Valvoline™ announces lubricants for hybrid electric vehicles

Valvoline Inc. (NYSE: VVV), a leading worldwide supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services, unveiled a new range of lubricants tailored to the challenging operating conditions faced by hybrid electric vehicles.

The new line of lubricants was developed based on the results of a comprehensive research program completed by Valvoline’s research and development team.

“Valvoline’s first breakthrough in motor oil was introducing it, and from the world’s first high mileage oil to the world’s first synthetic blend, we’ve been re-inventing it ever since,” said Dr. Roger England, vice president and chief research and development officer, Valvoline. “Our new intelligent fluid technology will ensure hybrid vehicle owners benefit from outstanding performance and protection, maintaining the vehicles’ fuel efficiency and keeping carbon emissions low.”

The electric and hybrid electric vehicle market is predicted to grow globally in the coming years as global automakers and governments look to tackle fuel emissions, and consumers look for more efficient solutions that reduce their overall environmental impact. By 2025, J.P. Morgan predicts that electric and hybrid electric vehicles will account for an estimated 30 percent of all vehicle sales.

To address the increase of hybrid electric vehicles on the road, Valvoline’s unique intelligent fluid solutions for hybrid electric vehicles includes both engine and driveline oils. 

“As the degree of electrification in new vehicles increases, the additional demands on hybrid powertrains to bridge that gap will increase,” England said. “Stop-start technologies, for example, are tough on engines because they can prevent engine oils from reaching and running at their optimal operating temperature. In these situations, the engines are not warming enough to evaporate the water that has condensed in the oil. This could cause additional sludge to accumulate, as well as increased friction and carbon deposits.”

To address this issue, Valvoline has formulated this new range of fluids with specially engineered additives that ensure optimal lubrication and protection in frequent stop-start cycles and maintain the long-term performance and efficiency of the vehicle.

“In the transmission, where several electric devices are present, including in some cases the motor, we must ensure the lubricant is compatible with all the new materials being utilised, including these electrical components, while also delivering superior wear protection, and coping with the heat generated by the electric motor for the full lifetime of the oil,” England said. “Valvoline’s hybrid transmission range has been specially formulated to ensure these future needs are met.”

Laboratory tests have demonstrated excellent benchmark results on oxidation performance, corrosion protection, water tolerance and wear protection, showing double digit performance improvements relative to conventional oils as well as known industry standards.

The new Valvoline Hybrid line consists today of three engine oils and two driveline fluids: Valvoline Hybrid C5 0W-20, Valvoline Hybrid C3 5W-30, Valvoline Hybrid C2 5W-30, Valvoline Hybrid DCT, Valvoline Hybrid ATF.