In some embodiments, the additive is selected from the group consisting of an anti-friction additive, an anti-wear additive, an extreme pressure additive, an anti-oxidant, a corrosion inhibitor, a yellow metal deactivator, a dispersant, a detergent, a defoamer, a seal swell agent, a solvency booster, a dye, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the fluid formulations may include a primary base oil and a secondary base oil. Compared with the secondary base oil, the primary base oil may correspond to a higher weight percentage (e.g., 70%) of the fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the primary base oil may be a low traction and/or a low friction fluid and the secondary base oil may be a high viscosity coefficient fluid. Example base oils (e.g., primary base oils) along with corresponding properties and performance metrics are shown in Table A below.

TABLE A

Example Base Oils

Properties
Base Oil #1
Base Oil #2
Base Oil #3
Base Oil #4
Base Oil #5
Base Oil #6

KV100, cSt,
1.6 to 2
2 to 2.6
3.0 to 3.4
3.4 to 4.2
3.7 to 5.3
5 to 5.6

ASTM D445

KV40, cSt,
4.8 to 5.6
6.6 to 8.8
9.0 to 13.6
13.6 to 20.0
13.0 to 18.0
16.6 to 20.4

ASTM D445

VI, ASTM
90
min.
90
mins.
120
min.
130
min.
120
min.
120
min.

D2270

Pour Point, C,
−30 C
max.
−30 C
max.
−30 C
max.
10 C
max.
−36 C
max.
−36 C
max.

ASTM D97

Flash Point, C,
160
min.
180
min.
180
min.
200
min.
180
min.
180
min.

ASTM D92

Brookfield
600
max.
600
max.
600
max.
—
600
max.
600
max.

Viscosity at −20

C, cP, ASTM

D2983

Novack Volatility
20%
max.
10%
max.
6%
max.
6%
max.
6%
max.
6%
max.

at 180 C for 2

hrs, % wt.,

ASTM D5800

Acid Value, mg
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03

KOH/g, ASTM

D974

Hydroxyl Value,
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1

mg KOH/g, ISO

4326

Iodine Value,
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1

mg 1/100 g, ISO

3961

Appearance
Clear and no
Clear and no
Clear and no
Clear and no
Clear and no
Clear and no

haze
haze
haze
haze
haze
haze

Color Value
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100

APHA, ISO

6271

Water Content,
<600
<600
<600
<600
<600
<600

ppm, ASTM

D6304

Biobase and/or
Report
Report
Report
Report
Report
Report

Renewable

Content, % wt.,

ASTM D6666

DKA Oxidation,
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%

CEC L-48-00,
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no

170 C, 168 hrs,
sludge
sludge
sludge
sludge
sludge
sludge

ΔKV 40/ΔKV

100/ΔTAN/Sludge

Rating

Elastomer
25% max./10
25% max./10
25% max./10
25% max./10
25% max./10
25% max./10

Compatibility,
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%

HNBR, 125 C,
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.

1000 hrs,

ΔVolume/ΔHardness/

ΔElongation/

ΔTesnsile

Strength

Elastomer
10% max./10
10% max./10
10% max./10
10% max./10
10% max./10
10% max./10

Compatibility,
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%

FKM, 150 C,
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.

1000 hrs,

ΔVolume/ΔHardness/

ΔElongation/

ΔTesnsile

Strength

Hydrolytic
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%

Stability, 10%
max./4A or
max./4A or
max./4A or
max./4A or
max./4A or
max./4A or

water, 90 C, 192
better/3 max.
better/3 max.
better/3 max.
better/3 max.
better/3 max.
better/3 max.

hours, ΔKV

40/ΔKV

100/Copper

Rating/ΔTAN

Scuffing
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

Validation,

modified CEC L-

84-02

Pitting Wear
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

Validation,

modified CEC L-

108-19

Coefficient of
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01

friction

Table A shows properties associated with six example base oils. For example, the row “KV100, cSt, ASTM D445” represents kinematic viscosity at 100° C. and measures the fluid's resistance to flow at 100 degrees Celsius, indicating its thickness and flow characteristics at this temperature. In certain embodiments, the corresponding values range from 1.6 to 5.6 centistokes (cSt) across the example base oils.

