Motul, an early innovator in specialized lubricants for hybrid vehicles since 2016, will introduce its latest NGEN Hybrid lubricant generation to the Vietnamese market in august 2025. This new line, certified to the highest international quality standards of API SQ and ILSAC GF-7, is designed to meet the unique demands of hybrid powertrains.

Hybrid vehicles, which integrate gasoline and electric engines, experience frequent stop-start cycles and operate at lower temperatures than conventional cars. These conditions present specific technical challenges, including the need for rapid lubrication during continuous start-stop events, robust protection during cold starts below 35 degrees C (compared to typical starts at 40-60 degrees C), and effective prevention of low speed pre-ignition (LSPI). Motul developed the NGEN Hybrid range specifically to address these issues.

The Corolla Cross HEV is Toyota's first official hybrid vehicle in Vietnam. *Photo: TMV*

According to Motul, using traditional maintenance methods and conventional lubricants in hybrid and modern vehicles can lead to premature engine wear, unstable fuel efficiency, and even damage to critical components, presenting numerous technical challenges. Specifically, for stop-start lubrication, the oil needs to circulate quickly and respond effectively, protecting engine parts immediately upon cold start, ensuring smooth operation and reducing wear.

When operating at low temperatures, the metal components of the internal combustion engine have not expanded sufficiently, leading to greater friction. Lubricant must circulate instantly. Low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in turbocharged engines can cause serious damage.

The NGEN hybrid lubricant generation was developed by Motul specifically for gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. *Photo: Motul*

Motul developed and launched this new product line in Vietnam to address these challenges. The company states that the Motul NGEN hybrid lubricant generation can boost overall performance by 8% and extend driving range by an additional 45 km for a vehicle with a 36-liter fuel tank. Internal tests demonstrate a 10% improvement in cold start performance over industry standards, ensuring faster oil circulation and superior lubrication. Furthermore, the lubricant helps reduce low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in hybrid internal combustion engines.

Beyond performance, the NGEN Hybrid line reflects Motul's commitment to environmental sustainability. It utilizes regenerated base oil (RRBO) technology and features packaging made from 50% recycled plastic, which is entirely reusable for regenerated base oil products.

In the automotive industry, hybrid vehicles are a strategic segment within the automotive industry, aligning with global efforts to promote sustainable living, reduce emissions, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Specialized lubricant technologies like Motul NGEN Hybrid are crucial in optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring long-term engine durability for these advanced powertrains.

The adoption of hybrid vehicles is rapidly increasing in Vietnam, alongside battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Data from VAMA shows that 9,994 hybrid vehicles in the popular segment were sold by september, a 76% increase from the previous year. This growing consumer openness to electrified vehicles has prompted manufacturers to introduce more hybrid models to the Vietnamese market. By the end of october, over 40 new vehicle models had been launched, including 14 hybrids and seven pure electric vehicles, a notable increase compared to fewer than 10 hybrid models introduced throughout all of 2024.

Quang Anh