Why it mattered
This period established the baseline from which EV fluid innovation emerged. It also explains why many EVs today still operate on ICE-derived fluids.

2016–2018 — Early Research on Conductivity and Electrified ATFs

What happened
Additive companies and lubricant formulators began publishing research on how electrical conductivity, additive polarity, and oxidation affect fluid behavior in electrified systems.

Technical context
Unlike ICE systems, EV power electronics operate at hundreds of volts. Research showed conductivity is influenced more by additive chemistry and aging than by base oil viscosity alone. Oxidation byproducts were found to significantly alter electrical behavior.

Why it mattered
This work laid the scientific foundation for later EV fluid design and highlighted the limitations of existing test standards.

Late 2018 — First EV-Marketed Lubricants Appear

What happened
Several major lubricant suppliers began marketing fluids explicitly for EVs and electrified drivetrains.

Technical context
Early EV fluids focused on:

• Lower viscosity to improve efficiency
• Enhanced thermal management
• Controlled electrical conductivity
• Compatibility with copper windings and new seal materials

These products were often reformulated versions of high-performance ICE lubricants.

Why it mattered
This marked the industry’s first acknowledgment that EVs would require differentiated fluids rather than adapted legacy products.

2020 — Independent Suppliers Launch EV Fluid Platforms

What happened
Independent lubricant suppliers such as Fuchs introduced dedicated EV fluid portfolios, including e-axle lubricants and thermal management fluids.

Technical context
These products emphasized:

• Shear stability under high torque
• Long service life
• Material compatibility with electrified drivetrains
• Reduced churning losses

Why it mattered
This expanded EV fluid development beyond oil majors and signaled growing commercial confidence in the segment.

2021 — Greases and Non-Oil Fluids Gain Attentio

What happened
Industry focus expanded beyond oils to greases used in bearings, seals, wheel ends, and auxiliary components in EVs.

Technical context
EV greases face:

• Higher rotational speeds
• Electrical exposure
• New materials
• Reduced noise tolerance

Grease specifications developed for ICE vehicles were increasingly seen as insufficient.

Why it mattered
This broadened the definition of “EV fluids” and highlighted gaps in existing standards.

2022–2023 — E-Driveline Fluids Become Central Topic

What happened
Industry conferences and trade reporting emphasized the need for bespoke e-driveline and reduction gearbox fluids.

Technical context
Electric drive units operate with:

• High instantaneous torque
• Mixed lubrication regimes
• Integrated motors and gears

Fluids must manage lubrication, cooling, and electrical performance simultaneously.

Why it mattered
OEMs increasingly demanded application-specific fluids rather than generic solutions.

2023 — PCMO Demand Impact Enters Strategic Planning

What happened
Trade analysis highlighted how EV growth would eventually erode passenger car motor oil demand, though unevenly by region.

Technical context
Extended drain intervals, higher-quality oils, and electrification combined to reduce volumes even where ICE vehicles persist.

Why it mattered
Lubricant suppliers began repositioning portfolios toward value, performance, and EV-adjacent fluids.

2024–2025 — Specifications and Standards Begin to Catch Up

What happened
Industry groups and standards bodies began formal work on hybrid and EV-related lubricant specifications.

Technical context
Hybrid oils must handle:

• Low-temperature operation
• Intermittent engine use
• Water and fuel dilution
• Electrical exposure

Formal standards lag product development but are now emerging.

Why it mattered
Specifications provide OEM confidence and accelerate adoption of new fluids.

2025 — Thermal Fluids Move Toward OEM Adoption

What happened
Manufacturers such as Shell published white papers and commercial materials on EV thermal fluids and immersion cooling.

Technical context
Advanced coolants aim to:

• Improve heat transfer
• Reduce density
• Extend service life
• Enhance efficiency and range

Some OEMs are testing immersion cooling for batteries and motors.

Why it mattered
Thermal fluids represent one of the largest future growth opportunities for lubricant suppliers in EVs.

Ongoing — Testing, Copper Compatibility, and R&D Expansion

What’s happening now
The industry continues to refine testing methods for:

• Electrical conductivity
• Copper corrosion
• Long-term fluid aging

Standard tests such as ASTM D130 are increasingly seen as insufficient for EV conditions.

Why it matters
Lubricant innovation is now tied directly to EV reliability, safety, and consumer acceptance.