In some embodiments, the row “KV40, cSt, ASTM D445” represents kinematic viscosity at 40° C., measured in centistokes (cSt). This property indicates the fluid's resistance to flow at 40 degrees Celsius, providing insight into its performance at higher temperatures. In certain embodiments, the values range from 4.8 to 20.4 cSt.

In some embodiments, the row “VI, ASTM D2270” represents viscosity index, which indicates the change in viscosity with temperature. Higher values represent more stable viscosity across a range of temperatures. In certain embodiments, the minimum value starts at 90 for all formulations.

In some embodiments, the row “Pour Point, C, ASTM D97” represents the lowest temperature at which the fluid remains pourable, indicating its low-temperature performance. In certain embodiments, the maximum values range from −36° C. to 10° C.

In some embodiments, the row “Flash Point, C, ASTM D92” represents temperature at which the fluid can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air, indicating its safety and volatility characteristics. In certain embodiments, the minimum value starts at 160° C. for all formulations.

In some embodiments, the row “Brookfield Viscosity at −20° C., cP, ASTM D2983” measures the fluid's viscosity at −20 degrees Celsius, indicating its performance in cold conditions. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is 600 cP for most formulations.

In some embodiments, the row “Novack Volatility at 180° C. for 2 hrs, % wt., ASTM D5800” measures the fluid's tendency to evaporate at high temperatures, indicating its stability and longevity. In certain embodiments, the maximum value starts at 6% for all formulations.

In some embodiments, the row “Acid Value, mg KOH/g, ASTM D974” measures the amount of acidic components in the fluid, indicating its potential for causing corrosion. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is less than 0.03 mg KOH/g for all formulations.

In some embodiments, the row “Hydroxyl Value, mg KOH/g, ISO 4326” measures the amount of hydroxyl groups in the fluid, indicating its potential for hydrolytic stability. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is less than 1 mg KOH/g for all formulations.

In some embodiments, the base oils of the disclosed fluid formulations may include poly-alpha-olefin (PAO), paraffin, monoester, diester, and/or polyol ester. PAOs are synthetic hydrocarbons formed through the oligomerization of alpha-olefins. Example PAOs in the fluid formulation may include dimers, trimers, and tetramers that are formed from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16 monomers, but may not include C10 trimer. These oligomers may be synthesized using Ziegler-Natta catalysts and Lewis acids, and combinations thereof in any ratio. Example PAOs may exhibit superior lubricating properties, high viscosity index, and thermal stability.

In some embodiments, paraffin may include normal paraffin, iso paraffin, and cycloparaffin. Normal paraffin, iso paraffin, and cycloparaffin may be different types of hydrocarbons used in the base oils. Normal paraffins are straight-chain hydrocarbons, iso paraffins are branched-chain hydrocarbons, and cycloparaffins are ring-structured hydrocarbons. Each type of paraffin may offer differing properties that contribute to the overall performance of the lubricant.

In some embodiments, monoesters are composed of monobasic acids and alcohols. The monobasic acids can be selected from a variety of options, including octanoic acid, iso-octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, iso-nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, iso-decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, iso-dodecanoic acid, myristic acid, iso-myristic acid, palmitic acid, iso-palmitic acid, stearic acid, iso-stearic acid, oleic acid, and their isomers. The alcohols can be selected from iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, iso-tridecyl alcohol, and their isomers. Monoesters may enhance lubricity and thermal stability of base oils.

In some embodiments, diesters are composed of diacids and alcohols. The diacids can be selected from adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, their isomers, and more. The alcohols can be selected from iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, iso-tridecyl alcohol, and their isomers. Diesters provide additional protection against wear and extreme pressure conditions.

In some embodiments, polyol esters are composed of polyols and acids. The monobasic acids can be selected from pentanoic acid, iso-pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, iso-hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, iso-heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, iso-octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, iso-nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, iso-decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, iso-dodecanoic acid, myristic acid, iso-myristic acid, palmitic acid, iso-palmitic acid, stearic acid, iso-stearic acid, oleic acid, and their isomers. The polyols can be selected from neopentyl glycol, pentaerythritol, and more. Polyol esters offer superior lubricating properties and thermal stability. Example molecular structures of base oils (e.g., primary base oils) are shown in Table B below.

