Synthetic Engine Oils Optimizing Friction, Wear, and Fuel Economy

In an exclusive interview with Thiruamuthan, Assistant Editor at Industry Outlook, Arijit Basu, Managing Director at Veedol Engine Oils, discusses the evolution of synthetic oils in India’s automotive industry. He highlights their role in improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and meeting sustainability goals, sharing how these advancements cater to the evolving needs of the automotive sector.

Arijit Basu is an experienced business leader with over two decades of expertise in automotive lubricants, construction chemicals, and industrial products. He specializes in transformation, strategic investments, P&L leadership, digitalization, and team development, with a focus on scaling organizations and driving profitable growth.

Modern synthetic oils reduce high-temperature wear and micro-friction while ensuring engine reliability under India’s harsh conditions, so how do they consistently maintain such performance levels?

It is a combination of lubricant technology and the evolution of engine technology. Globally and in India, the focus is on improving fuel efficiency, using cleaner fuels, and reducing vehicle-related emissions. That being said, cutting down the carbon credit is also a crucial factor in both global and now in India.

Considering all these factors, the lubricant technology is now palpably evolving alongside engine advancements. Moreover, engines are becoming more powerful than before, but at the same time, the annular space between the pistons is shrinking. So what is needed is lubricant technology based on molecules that can perform effectively in a narrow annular space, delivering better performance while reducing oil consumption.

This is possible with the newer and advanced lubricant technology, primarily based on synthetic molecules and low-viscosity base oils, which are becoming more common in India. So the progression in technology is taking place in terms of moving the lubricating oils from mineral to semi-synthetic to fully synthetic versions.

The organization I represent, Veedol, which is a very well-known for helping its customers understand the benefits of synthetic lubricants. This supports the broader goal of achieving high performance oils while protecting the environment.

Thus, lubricating oils are aligning with advancements in the automotive industry.

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Low-friction synthetic oils improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions while aiding Indian fleet operations, so what measurable gains are operators currently observing in real usage?

The need for lubricants depends on various transportation segments. In fleet transport, long drain intervals and reliable lubricating oil quality are key. Long-haul fleets prefer fewer lubricant changes, achievable through high-tech lubricants that offer lower friction, better performance, and higher temperature stability. Reliability of service availability is equally important for this segment. It's a combination of quality and service that meets these needs.

For passenger cars and two-wheelers, the focus is on higher performance, ride comfort, and a better riding experience. We now offer a synthetic range of lubricating oils with EPR (Engine Power Retention) technology, a unique, first-of-its-kind technology using bio-steroids and fully sustainable synthetic molecules. This technology ensures power retention in the engine throughout the vehicle’s life cycle. Besides fuel efficiency and comfort, it offers value-added benefits like consistent engine power from day one to the end of the vehicle's performance.

This technology is unique and category-specific, depending on the type of vehicle or transportation. Electric vehicles, especially in passenger cars, are also gaining popularity, with different expectations and requirements. These trends will influence how we produce and service the industry, bringing advanced technologies to the Indian market and consumers.

Advanced synthetic formulations protect engines in heavy-duty and long-haul operations while reducing wear, so how are fleet managers evaluating their impact on vehicle life and costs?

It's not just about the oil; road conditions and exposure also impact vehicle maintenance. There are various factors, which impact the overall maintenance usage of the vehicle.

So compounding all this, the most important thing is the benefit from the lubricating side to the end user achieving up to 5-6 percent fuel efficiency with synthetic kind of molecules. Additionally, longer drain intervals help them reduce long-term cost. While synthetic oils may have a higher initial cost per liter, they eliminate the need for frequent oil changes, providing a cost-optimized solution over time for the end user. Technically, this approach offers a cleaner, more environmentally friendly solution without impacting the fleet's budget. In the long term, fleet managers save money while benefiting from better engine performance and overall vehicle experience.

Synthetic oils lower emissions by improving combustion efficiency and reducing internal friction across India’s transport sector, so how are they strengthening fleet-level sustainability commitments?

Synthetic oils assist in enhancing sustainability commitments at the fleet level through offering bio-based and eco-friendly measures. These oils enhance efficiency on the combustion engine and lower internal friction, leading to the minimization of emissions within the transport industry in India. Synthetic oils have better qualities in that they have extended drain cycles and are more fuel-efficient, as this also contributes to the sustainability goals the industry strives to achieve.

These oils are not the only factor in the attainment of sustainability, but they do play an important role in the overall plan of the fleet industry. Synthetic oils are important to the industry in terms of sustainability by minimizing the environmental impact of vehicle operations. Their application is in line with the shift in the industry to greener and efficient solutions that balance performance with the environment.

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As hybrid and electric vehicles expand in India, synthetic lubricants must align with new efficiency needs, so what innovations will be required to meet future performance demands?

As hybrid and electric vehicles grow in India, synthetic lubricants must align with new efficiency needs. Hybrid vehicles, linking with internal combustion engines, and electric vehicles, as alternatives, do not require conventional engine lubricants. However, they require transmission and thermal management, particularly with the use of electric batteries.

For both hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as existing internal combustion engines, the demand for new technological solutions in lubrication and cooling systems will continue to increase. Meeting these demands will be important for developing advanced solutions. Regardless of the power source, the focus will be on providing sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions to end customers.

This is where the whole lubricant industry is currently focused: innovating and improving technologies to meet future performance needs while ensuring sustainability and environmental responsibility. The goal is to adapt lubricant and cooling technologies to evolving vehicle power trends, ensuring they meet the challenges of both hybrid and electric vehicle operations.

Key Advice for Emerging Leaders from Arijit Basu:

Customer-Centric Approach: Stay focused on understanding your customers. They are the ones who will express what value additions are appreciated and recognized. Even when customers may not fully know the real value, their feedback is crucial in guiding your strategy.

Innovation: Innovation will come from solution providers who look at problems from new perspectives. By offering new technologies and approaches, you can deliver value that customers may not even realize they need yet.

Value Addition Through Innovation: It’s important to continually innovate and find ways to add value. Through focused innovation, you can reach out to end customers and offer solutions that improve their experience and meet their evolving needs.