---
title: Conventional lubricant test methods for EV fluids - Viscosity Loss
description: Electric cars were invented more than 100 years ago, but still today there is fear and anxiety in adopting this new technology. Read more in this article.
image: https://blog.ducom.com/hubfs/EV%20Lubricant.png
---
[%20-%20PNG.png?width=925&height=246&name=Ducom%20-%20Logo%20-%20Full%20-%20Vector%20(90%20Gray%20and%20Light%20Blue-Inverted)%20-%20PNG.png "Ducom - Logo - Full - Vector (90 Gray and Light Blue-Inverted) - PNG")](https://www.ducom.com)
- Products
- Services
- Resources
- [Blog](https://blog.ducom.com)
- [Tribology Discussions](https://lp.ducom.com/tribology-discussions)
- Company
- [About Us](https://www.ducom.com/about-ducom-instruments)
- [Locations](https://www.ducom.com/company-contact-us)
- Support
- [After Sales Support](https://www.ducom.com/support)
- [Instrument Service Plans](https://www.ducom.com/instrument-service-plan)
#### General Tribology
- [Universal Tester - UNITEST](https://www.ducom.com/universal-tester-unitest)
- [Multi Capability Tribometer - POD 4.0](https://www.ducom.com/multi-capability-tribometer-pin/ball-on-disk)
- [Vacuum Tribometer - VT 3.0](https://www.ducom.com/vacuum-tribometer)
- [Abrasion Tester - Dry and Slurry](https://www.ducom.com/abrasion-tester)
- [Erosion Tester - Air Jet](https://www.ducom.com/air-jet-erosion-tester)
- [Erosion Tester - Slurry Jet](https://www.ducom.com/slurry-jet-erosion-tester)
- [Erosion Tester - Water Droplet](https://www.ducom.com/water-droplet-erosion-tester)
- [Twin Disk Tribometer](https://www.ducom.com/twin-disk-roller-on-roller-tribometer)
- [BioTribometer](https://www.ducom.com/biotribometer)
#### Lubricant Tribology
- [Four Ball Tester (Desktop)](https://www.ducom.com/four-ball-tester-fbt-3)
- [Four Ball Tester (Standard)](https://www.ducom.com/four-ball-tester-tr-30-series)
- [High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)](https://www.ducom.com/high-frequency-reciprocating-rig-hfrr)
- [KRL Shear Stability Tester](https://www.ducom.com/krl-shear-stability-tester)
- [Low Temperature Torque Tester](https://www.ducom.com/low-temperature-torque-tester)
#### Petroleum Testers
- [Flash Point Tester - Pensky Martens](https://www.ducom.com/pensky-martens-flash-point-tester)
- [Flash Point Tester - Abel](https://www.ducom.com/abel-flash-point-tester)
- [Flash Point Tester - Cleveland](https://www.ducom.com/cleveland-flash-point-tester)
- [Freezing Point Tester](https://www.ducom.com/freezing-point-tester)
- [Cloud Point Tester](https://www.ducom.com/cloud-and-pour-point-tester)
- [Pour Point Tester](https://www.ducom.com/pour-point-tester)
- [Roll Stability Tester](https://www.ducom.com/roll-stability-tester)
- [Noack Volatility Test Apparatus](https://www.ducom.com/noack-volatility-tester)
- [BOCLE - ATF Fuel Lubricity Tester](https://www.ducom.com/product-ball-on-cylinder-lubricity-evaluator-bocle)
- [Shear Stability Tester (Diesel Injector)](https://www.ducom.com/product-shear-stability-tester-diesel-injector)
#### See our full range of products
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5735947/8c0055af-2ff0-4aad-aa83-42dcde0c56f4)
#### MOOHA - Digital Lab Assistant
MOOHA is an A.I. enabled digital lab assistant that can assist you with automatically logging data, maintaining an audit trail, performing statistical analysis and accessing data and instrument health and status instantly via a secure encrypted interface.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5735947/78fb441a-de0c-4a9e-bf49-85bbcd080e46)
#### Ducom Test Lab
The Ducom Test Lab can be an extension of your quality or R&D department. Our experienced and knowledgeable application scientists and lab technicians can help you with finding the right test methods, designing test programs and delivering results.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5735947/17c38921-6c5f-4d81-bd5d-e810fb2b1b68)
#### Knowledge
- [Blog](https://blog.ducom.com)