TABLE B

Example Molecular Structures of Base Oils

Name
Structure

Examples of dimer, trimer, tetramer, or other oligomers from higher degrees of polymerization formed from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, C16 monomers (except C10 trimer)

[Image Omitted]

Examples of normal
Parafins:

paraffin, iso paraffin,
Normal (straight chain):

cycloparaffin

[Image Omitted]

Iso-parafinns (branched chain):

[Image Omitted]

Naphthenes (cycloparaffins):

[Image Omitted]

Examples of monoesters composed of monobasic acids and alcohols. Monobasic acids can

[Image Omitted]

be selected from

octanoic acid, iso-

octanoic acid,

nonanoic acid, iso-

nonanoic acid,

decanoic acid, iso-

decanoic acid,

dodecanoic acid, iso-

dodecanoic acid,

myristic acid, iso-

myristic acid, palmitic

acid, iso-palmitic acid,

stearic acid, iso-stearic

acid, oleic acid, their

isomers, and more.

Alcohols can be

selected from iso-octyl

alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl

alcohol, iso-nonyl

alcohol, 2-propylheptyl

alcohol, iso-decyl

alcohol, iso-tridecyl

alcohol, their isomers,

and more

Examples of diesters composed of diacids and alcohols. Diacids can be selected from adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid,

[Image Omitted]

dodecanedioc acid,

their isomers, and

more. Alcohols can be

selected from iso-octyl

alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl

alcohol, iso-nonyl

alcohol, 2-propylheptyl

alcohol, iso-decyl

alcohol, iso-tridecyl

alcohol, their isomers,

and more

Examples of polyol esters composed of polyols and acids. Monobasic acids can be selected from pentanoic acid, iso- pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, iso- hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, iso- heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, iso- octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, iso-

[Image Omitted]

nonanoic acid,

decanoic acid, iso-

decanoic acid,

dodecanoic acid, iso-

dodecanoic acid,

myristic acid, iso-

myristic acid, palmitic

acid, iso-palmitic acid,

stearic acid, iso-stearic

acid, oleic acid, their

isomers, and more.

Polyols can be

selected from

neopentyl glycol,

pentaerythritol, and

more

In some embodiments, the fluid formulation may include high viscosity base oils (e.g., secondary base oil) used in the fluid formulations for electric vehicle drive units. The high viscosity base oils may provide robust lubrication under high load conditions, ensuring the durability and longevity of the drive unit components. Example high viscosity base oils are shown in Table C below.

TABLE C

Example High Viscosity Base Oils

Name
Structure

Monomers of C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, C16 were used to synthesize oligomers higher viscosity base oil. Oligomers can contain isomers and can be synthesized from Ziegler-Natta and/or Metallocene catalysts assisted processes.

[Image Omitted]

Higher viscosity group V complex esters are developed from polyols, acids, diacids.

[Image Omitted]

As shown in Table C, in some embodiments, high viscosity base oils may be synthesized from monomers of C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16. These monomers undergo polymerization to form oligomers with higher viscosity, which are essential for maintaining adequate lubrication in demanding applications. The carbon number of one molecule in these oligomers is higher than 80 and less than 300. As noted above, the oligomers can contain isomers and are synthesized using advanced catalytic processes, such as Ziegler-Natta catalysts and/or metallocene compound-based catalysts, and Lewis acids. These advanced catalytic processes enable precise control over the molecular structure and properties of the base oils, resulting in high-performance lubricants. In some embodiments, high viscosity base oils may include esters (e.g., higher viscosity group V complex esters) that are developed from polyols and acids, including diacids. The higher viscosity group V complex esters may be synthesized to provide at least superior lubricating properties and thermal stability

Finished Lubricant Formulations

In some embodiments, finished lubricant formulations may be made based on various base oils discussed above. By combining various base oils, additives, and/or other components, the formulations may achieve specific performance characteristics. Example finished lubricant formulations along with corresponding performance characteristics or metrics are shown in Table D below.

