Driving the automobile evolution for EVs and beyond

We have a long history of pioneering automotive advancements.
The essential fluids and materials we produce go into parts for all vehicle types.
We continue to evolve to meet the world's transportation needs.

Article

3 min read

• Feb. 20, 2025

Pioneering automotive innovation

Throughout history, ExxonMobil has been a pioneer in fueling the transportation sector. We provided gasoline to some of the world’s first internal combustion engines (ICE). We introduced the first synthetic motor oil. Today, our products and technologies are synonymous with the automotive industry.

By 2050, global demand for oil used in passenger car fuels (excluding biofuels) is expected to drop ~25% – largely from improved fuel efficiency and growth of EVs. But gasoline is just one of many products we make for cars and trucks. From hood to bumper, we produce innovative fluids, materials and parts essential to electric, hybrid and ICE vehicles that can help make them lighter, safer, more efficient and durable.

We continue to evolve to meet the world's transportation needs in the new automotive age as we work toward a lower-emission future.

Exterior:

(1) Door seals, trunk seals and weatherseals

Our ethylene propylene diene monomer products protect vehicle interiors from external elements.

Exterior

(2) Exterior trim and vehicle body

Our polymers for thermoplastic polyolefin compounds contribute to durable, lightweight bumpers and door trims.
Our plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride and polymers enhance foam soundproofing and heavy mats, reducing noise and vibrations.

Exterior

(3) Tires and mobility

Our butyl products in inner liners and tread help optimize tire pressure, enhance safety, reduce maintenance costs and improve EV battery range.

Interior

(1) Electronics

Our insulating and sheathing materials can improve copper corrosion resistance, extending the life of electronics.
We are evaluating a project to produce ultra-pure isopropyl alcohol with a high enough purity to be used in the manufacturing process of semiconductor chips, which are used in EV touchscreens, sensors and monitors.

Interior

(2) Filtration

Our polypropylene and polymer products provide a protection barrier against liquids, gasses and other external elements.

Interior

(3) Interior hard trim

Our polymers for thermoplastic polyolefin compounds and polypropylene go into instrument panels, door panels, door sills and seat trims.

Interior

(4) Interior soft trim

Our plasticizers for urethane and polypropylene go into artificial leather for seats, armrests, doors, floor mats and sound-proofing foam.
Our polypropylene products contribute to the production of airbags and seatbelt buckles for vehicle safety.

Under the hood

(1) Base oils, fluids and lubricants

Our synthetic base oils lubricate gearboxes, bearings and clutches.
Our synthetic motor oil, grease and lubricants increase efficiency and range, aiding EV performance.
Our thermal management synthetic base oils regulate battery, electronic and e-motor temperature.

Under the hood

(2) EV batteries

Our new Proxxima™ resin systems can create lighter EV battery casings, extending EV range.
Our new lithium business will be a potential supply of EV battery lithium.
Our new Carbon Materials technology produces feedstock for higher performance graphite, resulting in a battery with up to 30% higher capacity, up to 30% faster charging time and extended battery life.

Under the hood

(3) Wiring, performance and safety

Our plasticizers enhance polyvinyl chloride, improving electrical wiring durability and resistance.
Our ethylene propylene diene monomer contributes to electrical and brake performance.