Savant Labs Expand Testing Capabilities in EV Lubricants and Fluids

Midland, Michigan.  Savant Labs, an independent testing laboratory and research center, announced the expansion of its hybrid and electric vehicle (HEV and EV) testing capabilities for lubricating oils, fluids, and greases. The evolution of fully electric and hybrid transportation continues to evolve, and the same is true with the test methods and equipment for those critical areas of interest. 

 Many EV components are made from materials not typical in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle and there are different material compatibility requirements for EV fluids.  In addition, the EV powertrain has fewer moving parts and operates under conditions that are, in many ways, different than those of ICE vehicles. The fluid performance characteristics of electrical conductivity, thermal transfer, copper corrosion protection, and elastomer compatibility are key considerations.  Developing and testing lubricants and fluids engineered to meet the specific requirements for electric vehicles are critical to providing protection and assurance. 

 New Testing Capabilities  

Of concern are corrosion, deposits, and conductive deposits. Different EV drivetrain fluid formulations may have inherently varying corrosion rates producing conducting layer deposits in both solution and vapor phases. Conductive deposits form from the chemical reaction of the lubricating fluid and the copper at elevated temperatures under low voltage electrified conditions both in the fluid and at the vapor state. 

The Wire Corrosion Test (WCT), originally developed by Lubrizol, is a new test offered by Savant Labs. In agreement with The Lubrizol Corporation, Savant Labs are the sole source for this testing service in North America.   

 The WCT identifies corrosion and depletion of copper on a test wire in both fluid and vapor state. The WCT concept is to evaluate chemical reactions forming corrosion at temperatures compatible to actual performance. Oxidation and the ensuing chemical reaction on the copper wire can cause depletion of the motor winding in the EV powertrain. A sensitive wire resistance measurement method is utilized to provide a real-time assessment of copper loss due to corrosion. This test provides formulators a direct, quantitative measurement of this important attribute as opposed to current methods that attempt to infer this from visual inspection or copper concentrations in solution.

In addition, Conductive Deposit Test (CDT), equipment developed by Tannas Co.is now also available.

CDT is a unique test in that it identifies the formation of conductive bridging between tightly spaced conductors under an applied voltage. CDT emulates conditions where you have multiple conductors in close proximity in contact with lubricating fluids under potentially restricted flow conditions or condensed vapors. Motor windings are a good example.

 The CDT reveals destructive conductive deposits forming from the chemical reaction of the lubricating fluid and copper at elevated temperatures under low voltage, electrified conditions, both in the fluid and vapor state. The formation of conducting layer deposits, a corrosion product, has been identified as a failure mechanism for current electric motor designs. A measurement of resistance across a gap is used as an assessment of the deposit formation.  

 Both CDT and WCT tests are available at Savant Labs. 

EV Grease Testing for Gear and Bearings

The e-motor delivering power within the drivetrain provides full torque from the start and maintains it over a wide range of speeds. High torque and low-speed combinations place additional stress on drivetrain components, like the gear and bearings. ASTM International’s committee already has many lubricant-related standards in place that can be adapted to the electric vehicle market and spur its future growth. Savant Labs currently can perform many of these EV grease tests identified by ASTM.

Electric Drivetrain Fluids (EDF)

While there are currently no finalized standards for electric drivetrain fluids, there is an upcoming SAE instruction document (SAE J3200) under development with a focus on thermal and electrical conductivity, oxidation, and copper corrosion. “Our commitment to expand our testing capabilities and highly skilled workforce allows us to help our customers prepare for the future as they develop new EV fluids to meet the expanding EV industry requirements,” said Norm Kanar, Marketing & Sales Manager. “New challenges will arise to meet the demands for EV fluids and Savant Labs are here to assist with solving the more complex issues.”   The Savant Group continues to work with a consortium of companies to determine if more broadly applicable standardized tests can be developed in this area.

Contact Savant Labs to discuss our EV and HEV testing capabilities. For additional information, contact Norm Kanar, Marketing & Sales Manager, at nkanar@savantgroup.com or call + (989) 496-2301.

__________________________________________

About SAVANT GROUP

Established in 1969, the Savant Group is a consortium of internationally recognized companies providing innovative products and services to the lubrication, transportation, energy, and manufacturing industries. The multidisciplinary expertise provided by the Savant Group enables customers to evaluate performance, monitor quality, perform research, and develop solutions for the technical advancement of lubricants, fuel, fluids, and related products.

 Savant Labs (SavantLab.com) – An independent testing laboratory and research center specializing in standardized and custom-designed testing with a focus on data quality and interpretation, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

 Tannas (TannasKing.com) – Developer and manufacturer of advanced laboratory instruments for analyzing the properties and performance of fluids and materials.

 King Refrigeration (TannasKing.com) -- Manufacturer of low temperature laboratory instruments requiring development and application of advanced refrigeration design.

 Institute of Materials (InstituteofMaterials.com) – Publisher of the world's largest independent database of engine oil test data. Reliable, unbiased data is readily available on the physical, chemical and performance characteristics of engine oils collected from the worldwide marketplace. 

 Excell Manufacturing, Inc. (ExcellMfgInc.com) - A manufacturer of precision parts, offering CNC milling, turning, and boring of metals and plastics for use in premier instruments and equipment.