SK innovation developing new lubricants to enhance EV mileage

Various lubricant samples tested at the 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 developing 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 percent battery charge. The purpose is to evaluate how much the lubricant improves mileage.

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

The lubricant in an EV is responsible for preventing the motor from overloading, while keeping the gears turning smoothly. Lubricants for internal combustion engines are divided into engine oil and gear oil. However, to develop lubricants for EVs, both motor 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, which represents an average annual growth rate of 29 percent. In response, SK innovation is working to develop lubricant products that meet the needs of its customers.