Shell launches e-fluids for electrified CVs

Shell-E-Fluids-700×400-min
(Click to enlarge.)(Click to enlarge.)

Shell extends its globally available specialized fluids portfolio, Shell E-Fluids, to support battery electric (BEV) as well as fuel cell electric (FCEV) powertrains for commercial light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

Shell works with truck and bus manufacturers to co-engineer bespoke fluids that meet the specific needs of their different electric drivetrains for their commercial vehicle models.

This extension to the portfolio builds on the successful launch of the Shell E-Fluids range for passenger vehicles in May 2019. With this expansion to the portfolio, manufacturers of all electric vehicles from passenger cars to vans to larger trucks and buses can now benefit from the extensive range of specialized Shell E-Fluids and E-Greases.

“Once added to the sealed environments of BEV or FCEV commercial vehicles, the fluids need to perform at optimum levels over the vehicle’s lifetime; this is why first fill is so important for electric vehicles,” says Carlos Maurer, executive vice president, global commercial, Shell.

“We have used Shell gas to liquid (GTL) base oil technology for the Shell E-fluids portfolio because its low viscosity properties allow for higher efficiency in the vehicle’s powertrain. Our lubricants research laboratories have focused on delivering cutting-edge fluid solutions to meet the specific electric drivetrain challenges of temperature control, oxidation, copper erosion and thermal conductivity,” Maurer says.

The commercial road transport sector, which delivers goods to shops and consumers’ homes as well as providing public transport, emits 8 percent of global energy-related CO2. The lead to decarbonize road freight is being driven by policy action in markets such as the EU, China, South Korea and Japan as well as voluntary action by corporations. Both BEV and FCEV solutions will have a role to play because the pathways and timelines for road freight decarbonization will vary by geography, sector and duty sector. Shell E-Fluids is one of the ways that Shell is partnering with the commercial vehicle sector to help deliver decarbonization pathways, the company says.

The Shell E-Fluids range for commercial vehicles consists of e-transmission fluids, e-greases and battery thermal fluids. To date, commercial vehicle manufacturers have had to predominantly rely on a range of fluids, which have been developed for internal combustion engines vehicles and do not deliver the necessary ultimate performance and efficiency for electric powered vehicles, the company says.

Learn how to move your used trucks faster
With unsold used inventory depreciating at a rate of more than 2% monthly, efficient inventory turnover is a must for dealers. Download this eBook to access proven strategies for selling used trucks faster.
Download
Used Truck Guide Cover