With countries around the world phasing out sales of new gasoline and diesel cars, trucks and SUVs, the market for electric and hybrid vehicles is increasing rapidly. The hybrid category includes both standard hybrid electric vehicles (SHEVs), where the electric motor is recharged through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine (ICE), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

In Canada, electric cars – including PHEVs – accounted for 18% of all new car sales in 2023. The following year, there was a huge rise in registrations of both PHEVs and SHEVs in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2023. While registrations of new vehicles of all fuel types rose by 16.6%, PHEVs saw the largest increase at +86.9%, followed by SHEVs at 52.4%.

Across North America, the production of hybrids and electric vehicles is expected to overtake that of ICE vehicles by 2028, reaching 11 million a year by 2031, according to AutoForecast Solutions¹ . Currently, more hybrids are produced than battery electric vehicles (BEV).

However, trends in the hybrid and BEV market are continually in flux, as are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sales objectives and plans. Regardless of the net outcome of EV sales over the next few years, there will certainly be a market of millions of hybrids on North American highways for years to come.

¹ The Automotive Outlook Forecast, Disruption, & Industry Transition, June 2024

To cut tailpipe emissions, Canada is planning to phase out sales of new gasoline, diesel or standard hybrid cars by 2035, with only BEVs and some longer-range PHEVs still produced.

Conversely, many North American motorists are reluctant to make the bold switch to pure EVs: ‘range anxiety’ is a significant concern, particularly in rural areas, and urban drivers may not be able to readily plug in a BEV or PHEV at home.

For these drivers, hybrid vehicles’ dual engines offer the best of both worlds. They produce lower tailpipe emissions than vehicles solely powered by gasoline or diesel, reduce vehicle owners’ fuel costs to a measurable degree, while being more practical and less habit-changing than full BEVs.

Additionally, there is a global shortage of the raw materials needed to make electric car batteries. As hybrids’ batteries are smaller than those of BEVs, they require significantly fewer high-demand, high-cost battery materials.

Motorists will still be able to drive and sell existing hybrids (and gasoline or diesel models) after 2035.

Hybrid vehicles’ dual power sources create distinct lubricant challenges.

ICEs in hybrid vehicles experience many more start-ups than those in gasoline or diesel cars, as the vehicle regularly switches between the engine and the electric motor. Engines therefore require proper lubrication to protect them from wear and tear.

Additionally, the ICE may kick in only when the vehicle is already travelling at speed or accelerating, e.g. joining a highway. Driving in the winter months in cold temperatures can also put extra pressure on the engine.

If the electric motor is in operation, as will be the case for city driving, the average temperature of the ICE will be lower than during comparable driving conditions with a traditional gasoline ICE. Colder engine oil can lead to several problems:

• Increased oil viscosity. The cooler engine means the oil thickens, reducing its capacity to circulate and lubricate all engine components, potentially causing wear and tear.
• Build-up of water vapour. Cooler temperatures cause condensation inside the engine, which could get into the engine oil and lead to rust and corrosion in the crankcase, in cylinders and on piston rings. Water may also freeze and cause catastrophic engine failure.
• Sludge formation. If the engine oil becomes contaminated with water, this can accelerate the oxidation process and degrade the oil. Sludge may accumulate and reduce fuel efficiency and oil pressure.
• Fuel dilution. Lower engine temperatures can lead to unburned blow-by fuel bypassing the piston rings and accumulating in the crankcase, mixing with the engine oil. It can potentially reduce oil viscosity and damage the engine.

Petro-Canada Lubricants’ SUPREME Synthetic Hybrid motor oils are formulated to meet the demands of hybrid vehicles, including frequent start-ups, shorter ICE operating times, and lower oil temperatures.

They offer exceptional protection for hybrid vehicles, providing quality lubrication of engine components, emission control systems, turbochargers and gasoline direct injection ICEs. Their insulating properties protect against both high and low temperature thermal breakdown, resulting in cleaner running vehicles.

SUPREME Synthetic Hybrid motor oils are formulated using our highest quality, ultra-pure base oils, plus leading-edge additive technology. Available in SAE 0W-20 and 0W-16 grades, they exceed the latest API Service Classification for gasoline engines, API SP with Resource Conserving, and ILSAC GF-6 standards and meet the needs of most hybrid vehicles on the road today.