As mobility continues to evolve, the market is slowly switching from combustion engine to electric power. Bridging between these two technologies, hybrid powered vehicles combine both combustion and electric power. “These are an increasingly popular choice of vehicle in South Africa as they offer dual benefits and provide a transition for consumers,” comments Hayley Arnesen, National Sales Manager, Automotive Aftermarket at FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA.

The FUCHS BluEV Technology range builds the bridge between existing and new products and their application in conventional vehicles with combustion engines as well as hybrid vehicles. Selected engine oils, transmission oils and service fluids from FUCHS will be labelled with BluEV Technology, explains Wiedaad Emeran, Automotive Product Manager at FUCHS.

“Pure electric vehicles (EVs) are not expected to take off in South Africa for a few years, which is why hybrid technology is ideal for our market,” adds Arnesen. FUCHS is positioning itself to take advantage of this sector as it grows and is already offering advanced products for this space.

The interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor in hybrid vehicles, as well as the frequent start-stop behaviour, place new and additional demands on the engine oil. FUCHS’ BluEV Technology engine oils address these exact requirements and ensure full protection against wear caused by this arduous duty cycle. Three premium performance engine oils for combustion powered vehicles can also be used in selected hybrid vehicles, depending on the OEM specifications.

TITAN GT1 FLEX 5 SAE 0W-20 BluEV Technology is a premium performance engine oil with XTL® technology. It is specifically designed for highly stressed downsized engines with maximum power output, providing extreme fuel-economy characteristics and reduced CO2 emissions. Other features are excellent cold starting behaviour, very fast oil circulation, and outstanding performance reserves.

TITAN GT1 FLEX C23 SAE 5W-30 BluEV Technology is a premium performance fuel-economy engine oil with optimum cold start ability and outstanding performance reserves. It is ideal for modern passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with or without extended service intervals. In addition, it is applicable in hybrid vehicles of different manufacturers such as Audi or Mercedes-Benz.

TITAN GT1 PRO C-3 SAE 5W-30 BluEV Technology is a premium performance engine oil for modern cars and vans. It has been especially developed for BMW, VW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz vehicles with exhaust gas aftertreatment and turbochargers. Features include excellent cold-start properties, low oil consumption, and reduced emissions.

As vehicle manufacturers rely on the same or related designs of automatic, continuously variable, dual-clutch or even axle transmissions for hybrid vehicles, gear oils needed are often based on already established specifications. FUCHS’ BluEV Technology gear oils are therefore suitable for most modern hybrid vehicles.

TITAN ATF 6400 BluEV Technology is a premium performance automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with reduced viscosity, specifically formulated for automatic transmissions of Japanese, European, and American manufacturers. It is licenced according to DEXRON VI and MERCON LV and is suitable for use in hybrid applications from various manufacturers.

TITAN ATF 6008 BluEV Technology has reduced viscosity to optimise the performance of specified six- and eight-speed ZF automatic transmissions, including hybrid applications. TITAN ATF 6009 BluEV Technology optimises the performance of specified eight- and nine-speed ZF automatic transmissions, including hybrid applications.

Due to their modern technological status, newly developed hybrid vehicles require service fluids that meet the latest requirements. Service fluids include brake fluids, coolants and power steering fluids.  BluEV Technology brake fluids offer the best protection against steam bubble formation due to their high wet and dry boiling points.

The low viscosities of these brake fluids enable excellent brake response times, ensuring maximum safety. “The BluEV Technology label on our coolants confirms the excellent heat rejection from internal combustion engines in hybrid vehicles, but also from indirect cooling of the electric motor and battery,” highlights Emeran. TITAN CHF 202 BluEV Technology is a premium performance power steering and central hydraulic fluid with a wide application and approval profile for various manufacturers.

“We have great products in place to support the EV and hybrid markets, including a full list of OEM approvals. Efficiency and fuel savings are the top priorities for consumers, along with reducing CO2 emissions. Our products are designed to meet these requirements. We also offer extended drain intervals for some products, which is important to reduce downtime and maintenance costs,” says Emeran.

“We are well-prepared to support the transition to EVs and hybrids. This is such an important sector to focus on, especially with Transport Month coming up,” says Arnesen. “FUCHS is considered a pioneer for the mobility of the future. With our many years of experience and in-depth automotive expertise, we develop lubricant solutions to meet the needs of our customers both today and in the future and are therefore cementing our vision of being first choice,” she concludes.