- [E-Books](https://www.ducom.com/e-books)
#### Events
- [WEBINAR | Tribology Discussions](https://lp.ducom.com/tribology-discussions)
- [Conferences and Tradeshows](https://www.ducom.com/conferences-and-tradeshows)
#### Company
- [About Us](https://www.ducom.com/about-ducom-instruments)
- [Locations](https://www.ducom.com/company-contact-us)
#### Work with us
- [Job Openings](https://www.ducom.com/careers)
- [Become a sales partner](https://lp.ducom.com/distributor-training)
#### After Sales Support
- [Get Support](https://www.ducom.com/support)
- [Instrument Service Plans](https://www.ducom.com/instrument-service-plan)
[.png?width=564&height=150&name=Ducom%20-%20Logo%20-%20Full%20-%20Vector%20(90%20Gray%20and%20Light%20Blue-Inverted).png "Ducom - Logo - Full - Vector (90 Gray and Light Blue-Inverted)")](https://blog.ducom.com/www.ducom.com)
- Products
- Services
- Resources
- [Blog](https://blog.ducom.com)
- [Tribology Discussions](https://lp.ducom.com/tribology-discussions)
- Company
- [About Us](https://www.ducom.com/about-ducom-instruments)
- [Locations](https://www.ducom.com/company-contact-us)
- Support
- [After Sales Support](https://www.ducom.com/support)
- [Instrument Service Plans](https://www.ducom.com/instrument-service-plan)
#### General Tribology
- [Universal Tester - UNITEST](https://www.ducom.com/universal-tester-unitest)
- [Multi Capability Tribometer - POD 4.0](https://www.ducom.com/multi-capability-tribometer-pin/ball-on-disk)
- [Vacuum Tribometer - VT 3.0](https://www.ducom.com/vacuum-tribometer)
- [Abrasion Tester - Dry and Slurry](https://www.ducom.com/abrasion-tester)
- [Erosion Tester - Air Jet](https://www.ducom.com/air-jet-erosion-tester)
- [Erosion Tester - Slurry Jet](https://www.ducom.com/slurry-jet-erosion-tester)
- [Erosion Tester - Water Droplet](https://www.ducom.com/water-droplet-erosion-tester)
- [Twin Disk Tribometer](https://www.ducom.com/twin-disk-roller-on-roller-tribometer)
- [BioTribometer](https://www.ducom.com/biotribometer)
#### Lubricant Tribology
- [Four Ball Tester (Desktop)](https://www.ducom.com/four-ball-tester-fbt-3)
- [Four Ball Tester (Standard)](https://www.ducom.com/four-ball-tester-tr-30-series)
- [High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)](https://www.ducom.com/high-frequency-reciprocating-rig-hfrr)
- [KRL Shear Stability Tester](https://www.ducom.com/krl-shear-stability-tester)
- [Low Temperature Torque Tester](https://www.ducom.com/low-temperature-torque-tester)
#### Petroleum Testers
- [Flash Point Tester - Pensky Martens](https://www.ducom.com/pensky-martens-flash-point-tester)
- [Flash Point Tester - Abel](https://www.ducom.com/abel-flash-point-tester)
- [Flash Point Tester - Cleveland](https://www.ducom.com/cleveland-flash-point-tester)
- [Freezing Point Tester](https://www.ducom.com/freezing-point-tester)
- [Cloud Point Tester](https://www.ducom.com/cloud-and-pour-point-tester)
- [Pour Point Tester](https://www.ducom.com/pour-point-tester)
- [Roll Stability Tester](https://www.ducom.com/roll-stability-tester)
- [Noack Volatility Test Apparatus](https://www.ducom.com/noack-volatility-tester)
- [BOCLE - ATF Fuel Lubricity Tester](https://www.ducom.com/product-ball-on-cylinder-lubricity-evaluator-bocle)
- [Shear Stability Tester (Diesel Injector)](https://www.ducom.com/product-shear-stability-tester-diesel-injector)
#### See our full range of products
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5735947/8c0055af-2ff0-4aad-aa83-42dcde0c56f4)
#### MOOHA - Digital Lab Assistant
MOOHA is an A.I. enabled digital lab assistant that can assist you with automatically logging data, maintaining an audit trail, performing statistical analysis and accessing data and instrument health and status instantly via a secure encrypted interface.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5735947/78fb441a-de0c-4a9e-bf49-85bbcd080e46)
