How Have Automotive Lubricant Manufacturers Adapted to the Changing Dynamics of the Automobile Sector?

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Automobile lubricants for hybrid and electric vehicles
• Growing shift towards biodegradable lubricants
• Integration of advanced technologies in lubrication systems
• Innovative product launches in the industry

As automobiles have become more advanced, the accessories required for their maintenance and upkeep have evolved significantly. For instance, several accessories have been developed that look to increase the lifespan of automotive components and their parts. Automotive lubricant is one such example; it is a specialized fluid used to reduce friction in the moving parts of an automobile. Regular use of automotive lubricants, thus, reduces the wear and tear of automotive parts and ensures that the crucial components of the automobile function smoothly for a longer period. Furthermore, by reducing the friction between the components of automobile engines, lubricants increase the energy efficiency of the vehicle as the energy needed to overcome friction is conserved.

How has the evolution of electric vehicles transformed the automotive lubricants industry?

The automotive lubricants industry has undergone a tremendous transformation, partly due to the advent of advanced automobiles and partly due to certain disadvantages of traditional lubricants. Traditional lubricants had a shorter lifespan and were used to breakdowns on overexposure to heat. As a result, in the case of traditional lubricants, frequent engine oil changes became necessary, thus increasing the operating costs of the vehicles. Furthermore, not all lubricants that are used in conventional vehicles are compatible with the modern hybrid or electric vehicles that have recently come up in the automobile sector.

Due to these shortcomings, new lubricants have been developed that serve the needs of modern automobiles. In electric vehicles, the electric motor used to run the automobile generates less heat than traditional vehicles. However, to maintain the longevity of the electric motor, a unique type of lubricant is necessary. For this purpose, high-temperature greases have been developed that prevent overheating of the electric motor, thus increasing its lifespan. The use of this high-temperature grease also increases the life of the battery pack and brings down the energy losses in the drivetrain.

Developing bio-lubricants to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry

A major problem associated with conventional lubricants is that they are highly polluting as they are sourced from petroleum products. As a result, the automobiles that use these lubricants have high carbon emissions records. To counter this, several governments across the globe have put stringent environmental norms concerning the use of traditional lubricants. Hence, many companies in this domain have started developing bio-lubricants to suit the evolving needs of automobiles.

Biodegradable lubricants or bio-lubricants, as opposed to traditional ones, are sourced from renewable resources such as plant oils and animal fats. These lubricants have less toxicity and the environmental pollution caused during their production is also quite less. Ultimately, the carbon emissions associated with the use of these bio-lubricants are significantly lower, which helps in promoting ecological sustainability.

Analyzing the role of advanced technologies in developing advanced automotive lubricants

An interesting trend that has been witnessed in the past few years is the use of nanotechnology to develop advanced lubricants. Nanotechnology, by enabling the manipulation of materials at a nanoscale level, allows for introducing unique properties to the original material. In the case of lubricants, researchers have been able to develop active additives that act as a protective layer between the different components of the engine and protect them from premature wear and tear. Studies in automotive engineering have shown that such advanced lubricants, by employing precision engineering techniques, have helped in reducing friction at microscopic levels.

Along with nanotechnology, many companies in this domain have developed smart lubrication systems that make use of advanced technologies like the Internet of Things. The integration of IoT in lubrication systems and processes has enabled users to monitor the working of the automobile's critical components in real-time. These lubrication systems, with advanced sensors and data analytics, help the user monitor the temperature, lubrication condition, and health of the components.

How have private companies responded to the changing dynamics of the industry?

To comply with the new governmental regulations across different countries and to address the evolving demands of the automobile industry effectively, many companies have launched innovative products in the past few years. For instance, Goodyear Lubricants, a motor oil and coolants manufacturer, recently announced that it was launching a whole new range of automotive lubricants that were compliant with the BS-6 and EURO 6 standards.

Similarly, Lumax Auto Tech, a leading automotive OEM manufacturer, announced the launch of BS-6-compliant lubricants and coolants that are perfect for tropical climatic conditions. These lubricants and coolants are designed to offer complete protection to the vehicle and enhance its performance. Both these product launches are expected to help the companies increase their footprint in the industry significantly in the coming period.

To conclude, the evolution of modern automobiles has necessitated a paradigm shift in the automotive lubricant industry. To overcome the problems associated with traditional oils, advanced lubricants have been developed that make use of innovative technologies and biodegradable sources. These lubrication systems have reduced carbon emissions and increased the energy efficiency of automobiles.

For a comprehensive study on the different growth drivers and investment opportunities in the industry, feel free to contact us

Related Post