TABLE D

Example Finished Lubricant Formulations (wt. %)

Finished
Finished
Finished
Finished

Lubricant
Lubricant
Lubricant
Lubricant
Finished
Finished

Formulation
Formulation
Formulation
Formulation
Lubricant
Lubricant

Properties
#1
#2
#3
#4
Formulation #5
Formulation #6

Base Oil #1, % wt.
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-98%
0-20%

Base Oil #2, % wt.
0-98%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%

Base Oil #3, % wt.
0-20%
0-98%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%

Base Oil #4, % wt.
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-98%
0-20%
0-20%

Base Oil #5, % wt.
0-20%
0-20%
0-98%
0-20%
0-98%
0-20%

Base Oil #6, % wt.
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-98%

HITEC 3491K
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%

additives, % wt.

HITEC 35750
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%

additives, % wt.

Other additives, %
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%
0-12%

wt.

High Viscosity Base
0-40%
0-40%
0-40%
0-40%
0-40%
0-40%

Oil #1, % wt.

High Viscosity Base
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%
0-20%

Oil #2, % wt.

High Viscosity Group
0-40%
0-40%
0-40%
0-40%
0-40%
0-40%

V Base Oil, % wt.

VII, % wt.
0-6%
0-6%
0-6%
0-6%
0-6%
0-6%

Defoamers, % wt.
0-0.1%
0-0.1%
0-0.1%
0-0.1%
0-0.1%
0-0.1%

KV40, cSt, ASTM
16.0 to 32.0
16.0 to 32.0
16.0 to 32.0
16.0 to 32.0
46.0 to 100.0
46.0 to 100.0

D445

KV100, cSt, ASTM
4.0 to 7.5
4.0 to 7.5
4.0 to 7.5
4.0 to 7.5
8.0 to 16.0
8.0 to 16.0

D445

VI, ASTM D2270
120
min.
120
min.
120
min.
120
min.
120
min.
120
min.

Pour Point, C, ASTM
−30 C
max.
−30 C
max.
−30 C
max.
−10 C
max.
−30 C
max.
−30 C
max.

D97

Flash Point, C,
180
min.
180
min.
180
min.
180
min.
180
min.
180
min.

ASTM D92

Brookfield Viscosity
800
max.
800
max.
800
max.
2000
max.
2000
max.
2000
max.

at −20 C, cP, ASTM

D2983

Novack Volatility at
20%
max.
10%
max.
6%
max.
6%
max.
6%
max.
6%
max.

180 C for 2 hrs, %

wt., ASTM D5800

Appearance
Clear and no
Clear and no
Clear and no
Clear and no
Clear and no
Clear and no

haze
haze
haze
haze
haze
haze

Water Content, ppm,
<1000
<1000
<1000
<1000
<1000
<1000

ASTM D6304

Biobase and/or
Report
Report
Report
Report
Report
Report

Renewable Content,

% wt., ASTM D6666

DKA Oxidation, CEC
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%

L-48-00, 170 C, 168
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no
max./3 max./no

hrs, ΔKV 40/ΔKV
sludge
sludge
sludge
sludge
sludge
sludge

100/ΔTAN/Sludge

Rating

Elastomer
25% max./10
25% max./10
25% max./10
25% max./10
25% max./10
25% max./10

Compatibility, HNBR,
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%

125 C, 1000 hrs,
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.

ΔVolume/ΔHardness/

ΔElongation/ΔTesnsile

Strength

Elastomer
10% max./10
10% max./10
10% max./10
10% max./10
10% max./10
10% max./10

Compatibility, FKM,
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%
max./60%

150 C, 1000 hrs,
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.
max./60% max.

ΔVolume/ΔHardness/

ΔElongation/ΔTesnsile

Strength

Hydrolytic Stability,
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%
15% max./15%

10% water, 90 C,
max./4A or
max./4A or
max./4A or
max./4A or
max./4A or
max./4A or

192 hours, ΔKV
better/3 max.
better/3 max.
better/3 max.
better/3 max.
better/3 max.
better/3 max.

40/ΔKV 100/Copper

Rating/ΔTAN

Scuffing Validation,
No scuffing
No scuffing
No scuffing
No scuffing
No scuffing
No scuffing

modified CEC L-84-

02

Pitting Wear
90
hrs min.
90
hrs min.
90
hrs min.
90
hrs min.
120
hrs min.
120
hrs min.

