SAY "HY" TO THE 6 HYBRID CHALLENGES

HYBRID CHALLENGE 1: 10X MORE STOP STARTS

The engine in a Hybrid system only operates when required. In typical urban driving, this is often for short periods of time before shutting down again.

Incredibly, across a Hybrid vehicle’s lifetime, the number of stop-start events can be over five hundred thousand¹. That’s ten times more than a conventional car. 

1. Based on independent assessment by Autocar Magazine (May 2020) of conventional vs. stop-start technology. 

HYBRID CHALLENGE 2: COOLER OPERATING TEMPERATURES

In urban driving, where the engine isn’t always running, the oil’s operating temperature in a Hybrid can be up to 40^oC cooler than oil in a conventional vehicle².

However, in certain operating conditions, where the internal combustion engine is required for extended periods of time, the oil temperature can reach that of a conventional car. This means the oil has to be effective over a wider range of temperatures.

2. Based on comparison of oil temperatures during industry standard testing cycle. 

HYBRID CHALLENGE 3: RAPID ACCELERATION TO HIGH ENGINE SPEEDS

Hybrid vehicle engines sometimes use high efficiency operating cycles at the expense of lower-speed torque. The electric motor makes up for this loss of torque at low speeds, meaning that the engine needs to ramp up to higher engine speeds when started. This rapid increase in engine speed can be 10x faster than in a conventionally powered car³, placing increased demands on the engine oil to prevent damaging metal-to-metal contact.

3. Based on comparison of engine speed increase rates on engine start-up.

HYBRID CHALLENGE 4: HIGHER ENGINE OUTPUT

Efficiency gains can also be made when the engine is operated at higher engine output. Compared to engines in conventionally powered cars, Hybrid engines spend longer at higher percentages of their maximum output. This means the engine can work up to four times harder^4, putting critical parts and oil under increased stress.

4. Based on comparison of engine operating conditions during industry standard testing cycle. 

HYBRID CHALLENGE 5: INCREASED STRESS ON THE TRANSMISSION

Combining engines with electric systems and delivering power smoothly to the wheels places immense stress on the drivetrain. Increased torque and intelligent drivetrain systems can double speeds inside the transmission⁵. This means transmission fluids can be exposed to increased shear stresses, leading to the potential for a loss in viscosity, as well as foaming of the fluid. All of this increases the risk of damaging metal-to-metal contact.

5. Based on comparison of output RPM of electric motor vs. gasoline engine.