The rapidly evolving automotive industry
The news is full of new electric and hybrid concepts from vehicle manufacturers. At the same time, we are hearing how cities want to ban diesel vehicles on their streets in the not too distant future. These are clear signs that the industry is changing, challenging our ideas of technology, lubrication – and also mobility. Yes, these are certainly exciting times.
DRIVERLESS VEHICLES – COMING SOON TO A TOWN NEAR YOU
In tandem with developments on the electric car market, the actual concept of mobility is being redefined. The technology for driverless, or autonomous, vehicles is expected to make a broad breakthrough in the near future. There are several reasons why things are developing at such a fast pace. One of the driving forces is the fact that mobility can lead to lower environmental impact, i.e. when mobility is sold as a service, rather than people owning their own cars.
NEW TECHNOLOGY – NEW LUBRICATION
One key issue for us at FUCHS, of course, is what lubrication in tomorrow’s vehicles will be like. Completely electrically powered vehicles require a new kind of lubricant. Here are some of the challenges we’re working on right now:
- Brand new requirements are being placed on gear oils, coolants and greases, partly because they now come into contact with electrical modules, sensors and circuits and can therefore be affected by electrical current and electromagnetic fields.
- The lubricants must also be compatible with everything from copper wires and electrical modules to special plastics and insulation materials. Consequently, the lubricants need to be more highly specialised to work in these environments.
- Electric vehicle motors emit a lot of heat, which needs to be led away from the electrical module. Here, effective cooling concepts will be increasingly important.
So clearly, there’s a lot going on at FUCHS. If you’d like to find out more about this exciting area – click here – to read an in-depth interview with my colleague, Markus Garb. He’s the global manager for Product Management Automotive at FUCHS, and has a unique insight into the latest developments in the automotive industry.
This might also interest you?
Oil specifications – put the pieces in the right place
ACEA, API and OEM requirements. It’s all about oil specifications. In other words, requirements that are important, but sometimes perceived as awkward. But it is possible to meet these requirements, while also simplifying handling and saving costs. The key to success is to put the pieces in the right place!
Did you know…? About vehicle lubrication
Being thin has its advantages, at least it does when it comes to engine oils. In this text we share our thoughts about thin oils, but also about lubricating heavy vehicles in general. Read on to find out about reduced wear, lower fuel consumption and a ‘heated garage in a can’.
All blog posts
Subscribe
Only available in Danish.
Smart Lubrication
Smart Lubrication is a blog from FUCHS where we share our common knowledge about lubricants and lubrication.