt.% of a phosphorylated dispersant derived from a bis-succinimide and dialkyl dithiophosphoric acid, wherein the composition is substantially free of zinc and exhibits a volume resistivity of 10^8 ohm-cm or greater at 120°C.

WO2025122836A1-patent-drawing

2. Apparatus for Mitigating Electric Corrosion in Bearings Using Series-Connected Capacitors, Resistors, and Inductors

SUZHOU INOVANCE AUTOMOTIVE CO LTD, 2025

Reducing electric corrosion and extending bearing life in electric vehicles by suppressing voltage and current spikes on the motor shaft. An apparatus with capacitors, resistors, and inductors is connected in series between the shaft and ground. This reduces common mode voltage on the bearing inner/outer rings to prevent electric discharge damage. It also suppresses shaft currents to mitigate bearing wear. The apparatus has multiple capacitors, resistors, and inductors connected in series to adjust voltage division, phase/amplitude, and charge release.

3. Electric Driving System with Bearing Corrosion Suppression Apparatus Incorporating Series-Connected Capacitance, Resistance, and Reactance Modules

SUZHOU INOVANCE AUTOMOTIVE CO LTD, 2025

An electric driving system for new energy vehicles that suppresses bearing corrosion caused by high-frequency loop currents. The system includes a motor controller, a motor, and a decelerator, with a bearing corrosion suppression apparatus connected to the motor shaft. The apparatus comprises a capacitance module, a first resistance module, and a reactance module connected in series, with the output end grounded. The apparatus can be installed at the motor, motor controller, or decelerator, and can be integrated with the position sensor wire. The system suppresses common mode voltages and high-frequency loop currents that cause bearing corrosion, extending the service life of the bearings.

4. Lubricating Oil Composition with Sulfur-Based Additives and Phosphorus Compounds for Electric Vehicle Transmissions

CHEVRON JAPAN LTD, 2025

Lubricating oil composition for electric vehicle transmissions that balances wear protection with good copper corrosion resistance, sufficient volume resistivity, and good hot surface deposit control. The composition contains a sulfur-based additive with a thiadiazole and a sulfurized polyolefin, along with phosphorus-containing anti-wear additives. The sulfur-based additive provides wear protection and helps prevent corrosion. The phosphorus additives provide wear protection without contributing to corrosion. The oil also has specific viscosity and volume resistivity ranges.

US2025109350A1-patent-drawing

5. Lubricant Composition with Low-Viscosity Base Oil and Friction Modifier for Hybrid Vehicle Engines

TOTALENERGIES ONETECH, 2025

Lubricant composition for engines in hybrid vehicles with rechargeable batteries or range extenders. The lubricant has lower viscosities at cold temperatures compared to conventional oils. It contains a friction modifier, viscosity index improver polymer, and specific base oil properties. The lubricant has KV40 and KV100 kinematic viscosities below 20 mm^2/s and 5 mm^2/s respectively, and 10-85% Noack volatility at 250°C. This allows better lubrication and reduced friction at lower engine temperatures commonly seen in hybrid vehicles.

US12247178B2-patent-drawing

6. Tetrahydrobenzotriazole Compound Integration in Lubricant and Coolant Compositions

BASF SE, 2025

A tetrahydrobenzotriazole compound is used to improve anti-corrosion properties of lubricants and coolants in electric vehicle propulsion systems. The compound, which is commercially available, is added to the lubricant or coolant in an amount of 0.001-1.0 wt% to enhance corrosion protection of the system's mechanical components.

7. Low-Ash Lubricating Oil Composition with Acyclic Hydrocarbyl Corrosion Inhibitor

AFTON CHEMICAL CORP, 2024

Low-ash lubricating oil compositions with improved corrosion and emulsion stability, comprising a base oil with a total calculated sulfated ash of 0.5 wt% or less, and an acyclic corrosion inhibitor with a C6 or greater hydrocarbyl chain, substantially free of imine, imide, amidine structural units or hydroxy derivatives thereof. The lubricating oil composition exhibits a stable emulsion at 0°C and/or 25°C and no steel corrosion in humidity corrosion testing.

