Since making their debut in the inaugural Formula E season in 2014, Mahindra Racing have achieved several milestones in Formula E. The team has secured multiple race wins and podium finishes, showcasing its competitive spirit on the track.
Mahindra Racing are committed to upholding their sustainability goals and ensure that they work with like-minded partners. Since 2018, Mahindra Racing has collaborated with Shell and this latest project amplifies the duo’s next step towards sustainability and reducing global carbon emissions.
Shell’s expertise in energy and innovation has played a significant role in supporting the development and performance of electric racing cars on the track. Both companies have been pioneering the use of sustainable practices in Formula E, including the use of recycled lubricants in their cars.
On May 10th 2024, we joined Leonard Kieckebusch (Project Leader, R&D Transmission Fluid, Shell Lubricants), Lewis Butler (Head of Design, Mahindra Racing) and Josef Holden (Technical Director, Mahindra Racing) to hear more as they jointly announced a new E-Fluid recycling project that underscores their broader collaborative efforts towards innovation and sustainability.
The Indian manufacturer already uses Shell’s EV-Plus Transmission Fluid which was created specifically for the Formula E side, and produces 50% less carbon emissions than traditional gear oil. But they have taken their carbon footprint commitment one step further with the introduction of using recycling and re-refined lubricants.
Since September 2022 and up to December 2023, more than 270,000 litres of used oil have been collected at 55 participating Mahindra Automotive workshops in India, through the use of Shell’s Used Oil Management Solution.
Shell conducted the research and recycling project in a laboratory at its state-of-the-art Technology centre in Hamburg, Germany and their tests have proven that recycling the product does not impact performance, with the plan being for the recycled E-fluid to be introduced in the near future. This collaboration has seen them recycle the oil used during races and in testing, further reducing its carbon footprint by 27% in comparison to the same fluid being disposed of after a race. Not only does this innovation represent a significant goal in their sustainability commitment, but it also has the potential to deliver the same or better performance on the track.
By using recycled lubricants, Mahindra Racing are able to reduce their environmental impact by promoting the reuse of resources. This aligns with the teams’ commitment to sustainability and showcases their efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices into their racing operations.
The use of recycled lubricants also demonstrates Mahindra and Shell’s commitment and dedication to driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of technology in the world of electric racing.
