Discover more in our interview with Rafe Briton, The Lubrication Expert, and David Hall, Chief Technology Officer at Gulf.
Key Summary
- Hydrogen and electric vehicles still require lubrication, despite common myths suggesting otherwise.
- Standard oils are not optimised for hydrogen engines, while EVs require specialised fluids for cooling and performance.
- Maintenance is still essential for both technologies, making the right lubricant choice critical for efficiency and longevity.
Hydrogen and electric-powered vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. But do they require the same level of maintenance as a traditional engine? There are growing misconceptions that hydrogen and electric vehicles are low-maintenance and don’t require any lubrication.
With this in mind, we’ll bust common myths and clarify the role of lubricants in maintaining hydrogen and electric vehicles.
Myth #1: Hydrogen engines don’t need lubricants
Many people believe that hydrogen engines don’t need lubricants, but this is simply not true. Hydrogen ICEs are still internal combustion engines, so there are lots of moving parts that still need lubricating. Hydrogen engines can be more susceptible to abnormal combustion events, such as pre-ignition, due to hydrogen’s combustion characteristics, while also generating significant water vapour during operation.
So, even in hydrogen engines, lubricants are essential, not optional.
Can conventional engine oils be used?
While conventional engine oils could technically be used, they are not optimal for hydrogen engines. This is because hydrogen engines generate high levels of water, and conventional oils handle water contamination poorly, reducing oil life. This leads to shorter drain intervals, which can be improved by using specialised hydrogen engine oils.
What makes hydrogen engine lubricants different
Hydrogen engine oils have a different oil chemistry than conventional oils and are specially formulated for hydrogen engines. The key differences are:
- Higher antioxidant levels: To protect against intense thermal and oxidative stress because hydrogen engines operate at higher temperatures and produce more water vapour.
- Lower dispersants: Because hydrogen engines produce minimal soot, lower levels of dispersant additives are required.
- Enhanced moisture management properties: To better manage increased water vapour generated during hydrogen combustion.
Myth #2: Electric vehicles don’t need lubrication
It is incorrect to assume that electric vehicles don’t need lubrication. That’s because EVs still have moving parts, and they still generate heat, so they require specialised fluids to manage friction, thermal control and component protection. The electric axle and electric motor systems specifically need to be cooled, so specialised lubrication is required.
Maintenance misconceptions in EVs
Despite what many people think, electric vehicles are not maintenance-free. Even though they have electric motors, they still have traditional components that need lubricating and servicing like traditional engines. Similarly, you should also follow OEM guidelines to choose the correct EV fluids for your vehicle.
Just because electric vehicles require different maintenance from traditional engines, it doesn’t mean they don’t need any maintenance at all.
The bottom line: Lubrication still matters
New technologies like electric or hydrogen vehicles still rely on advanced lubrication. In fact, you should use specific lubricants for your vehicle type, as they have been especially formulated to support your vehicle’s needs. To properly support hydrogen and electric vehicles, lubricants are evolving all the time, so follow your OEM's recommendations and use the right lubricant for your vehicle.