Validation, modified

CEC L-108-19

Coefficient of friction
<=0.01
<=0.01
<=0.01
<=0.01
<=0.012
<=0.012

Table D lists six example finished lubricant formulations. Each of the example finished lubricant formulations may be characterized by specific attributes and components. As shown in Table D, each formulation may include different percentages of base oils #1 to #6. In certain embodiments, the percentages of base oils in the formulations range from 0% to 98% by weight.

In some embodiments, the formulations include various additives such as HITEC 3491K, HITEC 35750, and other additives. These additives enhance the lubricant's protective properties, including anti-wear, anti-oxidant, friction-modifying, and corrosion-inhibiting capabilities. In certain embodiments, the percentages of additives in the formulations range from 0% to 12% by weight.

In some embodiments, the formulations may include high viscosity base oils synthesized from oligomers of C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16 monomers. These high viscosity base oils provide robust lubrication under high load conditions. In certain embodiments, the percentages of high viscosity base oils in the formulations range from 0% to 40% by weight.

In some embodiments, the formulations may include viscosity index improvers (VII), which help maintain optimal viscosity across different operating temperatures. In certain embodiments, the percentages of viscosity index improvers in the formulations range from 0% to 6% by weight.

In some embodiments, the formulations may include defoamers, which help reduce foam formation and ensure consistent lubrication performance. In certain embodiments, the percentages of defoamers in the formulations range from 0% to 0.1% by weight.

In some embodiments, some properties of the example finished lubricant formulations may include kinematic viscosity at 40° C. (represented by the row “KV40, cSt, ASTM D445”), kinematic viscosity at 100° C. (represented by the row “KV100, cSt, ASTM D445”), viscosity index (represented by the row “VI, ASTM D2270”), pour point, flash point, Brookfield Viscosity at −20° C., Novack Volatility at 180° C. for 2 hours, appearance, water content, elastomer compatibility, hydrolytic stability, scuffing and pitting wear validation, and coefficient of friction.

In some embodiments, kinematic viscosity at 40° C. measures the fluid's resistance to flow at 40 degrees Celsius, indicating its thickness and flow characteristics at this temperature. In certain embodiments, the values range from 16.0 to 100.0 cSt.

In some embodiments, kinematic viscosity at 100° C. measures the fluid's resistance to flow at 100 degrees Celsius, providing insights into its performance at higher temperatures. In certain embodiments, the values range from 4.0 to 16.0 cSt.

In some embodiments, viscosity index indicates the change in viscosity with temperature, with higher values representing more stable viscosity across a range of temperatures. In certain embodiments, the minimum value is 120 for all formulations.

In some embodiments, pour point is the lowest temperature at which the fluid remains pourable, indicating its low-temperature performance. In certain embodiments, the values range from −30° C. to −10° C.

In some embodiments, flash point is the temperature at which the fluid can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air, indicating its safety and volatility characteristics. In certain embodiments, the minimum value is 180° C. for all formulations.

In some embodiments, Brookfield Viscosity at −20° C. measures the fluid's viscosity at −20 degrees Celsius, indicating its performance in cold conditions. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is 2000 cP.

In some embodiments, Novack Volatility at 180° C. for 2 hours measures the fluid's tendency to evaporate at high temperatures, indicating its stability and longevity. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is 20% for all formulations.

In some embodiments, appearance describes the visual clarity and absence of haze in the fluid. As such, example formulations may be clear and free of haze in appearance.

In some embodiments, water content measures the amount of water in the fluid, indicating its potential for hydrolytic stability. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is 1000 ppm for all example formulations.

In some embodiments, elastomer compatibility measures the fluid's compatibility with elastomer materials, indicating its potential for causing swelling or degradation.

In some embodiments, hydrolytic stability measures the fluid's stability in the presence of water, indicating its resistance to hydrolysis.

In some embodiments, scuffing and pitting wear validation tests measure the fluid's ability to protect against scuffing and pitting wear, indicating its protective properties. The values are specified as no scuffing and minimum values of 90 hours for pitting wear validation with regard to all example formulations.

In some embodiments, coefficient of friction measures the fluid's ability to reduce friction, indicating its lubricating performance. In certain embodiments, the value is less than 0.012 for all example formulations and less than 0.01 for most of the formulations.

