Greases for electric vehicle motors: Bearing friction torque under driving cycle conditions and the thickener effect on oil release

Performance of Lithium Complex (LiX), Polyurea (PU), and Polypropylene (PP) greases in SKF6208 bearings subjected to driving cycle conditions for 28 days (equivalent to 23,000 km of electric vehicle operation) was studied by continuously measuring bearing friction torque and temperature. The energy dissipation was correlated to the differences in oil bleeding and rheology for the three greases. Evolution of the friction torque, friction torque hysteresis, and changes in grease rheology were dominated by the oil release property. The latter was determined by the thickener system and its particular response to the conditions imposed by the driving cycle. A quantitative estimate of the carbon footprint from using these greases to lubricate bearings under driving cycle conditions is also presented.