Hybrid vehicles are becoming an increasingly common sight on European roads.
Recent research data shows that registrations of battery-electric passenger cars across the European Union, UK, and EFTA countries surged to 1.2 million in 2021. Plug-in hybrid vehicles similarly crossed the one million mark in registrations.
There are multiple reasons why European motorists are drawn to hybrid vehicles. Chief among them is the reduction in CO2 emissions, which makes these cars a genuinely environmentally friendly choice.
Beyond environmental benefits, hybrid vehicles deliver superior fuel efficiency, making them a financially attractive option for drivers.
Yet the advancement of intelligent hybrid vehicle technology introduces a fresh range of challenges for both drivers and the manufacturers of lubricants.
Here is how Valvoline's intelligent hybrid fluids are engineered to meet those challenges.
A hybrid car alternates between its two engines to optimize performance and energy efficiency. This is the mechanism through which hybrid vehicles achieve lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 output.
Nevertheless, hybrid vehicles come with a distinct set of characteristics and technical challenges. To name a few:
From these points, it becomes clear that hybrid cars differ fundamentally from conventional vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines.
The particular operating conditions of hybrid vehicles frequently result in low oil temperatures. These demanding conditions can allow water ingress and promote sludge formation, leading to severe and rapid oil degradation. For this reason, the additive formulations used in hybrid oils must be specifically engineered to protect the entire system.
Understanding hybrid vehicles requires setting aside assumptions built around traditional internal combustion engines. Hybrids represent a genuinely new class of vehicle technology, equipped with advanced powering systems that operate under higher average engine loads but for shorter engine running times.
As a consequence, hybrid vehicles call for dedicated lubrication products and technologies — including hybrid engine oil, engine coolants, and drivetrain oil.
Valvoline stands among the world's most recognized lubricant manufacturers. For over 150 years, our mission has been to develop innovative fluids capable of meeting the demands that modern vehicles place on their lubrication systems.
Our series of intelligent hybrid fluids is a prime example of that commitment.
Hybrid vehicles employ conventional internal combustion engines, which may run on diesel or gasoline. As a result, many oils approved for IC engine-only vehicles also carry approval for hybrid applications.
However, in a hybrid car, the internal combustion engine is not running at all times. The electric motor takes on a central role in propulsion, which means the IC engine operates at lower temperatures than it would in a conventional vehicle. The frequent switching between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor also leads to a high number of engine cold starts.
This is precisely why industry professionals recommend using dedicated hybrid engine oils in hybrid vehicles.
Valvoline's intelligent fluid technology undergoes rigorous laboratory testing and continuous refinement to deliver superior protection under the most demanding operating conditions.
Laboratory results confirm that Valvoline intelligent hybrid oils deliver high oxidation performance, water tolerance, corrosion resistance, and wear protection — all in compliance with API and ACEA industry standards.
Among the products in our Intelligent Hybrid Oils range are:
In hybrid vehicles, electric motors are integrated into the transmission process and face a range of performance challenges — among them high operating temperatures, lubricants in direct contact with engine components, and material compatibility concerns.
Addressing these specific demands requires transmission oils with appropriate electrical properties and compatibility with insulating materials. Valvoline's driveline oils satisfy both requirements and also feature advanced cooling properties that guard against oil oxidation and deterioration.
These fluids serve multiple functions within the transmission system, including the protection and lubrication of the automatic transmission gearbox. Their excellent heat resistance and thermal conductivity allow the fluid to stay cool and reduce the risk of drivetrain overheating.
Our intelligent driveline fluids include:
Hybrid vehicles present a unique set of lubrication requirements. Protecting them from premature wear and ensuring peak performance demands investment in high-quality hybrid fluids.
This is where Valvoline's intelligent hybrid lubricants make the difference. Engineered to meet stringent industry specifications, they are built to deliver maximum performance.
If you are uncertain which engine oil or transmission oil is the right fit for your vehicle, use our Lubricant Advisor or reach out to your nearest Valvoline distributor.
