Afton Chemical’s ETF technology platform leads the way for the future of EV performance and reliability

Electric vehicles (EVs) have moved beyond the prototype stage and are now a global force, with production scaling up to meet growing consumer demand. The drive toward global climate goals—most notably the Paris Climate Agreement's aim to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels—has additionally positioned EVs as a crucial solution in reducing emissions, increasing demand and urgency to scale.

For OEMs and electric transmission fluid (ETF) manufacturers, this rapid shift isn’t just about keeping up—it's about delivering more efficient, cost-effective, and profitable solutions. OEMs face mounting pressure to innovate and stay competitive, especially in China, where the market is growing, and new players are driving prices down while pushing performance standards up.

OEMs are focused on optimizing Electric Drive Units (EDUs) for better efficiency through higher motor speeds, increased voltage, and smaller designs. But achieving this without compromising durability—especially when it comes to lubrication—is the key challenge.

 

Balancing the scale between efficiency and durability

When it comes to enhancing the efficiency of electric vehicle transmissions, one key area of exploration is reducing the viscosity of transmission fluids. Lower viscosity fluids offer attractive benefits: less churning loss and better cooling, which translate into reduced power loss and, ultimately, greater efficiency. However, like all engineering solutions, it comes with trade-offs—it can also compromise the components it is meant to protect, such as gears, bearings, and other critical parts. Lower viscosity often results in thinner protective films, which can lead to increased volatility, reduced durability, and inadequate gear and bearing protection.

Here’s the conundrum: how do you get the efficiency boost of a low-viscosity fluid without sacrificing the durability and reliability that are essential in high-performance EDUs? The answer lies in additives. The right additives can counterbalance the drawbacks of lower viscosity, enhancing hardware protection, reducing wear, and improving traction properties.

But this is where things get more complex. OEMs don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to hardware design. Different manufacturers have different requirements, making it essential to find an additive platform versatile enough to support a variety of design specifications without compromising performance. This is where Afton Chemical’s ETF technology platform stands out. With extensive experience collaborating with multiple OEMs, Afton has developed an ETF solution that offers the flexibility needed for diverse applications, meeting both the manufacturers' needs and the formulation design requirements of oil companies. Our platform answers the call for efficiency, reliability, and innovation in one adaptable product.

One of our most rigorous tests involved an OEM A, evaluating an EDU equipped with our ETF platform. This test was conducted under severe in-house conditions to simulate the equivalent of 1 million kilometers of driving. The goal was to assess the platform’s durability in extreme scenarios. Even under these extreme conditions, Afton Chemical’s technology platform enabled the EDU’s gears, bearings, copper wires, insulation materials, and seals to remain in excellent condition, with minimal wear. With another OEM, B, we tested our technology platform and achieved a China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) efficiency improvement of up to 1.5% at 45°C compared to the reference fluid.
 

Image 1: After tear down and inspections all EOT parts from OEM A are in good condition, proving that Afton’s high-efficiency, high-reliability ETF technology offers excellent electromagnetic wire protection and insulation compatibility, as well as excellent gear and bearing protection
 

Image 2: Testing result with OEM B shows that Afton’s EDF technology is proven to deliver 1.58% CLTC efficiency.
 

Partnering with OEMs to unlock the future of EDUs

At Afton Chemical, we are more than a provider of advanced ETF additive technology—we are a trusted partner for OEMs and oil manufacturers navigating the evolving landscape of EVs. With decades of expertise, we can provide valuable feedback and fluid related recommendations to better support OEMs in overcoming the challenges of developing new EDUs that meet high-speed, high-voltage, and integrated system demands.

What sets Afton Chemical apart is our commitment to collaboration. We understand that OEMs face unique challenges, particularly with the diversity in e-Axle designs and the need for flexible solutions. Our extensive experience allows us to work closely with manufacturers, ensuring that our knowledge and insights contribute to their innovation journey. We help OEMs adapt and optimize their approaches, providing the support they need to drive progress and stay competitive in a fast-paced market.

Working with us means more than just accessing a product—it means partnering with a team dedicated to fostering long-term success. By leveraging our deep industry knowledge and commitment to continuous improvement, we empower OEMs to advance their designs and achieve their goals more efficiently.

Better additives for the road ahead

The electrification of transportation isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. As the world shifts towards greener solutions, the demands on OEMs and oil manufacturers to deliver efficient and reliable vehicles will only increase. And in this race, additives will play an ever more critical role.

Afton Chemical proves that achieving the perfect balance between hardware, oils, and additives is possible. Decades of experience, combined with close OEM collaboration, mean that we aren’t just meeting the challenges of today—we’re setting the standard for tomorrow.