US12146115B2-patent-drawing

8. Lubricant Additive Compositions with Nitrogen or Sulfur Derivatives for Electric Vehicle Drivelines

CHEVRON ORONITE CO, 2024

Lubricant additive compositions and lubricating oil compositions for electric vehicles, comprising a nitrogen- or sulfur-containing additive or derivative thereof, which provides enhanced protection against wear, friction, and fatigue in electric drivelines. The additive is present in an amount of 0.001-1.5 wt. % based on the total weight of the lubricating oil composition.

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9. Electric Vehicle Transmission Fluid with Oxidation Inhibitors and Anti-Wear Additives for Yellow Metal Compatibility

VGP IPCO LLC, 2024

Electric vehicle transmission fluid formulation designed to meet the unique demands of EV drive systems, providing improved lubrication, wear protection, and compatibility with yellow metals and electrical components. The formulation includes oxidation inhibitors, anti-wear additives, and copper corrosion protection, while maintaining low electrical conductivity and thermal stability. The fluid is engineered to withstand extreme power and torque fluctuations, and is designed to be compatible with a wide range of EV transmission materials.

10. Lubricating Composition with Sulfur-Free Detergent and Phosphorus Antiwear Agent for Electric Vehicle Drivelines

THE LUBRIZOL CORP, 2024

Lubricating composition for electric vehicle drivelines, comprising a lubricating oil, a dispersant, corrosion inhibitor, phosphorus antiwear agent, antioxidant, and a sulfur-free detergent, specifically designed for compatibility with both electric motor components and traditional combustion engine gear reduction units.

11. Grease Composition with Carboxylic Acid Salt-Based Corrosion Inhibitor and Alkenyl Succinic Acid Half Ester

KYODO YUSHI CO LTD, NSK LTD, 2024

A grease composition for vehicular hub unit bearings that balances low torque and excellent durability. The composition comprises a base oil, a thickener, and additives including a carboxylic acid salt-based corrosion inhibitor, an alkenyl succinic acid half ester, and a fatty acid amine salt. The grease exhibits low bearing torque, excellent water resistance, and corrosion prevention, making it suitable for electric vehicle hub unit bearings.

US2024263099A1-patent-drawing

12. Lubricating Composition with Thiadiazole and Tris-Aryl Phosphite for Enhanced Load Capacity and Copper Corrosion Resistance

AFTON CHEMICAL CORP, 2024

Lubricating compositions for transmissions, axles, tractors, and industrial gears that achieve desired load carrying capacity while improving copper corrosion performance. The compositions include a base oil, at least 0.35 wt% of a thiadiazole additive, and a specific type of tris-aryl phosphite compound with a defined ratio of para-position to ortho-position substitution. This combination enables the lubricant to meet performance requirements for extreme pressure, antiwear, and friction while preventing copper corrosion.

EP4407016A1-patent-drawing

13. Lubricating Fluid Composition with Succinimide Dispersant and Additive System for Electric Motor Systems

AFTON CHEMICAL CORP, 2024

A lubricating fluid for electric motor systems in hybrid and electric vehicles, comprising a base oil of lubricating viscosity, a high molecular weight succinimide dispersant, an amine salt of a phosphoric acid ester, an ashless dialkyl dithiophosphate, and a sulfur-providing additive. The fluid has a kinematic viscosity of 4.5 cSt or less, 150-250 ppm total phosphorus, and an electrical conductivity of 37 nS/m or less. The succinimide dispersant is derived from a polyisobutylene with a number average molecular weight of 2000 or greater, and is post-treated with a phosphorus and boron containing compound.

US12043817B1-patent-drawing

14. Diversified development of anti-corrosion materials: A review

Yuzhao Yang, Rui Zhu, Chengxiang Wang - GSC Online Press, 2024

In recent years, with the development of productivity, the update and iteration of anti-corrosion technology is also advancing rapidly. The innovations of anti-corrosion materials, anti-corrosion technologies, and anti-corrosion mechanisms are emerging in an endless stream. They use different ways to make anti-corrosion stronger, more convenient, and more environmentally friendly. This review summarizes the new discoveries in the field of anti-corrosion in recent years according to different characteristics. These include traditional coatings and corrosion inhibitors that apply new materials; adding nanofillers to the gaps in the coating to prepare new multifunctional coatings; obtaining super-hydrophobic surfaces after special treatment of the coating surface; and discovering the corrosion inhibition effect of bacterial biofilms, and even anti-corrosion coatings suitable for UV preparation. In addition to introducing and analyzing their anti-corrosion methods, the characteristics and application fields of various methods are briefly evaluated. Finally, based on the current developme... Read More

