Shell India has launched a new range of fluids specifically designed to work in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). According to the lubricant major, these e-transmission fluids, e-thermal fluids and e-greases will make battery EVs perform better and be more efficient.

Like regular vehicles, battery EVs need fluids to operate. According to Shell, current lubricants, which have been developed for internal combustion engines, generally fall short of meeting the performance requirements of high-tech EV powertrains. 

Recognising the growing demand for EVs, particularly in developed markets, Shell says it continues to explore how to cater to the world’s increasing number of EV drivers. The company has been working closely with automotive and component manufacturers to engineer these ‘first fill’ fluids that effectively and efficiently meet a broad range of battery EV performance requirements. These products are targeted at the growing number of automotive manufacturers who are building EVs.

According to Mansi Tripathy, Country Head, Shell Lubricants India, “We at Shell are dedicated to the government’s vision towards the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the nation. EVs are the new face of the Indian automotive sector and are crucial to the evolving mobility space. We are proud to innovate new e-fluid technologies and collaborate with industry partners towards enabling emission-free e-mobility providing accessible fluid solutions for electric vehicles.”

“Electric mobility is one of the solutions that will help meet growing demand for transport in a lower-carbon world.  From power generation, to charging and now with our new range of specialised e-fluids, Shell is serving the needs of an increasing number of EV drivers,” said Huibert Vigeveno, executive vice-president of Global Commercial at Shell.

“Shell Lubricants provide the ultimate protection no matter what car you drive.  Our new e-fluids are the result of significant investment in R&D, partnering with car manufacturers around the world to improve vehicle performance, extend their range and increase their lifespan.”

“Shell’s e-fluids have been designed by specialised lubricant scientists based in Hamburg and Shanghai to optimise the performance of EVs and deal with these challenges. E-fluids will help battery EVs reduce their lifecycle emissions and extend their lifespans due to their ultra-low viscosity properties which increase vehicles efficiency, and outstanding ageing properties which exceeds conventional oils. Shell has also produced a range of fluids, Shell Helix Hybrid, which are designed to work specifically with hybrid vehicles,” added Vigeveno.

Mahindra & Mahindra, which has the first-mover advantage in the EV market in India, not surprisingly, is one of Shell’s partners. Commenting on the partnership,  Hemant Sikka, president – CPO, Powerol & Spares Business of Mahindra & Mahindra, said: “Like many other countries, India is currently undergoing a transformation of the electric vehicle industry and at Mahindra, we have been at the forefront of this movement. Through the partnership with Shell, this brings together two leaders with strong technology capabilities and shared passion for providing a great driving experience for our customers and a sustainable future of generations to come. The launch of Shell e-fluids and e-greases is a necessary step towards strengthening the electric mobility segment by enhancing the performance and lifespan of EVs. We are convinced that such initiatives will help drive forward the future of mobility”.

EVs are expected to play an increasingly important role in transporting people and products globally. With the growth of EVs at currently 40-50 percent per year, and with the International Energy Agency anticipating that, by 2040, there may be 280 million EVs on the road.

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