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

Hybrid vehicles are gaining increasing recognition among European drivers, including those in Poland. According to data from the Automotive Market Research Institute SAMAR, gasoline remains the leading powertrain type in the Polish market, with a 30.22% share. Micro-hybrids hold second place (26.73%), followed closely by conventional hybrids, which continue to strengthen their position year by year. Buyers particularly value their low fuel consumption in urban driving and view hybrid cars as reliable and nearly maintenance-free. 

However, to fully benefit from the advantages of hybrid technology, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding engine oil. The specific nature of how the combustion engine operates in a hybrid vehicle places very high demands on the oil. Notably, the more advanced the hybrid system, the greater the requirements placed on the lubricant.

What makes hybrids stand out?

Hybrid cars are equipped with two different types of drive units. In modern vehicles, this typically involves a combination of an internal combustion engine (usually gasoline-powered) and an electric motor paired with a small or large energy storage system. The most affordable hybrids, commonly referred to as micro-hybrids (or mild hybrids), operate with the combustion engine running continuously. The electric system in these vehicles has relatively low power and a very small battery. Its role is limited to recovering energy during braking and providing additional support to the engine during acceleration.

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?

One of the biggest challenges for engine oils in hybrid vehicles is the frequent starting and stopping of the combustion engine—regardless of the type of hybrid system. The engine rarely reaches its optimal operating temperature, meaning it often runs in a cold state. This underheating increases the risk of accelerated wear, particularly in terms of lubrication. 

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

To meet the demands of hybrid engines, oil manufacturers use the most advanced technologies. Rapid oil circulation right after engine start-up is crucial, which is why ultra-low viscosity oils—such as 0W-20 or even 0W-8—are becoming the standard. These formulations help reduce “dry” running, where engine parts are not yet fully lubricated. 

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

Issues related to hybrid vehicles and the appropriate selection of engine oils are also discussed in video materials with the participation of TotalEnergies brand ambassadors in Poland – Patryk Mikiciuk and Adam Klimek. We invite you to watch the videos: