Castrol launches new engine oil performance standard for hybrid cars

C astrol has launched a hybrid’s engine oil performance standard for its hybrid engine oils range. HYSPEC performance standard is derived from Castrols’ tests and 15 industry tests identified as relevant to hybrid operation. This standard can support both car workshops and their customers in identifying the right oil for hybrid cars.

Hybrids operate differently from conventional cars. The switch between an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric Motor challenges engine oil in three key areas: increased contamination due to cooler engine temperatures, reduced performance and protection due to engine intermittency, and a reduction in system efficiency due to cooler running and lower oil temperatures.

HYSPEC enables Castrol to demonstrate how its oils for hybrids perform across these key areas, and Castrol says this is further backed up by the fact that:

• Castrol has conducted a yearlong road trial on mild, full, and plug-in hybrids that captured over two billion pieces of data. Combined, the cars travelled over 300,000 kilometres, for more than 7,000 hours – the equivalent to driving 24/7 for more than 42 weeks.

• Castrol has worked with vehicle manufacturers to develop hybrid testing techniques – enabling them to constantly refine their products and improve performance.

• Motorsport is the ultimate testing ground for hybrid technology. Castrol is proud to work with the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team and Ford M-Sport World Rally Championship team, testing the engine oils under the toughest conditions.

• To validate the findings, Castrol commissioned a third-party consultancy and external experts to conduct research with service centres, fleet operators and car owners to deliver a wider perspective on global markets.

Castrol’s experience and its new hybrid performance standard,

HYSPEC, will assure car workshops dealers and their customers of Castrol’s expert knowledge in engine oils for hybrids.

Castrol’s portfolio includes many hybrid-ready engine oils. In addition, those badged with the HYSPEC logo demonstrate at least 25% benefit against the HYSPEC standard, across the critical areas of contaminants, engine intermittency and system efficiency. .