The first standard specification for EV fluids by TotalEnergies Lubrifiants

TotalEnergies Lubrifiants is introducing the first specification for electric drive system (EDS) oils.

In 2019, TotalEnergies Lubrifiants introduced Quartz EV Fluids, the world’s first ranges of fluids dedicated to hybrid and electric vehicles. These pioneering and highly innovative products were designed to meet the specific requirements of these vehicles and associated electrical, thermal and frictional constraints.

TotalEnergies EV Fluids also meet the needs of car manufacturers and support them in developing efficient hybrid and electric vehicles, while maintaining them in optimum operating conditions throughout their service life. Three years later, TotalEnergies Lubrifiants went one step further by introducing the very first immersion cooling technology for hybrid and electric vehicles. Today, it confirms its pioneering stance by elaborating the first specifications for electric drive system (EDS) oils.

A comprehensive specification…

At present, there are no standardized specifications for EDS oils, as there are for conventional transmission oils. TotalEnergies Lubrifiants is therefore bringing its expertise in the products and technologies required for these types of vehicles a step further, with the creation of a set of specifications dedicated to EV fluids. Thanks to the experts and testing resources of its R&D center , including state-of-the-art simulation, TotalEnergies Lubrifiants has mobilized its know-how to offer this new performance standard, an industry first for electric vehicles, designed to provide essential support for car and parts manufacturers.

…developed through laboratory testing

TotalEnergies EV specifications were developed on the basis of laboratory research and rigorous, in-depth tests. The very comprehensive specifications were made possible after extensive testing under real-life conditions to ensure that all key application parameters have been investigated: viscosity, oxidation, corrosion, durability, efficiency, electrical and thermal properties, material compatibility…

The different stages of the methodological development process are:

  • Laboratory testing (chemistry properties identification, corrosion and oxidation tests)
  • Tribological testing (mechanical contact, friction, fatigue test)
  • Component testing (friction and durability in gears and bearings)
  • System testing (efficiency, performance and durability of transmissions and electric motors)
  • Vehicle testing (mileage accumulation in vehicles)

This first-ever EV fluids specifications were made possible by a comprehensive selection and validation procedure. Based on an extensive technical expertise in fluids, this methodological development process guarantees the compatibility of materials, protection properties of EV fluids and their reliability. The process notably included the creation of several benches: a standardized efficiency bench to classify oils and select the best one and a durability bench based on vehicle tests to considerably reduce durability validation time, while maintaining good correlation with actual vehicle operating conditions.

Pascal Correia, Director of Technology & Product Engineering at TotalEnergies Lubrifiants said: “The new specification is designed to ensure that TotalEnergies EV Fluids deliver exceptional performance when faced with the challenges specific to electric applications. It demonstrates once again TotalEnergies Lubrifiants’ pioneering role in the advancement of electric vehicles and its commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies for these vehicles, as well as its commitment to supporting car manufacturers with innovative, tailored solutions and tools. “

Nicolas Bord, R&D Program Manager – High Performance Fluids- at TotalEnergies OneTech said : “The Solaize Research Center is proud to have contributed to this new specification, supporting the development of innovative products and solutions for tomorrow’s electric mobility. This major milestone is contributing to TotalEnergies’s ambitions towards environmentally friendly energy transition.