30 April 2026
Water-based lubricants can make electric cars more energy efficient
New research at Luleå University of Technology shows that water-based lubricants can reduce energy losses in electric vehicle gearboxes and improve efficiency. The technology can increase efficiency by at least 1.5 percent, contributing to longer driving range and more sustainable transport.
As electric vehicles become more widespread, the demand for efficient energy use is increasing. One important component is the gearbox, where friction and heat generation lead to energy losses. Today oil-based lubricants are commonly used but they are fossil based and have limitations in both cooling performance and efficiency.
In his doctoral thesis, Mushfiq Hasan, Doctoral Student in Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology, has investigated how water-based lubricants can be used in electric vehicle gearboxes.
“We show that water-based lubricants can reduce both friction and heat generation. This improves system efficiency and can contribute to longer driving range,” says Mushfiq Hasan.
Lower friction and improved cooling
The study shows that water-based lubricants have several properties that differ from traditional oils. They can transfer heat more efficiently, and their properties can be tailored to specific applications.
In tests, the lubricants demonstrated very low friction, in some cases approaching superlubricity, meaning that energy losses due to friction are significantly reduced.
“The combination of low friction and advantageous thermal properties allows us to reduce both energy losses and thermal load in the gearbox,” says Mushfiq Hasan.
Mushfiq Hasan, doctoral student in machine elements at Luleå University of Technology.
Tested in real systems
The laboratory results were confirmed in full-scale tests of electric vehicle gearboxes together with Volvo Cars. These showed that water-based lubricants can reduce power losses and improve efficiency by approximately 1.5 percent.
Durability has also been studied, focusing on the interaction between mechanical wear and chemical processes in aqueous environments.
“The results show that water-based lubricants have prospect as a sustainable alternative to conventional oil-based lubricants in certain applications. At the same time, advanced formulation development is needed to address challenges such as wear and water evaporation issues,” says Mushfiq Hasan.
Contact
Mushfiq Hasan
- Doctoral student
- 0920-491387
- mushfiq.hasan@ltu.se
- Mushfiq Hasan
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