#### Ducom Test Lab
The Ducom Test Lab can be an extension of your quality or R&D department. Our experienced and knowledgeable application scientists and lab technicians can help you with finding the right test methods, designing test programs and delivering results.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5735947/17c38921-6c5f-4d81-bd5d-e810fb2b1b68)
#### Knowledge
- [Blog](https://blog.ducom.com)
- [E-Books](https://www.ducom.com/e-books)
#### Events
- [WEBINAR | Tribology Discussions](https://lp.ducom.com/tribology-discussions)
- [Conferences and Tradeshows](https://www.ducom.com/conferences-and-tradeshows)
#### Company
- [About Us](https://www.ducom.com/about-ducom-instruments)
- [Locations](https://www.ducom.com/company-contact-us)
#### Work with us
- [Careers](https://ducom.freshteam.com/jobs)
- [Become a sales partner](https://lp.ducom.com/distributor-training)
#### After Sales Support
- [Get Support](https://www.ducom.com/support)
- [Instrument Service Plans](https://www.ducom.com/instrument-service-plan)
Search
**Menu**
- [Instruments](https://www.ducom.com/products-explorer)
- [Testing Services](https://www.ducom.com/ducom-labs-testing-and-consulting-services)
- [Software](https://www.ducom.com/digital)
- [Blog](https://blog.ducom.com)
- Support
- [After Sales Support](https://www.ducom.com/support)
- [Service Plans](https://www.ducom.com/instrument-service-plan)
- Company
- [About Us](https://www.ducom.com/about-ducom-instruments)
- [Locations](https://www.ducom.com/company-contact-us)
[viscosity loss](https://blog.ducom.com/tag/viscosity-loss) | [Electric Vehicles](https://blog.ducom.com/tag/electric-vehicles) | [KRL](https://blog.ducom.com/tag/krl) |
3 min read
# Conventional lubricant test methods for EV fluids - Viscosity Loss
Written by [Global Applications Team](https://blog.ducom.com/author/global-applications-team)
April, 2024
The automotive industry has undergone a revolutionary shift with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in the pursuit of sustainable transportation. While EVs promise a cleaner future, they present challenges for the lubricant industry. As traditional engines give way to electric powertrains, lubricants play a critical role in ensuring optimal performance and longevity. EVs require specialized formulations for electric motors, gear systems, and bearings. The transition to electric mobility demands cutting-edge lubricants with enhanced thermal stability, conductivity, and anti-wear properties to address challenges like higher temperatures and increased power density. The industry is adapting to these needs to ensure optimal efficiency and durability in EVs.
Standard testing methods may fall short in accurately gauging the performance of lubricants in electric vehicles. In this study, we evaluated the anti-wear, extreme pressure properties and viscosity loss of two different EV fluids according to widely used ASTM and CEC test standards. In this chapter we will discuss the CEC L 45-99 test results obtained using the [KRL attachment to FBT3](https://blog.ducom.com/krl-fbt3) (see Figure 1) integrated with the [Ducom Four Ball Tester (FBT-3)](https://www.ducom.com/four-ball-tester-fbt-3).
[](https://blog.ducom.com/krl-fbt3)
Figure 1. Ducom Four Ball Tester (FBT-3) with KRL Shear Stability Tester attachment.
Two different EV fluids with high and low viscosity were selected fro this study (see Table 1).
| | **Unit** | **Low viscosity** | **High viscosity** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Kinematic Viscosity (100 °C)** | cSt | 7.5 | 9.0 |
| **Density** | kg/m3 | 950 | 950 |
| **Flash Point** | °C | 200 | 200 |
According to the CEC L-45-99 standard, the fluid under test must be sheared for 20 hours under high load (5000 N) and high speed (1475 rpm) conditions. The temperature was kept at 60±1 °C. The same fluids were sheared under the same test condition for an extended duration of 200 hours. After each test, the viscosity of the fluid was measured and compared to the viscosity of the non-sheared fluid to calculate the viscosity loss.