Drive Unit, Vehicle and Use

FIG. 1A shows a schematic depiction of dual fluid path system 100, according to some embodiments, comprising a gearbox fluid path 102 and a motor fluid path 122. The gearbox fluid path 102 includes a gear sump 104 comprising a gear fluid in fluid communication with a gearbox pump 106, which passes (e.g. pumps) the gear fluid through a gearbox filter 108 to a heat exchanger 136. The gear fluid from the heat exchanger 136 is then passed to the gear system 110, which returns the gear fluid to the gear sump 104. The gear system 110 is mechanically connected to the axle 112 of a vehicle. The motor fluid path 122 includes a motor sump 124 comprising a motor fluid in fluid communication with a motor pump 126, which passes the motor fluid through a motor filter 128 to the heat exchanger 136. The motor fluid from the heat exchanger 136 is then passed to the motor system 130 comprising stators 131 and a rotor 132, which returns the motor fluid to the motor sump 124. The motor system 130 is mechanically connected to the gear system 110 through connection 134. The heat exchanger 136 comprises a coolant fluid path 138 that flows through the heat exchanger 136 and is configured to exchange heat with the gear fluid and motor fluid.

In some embodiments, at least one of the gear fluid and motor fluid comprise the fluid formulation (i.e., low traction fluid and/or high pressure viscosity fluid). In some embodiment, the gear fluid comprises a first fluid formulation (i.e., low traction fluid or high pressure viscosity fluid), and the motor fluid comprises a second fluid formulation (i.e., low traction fluid or high pressure viscosity fluid). In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are different fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and the motor fluid are different low traction fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and the motor fluid are different high pressure viscosity fluid formulations. In some embodiments, one of the gear fluid and the motor fluid is a low traction fluid formulation and the other is a high pressure viscosity fluid formulation. Although a dual oil system is not necessary for enabling low traction fluid or high pressure viscosity fluid design, in some embodiments the dual oil system may provide additional benefits to fluid systems utilizing low traction fluids and/or high pressure viscosity fluids.

FIG. 1B shows a schematic depiction of a single fluid path system or single fluid system 150 according to some embodiments, comprising a single fluid path 164. The single fluid path 164 includes an oil sump 152 comprising a fluid in fluid communication with an oil pump 154, which passes the fluid through an oil filter 156 to a heat exchanger 162. The fluid from the heat exchanger 162 is then passed to the gearbox 158, which returns the fluid to the oil sump 152. In the single fluid path 164, the fluid from the heat exchanger 162 is also passed to the motor 160, which returns the fluid to the oil sump 152. The gearbox 158 is mechanically connected to the axle of a vehicle. The motor 160 is mechanically connected to the gearbox 158 through a connection. The heat exchanger 162 may comprise a coolant fluid path that flows through the heat exchanger 162 and is configured to exchange heat with the fluid.

In some embodiments, the gear fluid and/or the motor fluid are a fluid formulation. In some embodiments, the motor fluid is a low viscosity oil for cooling and/or lubrication, which is different from the fluid formulation. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and the motor fluid are the same fluid. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and the motor fluid are low traction fluids. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and the motor fluid are the same low traction fluid formulation or different low traction fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and the motor fluid are high pressure viscosity coefficient fluids. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and the motor fluid are the same high pressure viscosity coefficient fluid formulation or different high pressure viscosity coefficient fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and the motor fluid are different fluids. In some embodiments, the gear fluid is a low traction fluid and the motor fluid is a different fluid. In some embodiments, the gear fluid is a low traction fluid and the motor fluid is a different low traction fluid, a high pressure viscosity fluid, or a low viscosity oil. In some embodiments, the gear fluid is a high pressure viscosity coefficient fluid and the motor fluid is a different fluid. In some embodiments, the gear fluid is a high pressure viscosity coefficient fluid and the motor fluid is a different high pressure viscosity fluid, a low traction fluid, or a low viscosity oil. In some embodiments, the fluid in the single fluid path system is a low traction fluid or a high pressure viscosity coefficient fluid.

