How does a 170-year-old lubricants company stay relevant as the automotive industry hurtles toward electrification and new energy technologies? According to Julien Plet, Head of R&D at Motul, the answer lies in staying technology-agnostic while doubling down on sustainability and innovation.
Plet says that the French lubricants major is preparing for a multi-technology mobility future that includes electrification, hydrogen and advanced thermal management. The company is expanding beyond traditional lubricants into areas such as battery cooling technology for electric vehicles, while also exploring the potential of solid-state batteries and hydrogen for heavy-duty mobility.
Motul has also strengthened its global brand visibility through motorsport, recently partnering with McLaren Racing in Formula One. Nearly 70% of Motul’s emissions originate from the base oils used in its products.
To address this, the company has launched its NGEN range of lubricants made using re-refined base oils, which can deliver up to 40% lower CO₂ emissions compared with conventional virgin oils. In India, Motul has also begun using packaging with 30% recycled plastic.
While the brand remains dominant in the powersports segment, passenger vehicles represent a key growth focus in the coming years. On the technology front, Plet says thermal management will become critical for EV performance. Motul expects its EGEN battery cooling technology to reach mid-tier cars by around 2030. The company is also closely tracking solid-state battery developments, which could significantly reshape EV design and performance.
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