User-friendly: Transition effortlessly from the four-ball tester to the KRL shear stability tester in under 5 minutes.
A unique feature of the [Ducom KRL attachment](https://blog.ducom.com/krl-fbt3) is the friction measurement capabilities. Friciton measurement is not a requirement of the CEC standard. However, friction coefficient can be an insightful parameter along with viscosity loss. Figure 2 shows the friction coefficient behaviour of the fluids sheared for 20 and 200 hours (Figure 2A and 2B, respectively). In both cases, the high viscosity fluid showed higher friction compared to the low viscosity fluid.
Figure 2. Fricion coefficient of low and high viscosity fluids after 20 and 200 hours shearing in KRL shear stability tester.
The average friction coefficient (see Figure 3A) of the low viscosity fluid was 0.012 for both test durations; the friction coefficient of the high viscosity fluid was 0.017 and 0.013 for 20 hour and 200 hours tests, respectively. The viscosity loss (see Figure 3B) of the low viscosity fluid was 4% and 6.17% for 20 hour and 200 hours tests, respectively. The viscosity loss of the high viscosity fluid was 3.67% and 5.65% for 20 hour and 200 hours tests, respectively.
Figure 3. Average friction coefficient (A) and viscosity loss (B) of low and high viscosity fluids after 20 and 200 hours shearing in KRL shear stability tester.
The viscosity loss for both fluids was 1.5 times higher after shearing for 200 hours compared to the standard 20 hours test.
CONCLUSION
Our study reaffirms that lubricant performance cannot be solely assessed by traditional test standards and metrics, and there is a need for a paradigm shift in lubricant testing and formulation for electric vehicles. With the [Four Ball Tester (FBT-3)](https://www.ducom.com/four-ball-tester-fbt-3), among other instruments, Ducom is at the forefront of this paradigm shift to help our customers develop new solutions for the challenges that electric vehicle fluids pose to the lubricants community.
Ducom Instruments has invested in a new line of Electrical Lubricant Test Rigs (ELTs) that can address all the critical test parameters required for qualifying fluids and greases used in lubricating electric drive train components.[Read more](https://blog.ducom.com/stle-ev)
Previous Story
[← Why to Invest in a Twin Disk Tribometer?](https://blog.ducom.com/5-reasons-to-invest-twin-disk)
Next Story
[Why academia should Invest in a Four Ball Tester ? →](https://blog.ducom.com/5-reasons-to-invest-fbt-3)
### Subscribe by Email
### Ducom Instruments
**USA**: +1 (847) 737-1590
**India**: +91 (80) 4080-5555
**Netherlands: **+31 (85) 065 74 10
[info@ducom.com](mailto:info@ducom.com)
- Products and Services
- [All Products](https://www.ducom.com/products-explorer)
- [Test Services](https://www.ducom.com/ducom-labs-testing-and-consulting-services)
- [Software Products](https://www.ducom.com/digital)
- [Become a Distributor](https://lp.ducom.com/distributor-training)
- Resources
- Blog
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.ducom.com/privacy-policy)
- [General Terms of Use](https://www.ducom.com/en/terms-of-use)
- [General Terms of Sale](https://www.ducom.com/en/general-terms-of-sale)
- Company
- [About Us](https://www.ducom.com/about-ducom-instruments)
- [Locations](https://www.ducom.com/company-contact-us)
- [Careers](https://www.ducom.com/careers)
- After Sales Support
- [After Sales Support](https://www.ducom.com/support)
- [Service Plans](https://www.ducom.com/instrument-service-plan)
### Drop us a line
Copyright © 2021 Ducom Instruments (USA) Inc. All Rights Reserved.
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "VideoObject",
"contentUrl" : "https://5735947.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5735947/KRL%20to%20FBT3%20video%20for%20GIF-1.mp4",
"dateModified" : "2024-03-11T13:07:45.974Z",
"duration" : "PT29S",
"height" : 1080,
"name" : "KRL to FBT3 video for GIF-1",
"thumbnailUrl" : "https://5735947.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5735947/KRL%20to%20FBT3%20video%20for%20GIF-1.mp4/medium.jpg?t=0",
"uploadDate" : "2024-03-11T13:07:34.223Z",
"width" : 1920
}
```