Tribological challenges for a sustainable e-mobility

Electro-mobility (or e-mobility) is the new paradigm shift for a sustainable transportation future potentially replacing most if not all of the fossil-fuel-powered transportation vehicles by the end of this century and hence enabling unparalleled energy security, environmental cleanliness, and economic prosperity for the whole humanity. Electric vehicles (EVs) constitute the backbone of e-mobility and they differ radically from the traditional vehicles that are powered by well-established internal combustion engines (ICEs). However, the operating conditions of EVs are very different from those of ICEs involving much harsher thermal, electrical, and tribological conditions. In particular, as the function of drivetrains shifts from mostly a load-carrying to the torque-transferring mode in EVs, durability concerns due to extreme pressure and shear conditions potentially triggering accelerated wear, fatigue, and scuffing failures may present new challenges for both the materials and lubricants being used. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview of the tribological and other important challenges (i.e., thermal, electrical, and materials) that must be addressed in order to achieve superior resistance to wear, corrosion, and contact fatigue, as well as desirable thermal and electrical properties needed for a safe, smooth, and long-lasting operation of future EVs. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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