Shell has unveiled a portfolio of E-fluids to support battery-electric and fuel cell electric powertrains.

The Shell E-Fluids for commercial vehicles include e-transmission fluids, e-greases, and battery thermal fluids.

Commercial vehicle manufacturers have largely needed to rely on fluids developed for internal combustion engines, Shell notes.

The specialized E-fluids promise outstanding oxidation stability, even at high temperatures, to help avoid oil changes.

Other changes include up to an eightfold drop in electrical conductivity when cooling the electric motor under typical operating conditions, compared to a conventional transmission fluid designed for heavy-duty internal combustion engines.

So too is there a threefold drop in copper erosion when compared to other e-mobility driveline fluids, thanks to lower sulfur content and optimized additives.

There’s also a 9% boost in thermal conductivity compared to other specialized e-mobility driveline fluids, supporting cooling for end windings on electric motors and gearbox lubrication, the supplier says.