The demand for hybrid technology is growing. By 2025, one in every four cars sold globally will be hybrid1. Today, there is currently no industry standard specification for hybrid engine oils.
Introducing HYSPEC
HYSPEC is Castrol’s new technical standard for engine oils for hybrids.
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It’s not a new product, ingredient, or competitor comparison. It’s a benchmark to measure the performance of our engine oils for hybrids. The rigorous standard is made up of 15 industry tests relevant to hybrid operation, supplemented by Castrol bespoke tests.
HYSPEC is an industry first for hybrid vehicles to support workshops and their customers in identifying the right oil for their cars. Challenges faced by hybrids Hybrids operate differently from conventional cars. The switch between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor challenges oil in three key areas:
- Contaminants – hybrid engines run at cooler temperatures, which can lead to water and fuel build-up in the oil. This can disrupt some oils and cause engine deterioration.
- Engine intermittency – hybrid engines can operate at lower speeds, and then ramp up to high engine speeds quickly. Some oils can’t keep up, resulting in reduced engine performance and protection.
- System efficiency – cooler running and lower oil temperatures can lead to reduced engine efficiency and in turn, poorer fuel efficiency and charging of the battery.
HYSPEC enables Castrol to demonstrate how our engine oils for hybrids perform across these key areas.
Why Castrol?
- We have spent over 25 years researching, testing, and reporting on the characteristics of hybrids.
- We conducted a year-long road trial on mild, full, and plug-in hybrids that captured over two billion pieces of data. Combined, the cars travelled over 300,000 kms, for more than 7,000 hours – the equivalent to driving 24/7 for more than 42 weeks!
- To validate the findings, we commissioned a third-party consultancy and industry experts to conduct research with service centres, fleet operators and car owners to deliver a wider perspective on global markets.
- 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 our engine oils under the toughest conditions.
The benefits of HYSPEC
For strong resistance, protected switching and fuel economy2, workshops and vehicle owners can choose oils that perform against HYSPEC – Castrol’s new hybrid performance standard. Our portfolio includes many hybrid-ready engine oils. Those badged with the HYSPEC logo demonstrate at least 25 per cent benefit3 across the critical areas of contaminants, engine intermittency and system efficiency.