Shell recently launched Shell E-Fluids to support battery electric (BEV) and fuel cell electric (FCEV) powertrains for commercial light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. Working with truck and bus manufacturers, the new fluids were co-engineered to meet the specific needs of different electric drivetrains.

Building on the launch of Shell E-Fluids for passenger vehicles last May, manufacturers of all electric vehicles will now benefit from the range of specialized Shell E-Fluids and E-Greases, according to the company.

“Once added to the sealed environments of BEV or FCEV commercial vehicles, the fluids need to perform at optimum levels over the vehicle’s lifetime; this is why first fill is so important for electric vehicles,” said Carlos Maurer, executive vice president, global commercial, at Shell.

Shell used its gas to liquid (GTL) base oil technology for the Shell E-fluids portfolio, highlighting its low viscosity properties that allow for higher efficiency in the vehicle’s powertrain. The lubricants research laboratories focused on creating fluid solutions to meet the specific electric drivetrain challenges of temperature control, oxidation, copper erosion, and thermal conductivity, according to Maurer.

The Shell E-Fluids consist of e-transmission fluids, e-greases, and battery thermal fluids.