LIQUI MOLY introduces new coolant for fuel cells, EV gear oil

LIQUI MOLY announced the availability of a new coolant for fuel cells, as well as a special transmission fluid for electric vehicles (EVs).

“This is just the beginning of what we have in the pipeline,” said David Kaiser, head of Research and Development at LIQUI MOLY.

Although the number of conventionally powered vehicles will continue to far exceed that of alternative drives in the coming decades, the lubricant specialist from Germany is preparing for the transition to emobility. “There will generally be a mix of different drive concepts,” Kaiser said. “Every vehicle and every manufacturer has different requirements. Our research ensures that we meet all approvals and requirements and, at the same time, deliver the highest quality.”

FCF 20, the fuel cell coolant from LIQUI MOLY, is based on ethylene glycol, and is formulated with non-ionic additives. The coolant exhibits very low electrical conductivity and combines optimum thermal dissipation with outstanding material compatibility and aging stability. 

“The heat development in batteries and fuel cells is enormous. The demands on the coolant are correspondingly high. Our FCF 20 is not only designed for thermal release, but also offers LIQUI MOLY’s typical long-term protection for all components,” he said. 

Optimum thermal release is absolutely essential with fuel cells, as the heat generated can be higher than traditional internal combustion engines. This guarantees the maximum service life of the components. The product is also suitable for the Toyota Mirai, which is considered a pioneer in fuel cell technology.

Further development is aimed at pure battery-powered vehicles, which are much more common today.

“It is a misconception that electric vehicles do not need oil. In fact, they need very high-quality lubricant for the transmission,” Kaiser said. The new Top Tec Gear EV 510 gear oil meets the strict manufacturer requirements of Tesla. The designation EV (Electric Vehicle) shows that this LIQUI MOLY product was developed exclusively for electric vehicles.

The product will be commercially available in the foreseeable future, said Kaiser.