The latest American Petroleum Institute (API) heavy duty engine oil categories, API CK-4 and API FA-4, were rolled out in December 2016. While the uptake of APl CK-4 has been relatively strong, API has forecast a broader adoption of API FA-4 alongside the growth of next generation vehicles. Despite the declaration that API FA-4 will become more relevant from MY 2021, it seems attention has already shifted to next step.
Speaking at the Diesel Engine Oil Advisory Panel (DEOAP) meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, US on 11 December 2018, former Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) representative Roger Gault said that the development of a new heavy duty engine oil category could commence as early as 2021. The new category would deliver the necessary standard to tackle anticipated advancement in engine technology in the North American market. The working title for the new heavy duty engine oil category is PC-12, with API aiming to adopt PC-12 by 2027, following a likely five year development and one year licensing period.
With headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, US, EMA is a not-for-profit association that represents worldwide manufacturers of internal combustion engines (ICE) and on highway medium and heavy-duty trucks. The organization 28 members include prominent automotive brands such as Caterpillar, Cummins, Ford, General Motors, Isuzu, Volvo and more.
Gault suggests there is "no crystal ball on emerging technology.” EMA expects evolutionary changes may occur by MY 2027 off the back of the US EPA Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas Emission
Regulations, which may generate new engine lubricant performance demand.
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium and Heavy Duty Engines and Vehicles - phase 2 Final Rule will promote a new generation of "cleaner, more fuel-efficient trucks by encouraging the development and deployment of new and advanced cost-effective technologies,” according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). Semi-trucks, large pickup trucks, vans, buses and work trucks are covered from model years 2021-2027, whereas for certain trailers the legislation encompasses a slightly broader range of model years (MY 2019-2027).
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Technology changes Gault foresees include a tightening of chemical limits and continuing interest in the lower viscosity grades already under exploration in various parts of the world. We may see increasing engine lubricant temperatures, suggests Gault, requiring improved oxidation protection and wear reduction. The EMA representative also highlighted the importance of heightened focus on staying ”in grade” over longer drain intervals with elevated lubricant temperature.