In some embodiments, the gearbox fluid system and/or the single fluid system is configured to pump fluid at a rate of, of about, of at least, or of at least about, 0.01 liters per minute (LPM), 0.03 LPM, 0.05 LPM, 0.1 LPM, 0.15 LPM, 0.2 LPM, 0.3 LPM, 0.5 LPM, 1 LPM, 2 LPM, 3 LPM, 4 LPM, 5 LPM, 6 LPM, 7 LPM, 8 LPM, 9 LPM, 10 LPM, 12 LPM, 15 LPM, 18 LPM, 20 LPM, 22 LPM, 25 LPM, 27 LPM, 29 LPM or 30 LPM or any range of values therebetween.

In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises the fluid path system (e.g., single or dual fluid path system). In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises an electric motor. In some embodiments, the vehicle is an electric vehicle. In some embodiment, the vehicle comprises a first drive unit and a secondary drive unit.

Performance and Results

Example performance and results obtained (e.g., through measurements or simulations) based on fluid formulations discussed above are described in FIGS. 2A-6D. The example performance and results were obtained through experimentation and/or simulations based on applications of the finished lubricant formulations #1-#6 of Table D and/or other fluid formulations formulated based on example base oils of Table A and Table C.

FIG. 2A shows a fluid friction comparison between fluid formulations (e.g., finished lubricant formulations #1-#6 of Table D) and a baseline fluid formulation. The horizontal axis represents the entrainment speed, measured in millimeters per second (mm/s), on a logarithmic scale ranging from 1 mm/s to 10,000 mm/s. The vertical axis represents the coefficient of friction, ranging from 0.000 to 0.120. As shown in FIG. 2A, fluid formulations #1-#5 and the baseline fluid formulation show a decrease in the coefficient of friction as the entrainment speed increases. At lower entrainment speeds (around 10 mm/s), the coefficient of friction is higher for all formulations, indicating higher frictional losses. As the entrainment speed increases to around 100 mm/s, the coefficient of friction decreases significantly for all formulations, reaching a plateau at higher speeds.

FIG. 2A shows that finished lubricant formulations #1-#6 of Table D generally show lower coefficients of friction compared to the baseline fluid formulation, indicating superior friction-reducing properties of the finished lubricant formulations #1-#6.

FIG. 2B illustrates drive unit (DU) efficiency based on a fluid formulation (e.g., finished lubricant formulations #3 of Table D). More specifically, FIG. 2B illustrates the drive unit (DU) efficiency percentage for the finished lubricant formulation #3 of Table D under various motor operating conditions based on simulation results. The horizontal axis represents the motor speed, measured in thousands of revolutions per minute (krpm), ranging from 0 to 12 krpm. The vertical axis represents the motor torque, measured in Newton-meters (Nm), ranging from −200 Nm to 200 Nm. The gradient axis, represented by the color gradient, indicates the drive unit efficiency percentage.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the color gradient ranges from red to green, with red indicating lower efficiency and green indicating higher efficiency. The efficiency values are annotated on the surface plot, ranging from approximately 0.1% to 1.1%. Although efficiency values vary across various motor torques and/or motor speeds, FIG. 2B nevertheless demonstrates the effectiveness of finished lubricant formulation #3 of Table D in enhancing drive unit efficiency across a wide range of motor operating conditions (e.g., no efficiency values between −0.1% to 0%). As such, the simulation results of FIG. 2B indicate that the finished lubricant formulation #3 provides significant efficiency gains, particularly in the mid-range of motor speeds and torques.

FIG. 2C illustrates the drive unit (DU) efficiency percentage for a fluid formulation (e.g., finished lubricant formulations #3 of Table D) under various motor operating conditions based on dynamometer (dyno) testing data. The horizontal axis represents the motor speed, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm), ranging from 0 to 15,000 rpm. The vertical axis represents the motor torque, measured in Newton-meters (Nm), ranging from −200 Nm to 300 Nm. The color gradient on the plot represents the drive unit efficiency percentage, with the scale ranging roughly from −0.5% to 0.5%. Overall, FIG. 2C demonstrates the effectiveness of finished lubricant formulations #3 of Table D in enhancing drive unit efficiency across a wide range of motor operating conditions based on dyno testing data.

FIG. 3A is a graph illustrating the drive unit (DU) efficiency percentage for a fluid formulation (e.g., the finished lubricant formulation #1) under various motor operating conditions.