Innovation SK developing new lubricants to improve the mileage of electric vehicles

Various lubricant samples tested at SK Innovation’s environmental science and technology research center in Daejeon [Photo provided by SK innovation]

SK enmove Co., a lubricant developer under SK innovation Co., is focusing on the development of lubricants to increase the energy efficiency of electric vehicles.

The company’s environmental science and technology research center located in Daejeon last week tested a new lubricant sample using Hyundai Motor Co.’s Ioniq 5 model. A robot was placed in the driver’s seat of the vehicle with a 100% battery charge. The purpose is to evaluate how much the lubricant improves mileage.

“It’s expensive to develop high-performance batteries for electric vehicles,” said Kim Hak-mook, project leader for SK Innovation’s electrification technology task. “We’re focusing on the fact that differentiating lubricants can make a big difference in range.”

The lubricant in an electric vehicle is responsible for preventing the motor from being overloaded, while also keeping the gears turning smoothly. Lubricants for internal combustion engines are divided into engine oil and gear oil. However, to develop lubricants for electric vehicles, both engine cooling and gear friction reduction functions must be tested.

According to market research firm BIS Research, the global electric vehicle lubricants market is expected to reach $17.4 billion by 2031, representing an average annual growth rate of 29 percent. In response, SK Innovation works to develop lubricant products that meet the needs of its customers.

By Jung You-jung and Minu Kim

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