The dynamic growth in the popularity of hybrid cars across Europe is transforming approaches to their operation and maintenance. TotalEnergies Marketing Polska explains which oils are required for the engines in these vehicles and why it is crucial to follow the lubricant recommendations provided by hybrid vehicle manufacturers.
The growing role of hybrids in the automotive market
What makes hybrids stand out?
Micro-hybrids are gaining market share primarily for environmental reasons, as they don’t offer as many functional advantages as full hybrids. These systems enable the engine to shut off at stops—such as traffic lights—and restart smoothly when the accelerator is pressed. Additionally, a small electric motor, which often doubles as an alternator, assists the combustion engine during acceleration, though this support is modest.
The main benefit of a micro-hybrid compared to a traditional combustion engine vehicle is reduced exhaust emissions, especially in urban driving. In full hybrids, the electric motor and its battery are powerful enough to allow for electric-only driving. The most advanced and costly variants—plug-in hybrids—enable zero-emission driving for several dozen kilometres, much like a fully electric vehicle. Their traction batteries are recharged not only through regenerative braking but also by connecting to an external power source.
Why isn't standard oil enough?
In full hybrids and plug-in hybrids, there's the added challenge of sudden acceleration from a cold engine. For instance, a vehicle may start in electric mode, with the combustion engine only kicking in at speeds of 50–60 km/h. These abrupt starts and stops are especially tough on engines equipped with a turbocharger. Rapid high-rev operation followed by immediate shutdown puts significant strain on the turbocharger bearings.
Oils for hybrid vehicles – engineered for the challenge
Hybrid-specific oils must also contain highly effective anti-wear additives that remain active at lower operating temperatures. It’s also important to consider that, during typical hybrid operation, some unburned fuel—often enriched with so-called “eco-additives”—can enter the oil. The lubricant must resist these contaminants and maintain high chemical stability to prevent accelerated oxidation or gelling.
TotalEnergies offers a wide range of lubricants designed to meet the unique demands of hybrid drivetrains, including:
- 0W-8 Quartz 9000 XTRA FUTURE XT
- 0W-16 Quartz INEO XTRA EC6
- 0W-20 Quartz 9000 FUTURE GF-6
- 0W-20 Quartz INEO XTRA DYNAMICS
- 0W-20 Quartz INEO XTRA FIRST
- 0W-20 Quartz INEO XTRA Long Life 0W-20
Choosing the right oil for a hybrid car is critical —not only during the warranty period. Many hybrid drivers might be surprised, especially since the most popular models feature naturally aspirated gasoline engines that appear to be low-maintenance. However, due to their unique operating characteristics, it’s essential to use the correct oil grade, as recommended by the manufacturer. It’s also a good idea to occasionally allow the engine to run longer on the open road, to help evaporate any fuel and water residues accumulated during short, stop-and-go urban trips.”
Adam Husiatyński, expert from the Technical Department at TotalEnergies
About TotalEnergies Marketing Polska:
TotalEnergies Marketing Polska has been operating in Poland since 1992 and has an established position on the engine oil market. It offers products of two well-known brands TotalEnergies and Elf. Since 2008, TotalEnergies also offers bitumen products and is present in the market of industrial special fluids. The company has also been operating on the fuel sales market since 2009. In 2021, TotalEnergies opened the first car washes and launched a project to create a charging network for electric vehicles.
About the TotalEnergies Marketing Services:
TotalEnergies Marketing Services offers its professional and private customers a wide range of energy products and services - petroleum products, biofuels, charging and related services for electric vehicles, road and marine gas - to support their mobility and help them reduce their carbon footprint. Every day, over 8 million customers visit our 16,000 service stations around the world. Number four in the world in lubricants, we design and market high-performance products for the automotive, industrial and marine sectors. In order to best respond to the needs of our B2B customers, we deploy our sales force, our international logistics network and our diverse offer. We operate in 107 countries, where our 31,000 employees are close to all our customers.
About TotalEnergies:
TotalEnergies is a multi-energy company with a global reach that produces and sells energy: crude oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewable energy sources and electricity. More than 100,000 of our employees strive to make energy cheaper, cleaner, reliable and available to as many customers as possible. Operating in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainability in all its aspects at the heart of its projects and activities to contribute to people's well-being.
Contact TotalEnergies:
Bartosz Cyran | bartosz.cyran@proautomotive.pl | +48 662 454 679.
Legal Notice:
The terms „TotalEnergies”, „TotalEnergies Company” or „Company” in this document are used to refer to TotalEnergies SE and consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Similarly, the words „we”, „us” and „our” may also be used to refer to these entities or their employees. Entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly holds shares are separate legal entities. TotalEnergies SE is not responsible for the actions or omissions of these entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a range of economic data and assumptions made in the particular economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove inaccurate in the future and are subject to many risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries undertakes to publicly update any information or forward-looking statements, objectives or trends contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information regarding risk factors that may affect the financial results or operations of TotalEnergies is contained in the most recent Registration Document, the French version of which has been filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and in Form 20-F filed with US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)O TotalEnergies Marketing Polska