15. Lubricating Oil Composition with High Transmittance and Specific Kinetic Viscosity for Electric Vehicle Thermal Management Circuits

IDEMITSU KOSAN CO, 2024

Lubricating oil composition for electric vehicle systems that circulates through a circuit connecting a battery, motor, and transaxle, providing thermal management and insulation properties. The composition has a high transmittance of 90% or more and a kinetic viscosity of 1.0-2.2 mm2/s at 100°C. The composition is used in a circulation system that controls temperatures of the battery, motor, and transaxle through a network of paths and valves.

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16. Lubricant Composition with PAG, PAO, and Ester Base Oil Blend and Sulfur-Based Extreme Pressure Agent

IDEMITSU KOSAN CO, 2024

A lubricant composition for electric motors in electric or hybrid vehicles, comprising a base oil blend of polyalkylene glycol (PAG), poly-alpha-olefin (PAO), and ester, with an additive package containing a sulfur-based extreme pressure agent. The PAG provides thermal stability and low viscosity, while the PAO and ester enhance solubility and compatibility with the extreme pressure agent. The composition is optimized for electric motor applications, avoiding additives commonly used in conventional lubricants that can degrade performance.

17. Metal Alkylcarboxylate Compound as Corrosion Inhibitor for Ionic Liquids

IDEMITSU KOSAN CO LTD, 2024

A corrosion inhibitor for ionic liquids that maintains stability in high-temperature environments, atmospheric environments, and vacuum environments. The inhibitor is a metal alkylcarboxylate compound with a cation structure similar to ionic liquids, which provides solubility and corrosion resistance in ionic liquids. The compound can be used in lubricant compositions for space instruments, enabling long-term operation in extreme environments while preventing metal corrosion.

18. Lubricating Oil Composition with Mineral Base Oil and Fluorine Compound

IDEMITSU KOSAN CO LTD, 2024

A lubricating oil composition for electric vehicle cooling systems, comprising a base oil and a fluorine compound, where the base oil is a mineral oil with a 40°C kinematic viscosity of 1-25 mm²/s, and the fluorine compound content is 3-30% by weight. The composition provides both lubricity and cooling performance, enabling efficient heat management in electric vehicle systems.

US11946013B2-patent-drawing

19. Lubricating Fluid Composition with Succinimide Dispersant, Sulfur-Providing Additive, and Detergent System for Electric Motor Systems

AFTON CHEMICAL CORP, 2024

A lubricating fluid for electric motor systems in hybrid and electric vehicles, comprising a lubricating oil and additives, including a succinimide dispersant, a sulfur-providing additive, and a detergent system, that provides improved wear protection, oxidative stability, and electrical conductivity while maintaining low viscosity. The fluid is formulated with a specific combination of additives that balance antiwear, friction, and corrosion performance while minimizing electrical conductivity.

US11939551B1-patent-drawing

20. Lubricating Composition with Bio-Based Decarboxylated Rosin Acid Oil and Base Oil

KRATON POLYMERS NEDERLAND BV, 2024

A lubricating composition for electric and hybrid vehicles, comprising a bio-based oil derived from decarboxylated rosin acid, a base oil, and optional additives. The bio-based oil exhibits improved wear prevention, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity properties, while maintaining compatibility with conventional lubricant additives. The composition can be used in various applications, including engine oils, gear oils, hydraulic fluids, and transmission fluids, and demonstrates enhanced performance in electric and hybrid vehicles.

21. Transmission Fluid Composition with Phosphorus-Containing Compound and Calcium Salicylate Detergent

22. Lubricating Fluid Composition with Low-Viscosity Synthetic Oil and Borated Succinimide for Electric Drives

23. Lubricant Fluid with Biodegradable Ester Base Oils and Additive Package for Electric Vehicle Transmissions

24. Thermal and electrical properties of electric vehicle fluids

25. Glycerol-based lubricants for electric vehicles

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