In our latest interview, Damian Weinzierl, the head of new mobility at FUCHS, discusses the unique lubrication solutions driving advancements in electric and hybrid vehicles. Listen in to learn how technical fluids are evolving alongside next‑generation mobility and what it takes to keep EVs running efficiently and sustainably.
What does the transformation toward new mobility means for a leading lubrication company like FUCHS?
It's a really important question. FUCHS is close to turning 100 years old and has built a strong legacy in mobility lubrication for all types of vehicles. We often think of passenger cars or trucks, but any vehicle—from a small electric scooter to a mining truck, a ship, or anything that flies—is part of the mobility transformation. It's one of the most interesting times to work in this field. Some products will be used less, like transmission fluid and engine oil, so we need to look for alternatives.
The positive news is that we still have fluids in electric powertrains and other new mobility forms like hybrids, hydrogen vehicles for larger vehicles, and fuel cells for last mile or smaller truck applications. All these propulsion technologies require special fluids. In addition, thermal management is critical for traction batteries, and trends like connectivity and autonomous driving require heat dissipation over a vehicle’s lifetime.
What are the main lubrication needs for electric and hybrid vehicles compared to internal combustion engines?
The differences between combustion engines and hybrid vehicles are not that big because hybrids still have a combustion engine plus a battery that enhances range and enables electric propulsion in low speed or urban use. But with battery electric vehicles (BEVs), everything changes. All energy comes from the traction battery, so thermal management becomes essential.
We still have electric driveline fluids or hybrid transmission fluids, but once the battery is involved, we must ensure heat is dissipated reliably. That includes thermal fluids for the battery and powertrain, thermal interface materials for batteries and electronics, and e-mobility greases that extend component lifetime and reduce energy demand. Electric driveline fluids combine lubrication and cooling, help save energy, and protect copper and seals.
Which technical challenges do you face when developing fluids for new mobility applications?
The challenges are not fewer than before. New mobility requires significant R&D and product management. Electric powertrains have high power, high torque, high speed, and compact design. We need high energy efficiency to maximize range. EVs are very silent, so NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is critical. Customers shouldn’t hear anything clicking or moving. Durability, sealing performance, and corrosion protection are essential due to copper components, and low foam characteristics must be ensured.
How does FUCHS BluEV support integrated lubrication and cooling in EVs?
FUCHS BluEV is our product line developed specifically for these applications. It includes thermal management, lubrication, coatings, coating protection, greases, and more. Our portfolio has nearly 70 entries. For example, an electric driveline fluid—the “new engine oil” of an electric powertrain—not only lubricates the motor but also cools it. That’s a perfect example of integrated lubrication and cooling, which is a key requirement of electric mobility.
How is FUCHS making lubricants more sustainable for new mobility?
Even though we work with oil-based products, we play an important role in sustainability. Our customers build vehicles of all sizes, and we ensure they perform at 100%—efficiently, quietly, and with maximum range. Lubricants are essential for that. We also address safety and fire prevention.
All our products are part of our 360-degree approach toward circular economy and net zero, focusing on reuse, recycling, and developing products with alternative base oils or fluids while working as sustainably as possible.
Can you share an example of a custom solution developed with OEM partners?
We can’t name partners, but we can share examples. We’re leading development with a major German customer on an electric on-highway truck, supporting traction motor cooling with one of our thermal fluids. It’s exciting to help shape electric truck logistics. Another example is our work with many global customers on passenger cars, especially e-axle lubrication and cooling. We offer a broad range of electric driveline fluids suitable for many customers who need precise lubrication and cooling solutions.
