The overall engine lubricant demand in the European MHCV sector is substantial, accounting for a significant portion of the region’s total lubricants market. Annual lubricant consumption in 2025 is estimated to be over 800kMT3
growth, lubricant demand remains resilient due to the essential nature of commercial vehicle operations and the sustained need for maintenance. However, future demand is expected to face headwinds as electrification and alternative fuels penetrate the market, gradually reducing reliance on traditional internal combustion engines.
ACEA E8: A new benchmark for low-SAPS heavy duty lubricants Introduced in May 2022, ACEA E8 replaces the long-standing ACEA E6 category, which first brought low-SAPS oils to prominence in 2004. ACEA E8 is designed with modern Euro VI engines in mind and is a significant increase in performance in many areas. This new benchmark in performance places increased emphasis on:
• Piston cleanliness • Oxidation performance • Stay-in-grade performance • Compatibility with EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems
ACEA E8 oils must meet stringent requirements for oxidation stability, aeration control, and wear protection, making them ideal for engines equipped with diesel particulate filters and operating on low-sulfur fuels.
The introduction of the OM471 piston cleanliness test (CEC L-118-21) marks a significant evolution in lubricant testing. Replacing the OM501LA test, OM471 is more severe, with a 600-hour duration and higher thermal stress, reflecting the demands of modern Euro VI engines.
Complexity in the low-SAPS HD market The European heavy-duty engine oil market is growing in complexity. The rise in complexity of multiple viscosity grades in heavy-duty (HD) low-SAPS lubricants in Europe is driven by diverse engine designs and stricter Euro VI emissions standards. Fleets require lubricants that suit various operating conditions, from cold starts to high-load haulage, leading to a broader range of viscosity grades. Each
10 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.189 OCTOBER 2025
Lubrizol analysis. Based in part on content supplied by IHS Markit – Worldview, 2024
. Despite the parc’s slow
grade must deliver optimal protection, fuel efficiency, and compatibility with after treatment systems, making formulation more challenging. Lubricant producers must balance base oil selection, additive chemistry, and performance requirements, resulting in advanced, specialised products tailored to specific engines and regulatory needs.
There are now five distinct viscosity profiles commonly used in HD applications which require low-SAPS lubricants. These are shown in the chart which gives the relative split of these lubricants based on Lubrizol analysis.
Viscosity Grade Complexity in low-SAPS HD
This proliferation reflects the need for tailored solutions across different OEM platforms and operating environments.
Increasing complexity in lubricant formulation, especially with multiple viscosity grades and low-SAPS requirements, poses significant challenges for lubricant blenders in terms of plant capacity and logistics.
Handling a broader portfolio of products demands more storage tanks, blending equipment, and dedicated lines to prevent cross-contamination. Frequent changeovers between different formulations reduce operational efficiency, increase downtime, and require rigorous cleaning protocols. The need for precise blending of advanced additives and base oils further complicates production planning and throughput.
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