- Champion Lubricants launches two new engine oils for hydrogen combustion engines.
- CHAMPION OEM SPECIFIC 5W-30 HYDRO HD and 10W-40 HYDRO HD are available from October 2026.
- Developed to meet the specific challenges of HD hydrogen combustion engines.
The latest groundbreaking innovation from Champion Lubricants addresses critical challenges in the Heavy Duty (HD) sector, providing lubricant solutions for ultra-low-emission hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE).
CHAMPION OEM SPECIFIC 5W-30 HYDRO HD and CHAMPION OEM SPECIFIC 10W-40 HYDRO HD have been proactively developed by Champion’s in-house R&D engineers to address the specific efficiency and protection challenges of H2ICE powertrains.
Hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles
In recent years, H2ICE technology has attracted significant investment from major HD OEMs, including industry leaders such as Cummins, MAN, RENAULT Group and VOLVO Trucks.
H2ICE technology is becoming an important technological alternative to conventional diesel engines in HD applications. It combines the familiarity and relative performance of ICE with the minimal emissions of hydrogen combustion.
H2ICE powertrains use hydrogen as the fuel source, instead of diesel, with water being the primary byproduct of combustion, instead of CO2. This significant reduction in emissions may prove to be vital for the commercial vehicle industry and an important technology for achieving transport-related climate goals without compromising the economic viability of fleets. Champion’s new engine oils support these sustainability efforts, providing a purpose-formulated lubricant that is ready for H2ICE fleets.
New technologies demand new formulas
Conventional heavy duty engine oils are unsuitable for H2ICE applications due to fundamental differences in how the engines work. Champion’s engineering team identified that H2ICE oils need to prioritise management of pre-ignition risks, effective water handling, and enhanced oxidation control.
Bert De Haes, Head of Product at Champion Lubricants, commented: “Champion has once again developed a market-leading innovation, meeting novel technology requirements with groundbreaking new solutions. Hydrogen combustion engines offer a sustainable alternative for the HD sector, and Champion is proud to be enabling pioneers adopting these technologies. It is another demonstration of our commitment to the energy transition and delivering state-of-the-art lubricant solutions that keep vehicles moving.”
CHAMPION OEM SPECIFIC 5W-30 HYDRO HD and CHAMPION OEM SPECIFIC 10W-40 HYDRO HD will be available from October 2026 in a range of packaging sizes, including 20L, 60L, 205L, 1,000L, and in bulk.