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as well as material compatibility. But despite the impending restrictions on internal combustion engines, the sector is still very much in its infancy. Whilst many of these E-fluids are currently used in factory fill, some are already coming to the aftermarket as electric vehicles age and require maintenance.
As with any new, developing market, industry knowledge of these products is still scarce. Tests and specifications are under development by the OEMs and technology providers to regulate this emerging market and protect end users. At the time of writing, there are no accepted market standards for EV fluids.
With end user knowledge still also developing, the need for accurate, useful data to inform product choices is more important than ever. VLS is watching the development of this area closely and will respond once specifications are in place and market standards are established to raise awareness within the industry and ensure products meet the claims made.
Increasing use of biofuel could also impact lubricants
Whilst the UK moved to E10 petrol fairly recently, other countries are already using E15, a mixture of 15% renewable ethanol in a litre of fuel. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) legally approved E15 in 2011. E15 is fully approved for use in cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, or other light-duty vehicles that were manufactured after the year 2000, accounting for the majority of vehicles on US roads.
In Brazil, bio-fuel content is even higher, with the mandatory blend allowed to vary nationwide between 18% to 25% ethanol. Will the UK consider E15 if efforts to increase the use of electric vehicles are delayed by the lack of charging infrastructure?
In operation, renewable ethanol mix in fuel can decrease the oil viscosity, whereas the acid number could increase as renewable ethanol is more reactive compared to traditional petrol or diesel, which enhances oil degradation and oxidation.
Two key issues can result from the increased use of biofuels, the lubricant could thicken as a result of oxidation which could reduce flow around the engine leading to increased wear, which might shorten the engine’s life. The use of biofuel could also increase
50 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.177 OCTOBER 2023
the level of carbon deposits arising from oxidation in the piston ring grooves, which could restrict the movement of the rings and increase friction and wear in the cylinders. Or it could cause higher levels of abrasion on the parts the piston rings come in contact with, leading to higher rates of component wear.
You only need to look back at the UK introduction of bio-diesel content in the mid-2000s to see what damage it can do if not fully evaluated for compatibility. This overnight change to introduce up to 5% biodiesel was catastrophic for some older vehicles, leading to accumulation in the sump and vehicle recalls. Less engine oil had to be used in order to allow for the accumulation to stop the engine from simply cutting out.
Any further increase in the renewable or bio-ethanol content of petrol or diesel in the UK may have a significant impact on lubricants. VLS will work closely with producers and OEMs to understand what the impact may be and any specification changes that might be required.
VLS is grateful to the members of the Technical Review Panel and their organisations for the support that they give. Our robust, anonymous process, managed by a team with the necessary expertise, is vital to the success of VLS. The team have been selected because of their skills and extensive knowledge in this highly complex area to adequately investigate products as well as work with named parties to assist them in taking the required action to bring products into compliance.
Members of the Technical Review Panel give their time freely and voluntarily for the benefit of the entire industry, to raise awareness and education throughout the sector and ensure that end users can have confidence that lubricant products really can deliver what they claim.
As our industry rises to the challenge of even greater change and complexity, their technical expertise will be even more valuable than ever to support lubricant blenders, manufacturers, and distributors and protect end users.
https://ukla-vls.org.uk/
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