Heavy-duty diesel vehicles are widely used in various industries and are the workhorses of many small business fleets. However, they are also among the largest emitters of CO2 in the transportation sector. In our home state of California, these vehicles are subject to stricter emission requirements, including regular testing, due to the state’s environmental laws. While engine technology advancements are helping to reduce the emissions these vehicles put out, engine oil plays a critical role in helping reduce emissions. For some time, the industry has pushed for oils that will better help meet these new requirements. At that request, the American Petroleum Institute has been preparing to launch a new oil category, PC-12, to meet these needs.

What are the emission requirements in California?
As a California fuel-based lubricant supplier, we know how challenging fleet management can be to ensure your fleet complies with the current emission standards. Heavy emitters are subject to regular testing as part of the Clean Truck Check program under the umbrella of the Clean Air Act. This program requires non-gasoline heavy-duty vehicles with a GVWR over 14,000 lbs to submit to emissions testing regularly. This program aims to ensure the vehicle’s after-treatment system is operating correctly and compliant with current emissions standards. Ensuring that your vehicles meet these standards by regularly submitting emissions testing and paying compliance fees is challenging for many fleet managers and business owners, and it’s not getting easier.

These new requirements are also a challenge for OEM manufacturers. New regulations from the EPA will require vehicles with a model year of 2027 to meet a 75% reduction in NOx emissions and a 50% reduction in PM emissions. This new emissions requirement will also be required for up to 800,000 miles. Previously, emissions standards were needed only up to 435,000 miles, so OEMs must meet higher standards for a more extended period for new heavy-duty engine models.

What to expect from PC-12 Oils
Like previous oil category launches, the PC-12 will have two distinct oil categories. Though they haven’t officially been named, industry insiders refer to them as CL-4 and FB-4. Here’s how these two oils will differentiate.

  • CL-4 Oils: These oils will be backward compatible with older vehicle models, which will be key for fleets with a mix of old and new vehicles. They will succeed the previous CK-4 oils in performance by providing superior wear protection, oxidation stability, and all-weather performance. They’ll be ideal for off-highway use where fuel economy is less important.
  • FB-4 Oils: This category will be for newer engines, primarily 2027 models and beyond. FB-4 oils will focus on reducing viscosity to improve fuel efficiency. This category is also expected to introduce SAE 0W-20 and 5W-20 oils for heavy-duty applications

As progress continues in defining the PC-12 category and the oils that will be developed, OEMs are studying OW-20 oils to guide their engine designs. These oils, popular in Europe and Japan, meet standards similar to those of the PC-12 category. Additionally, Chevron is working with OEMs and additive manufacturers for two years to formulate new products that will meet the PC-12 standards. As the process continues, the goal is to have products ready for a market launch in 2027 that will meet the PC-12 frameworks once they are officially finalized.

What can you do to prepare for PC-12?
Navigating these changes will be challenging for fleet managers or business owners. But you can take steps now to make the process a little easier. As a fuel and lubricant supplier, here are three suggestions to prepare for the new emission standards and the launch of PC-12 oils.

  1. Evaluate the condition of your fleet. It’s time to take a hard look at your fleet and how well it’s performing. Go over your maintenance logs and evaluate the needs of each vehicle. Is each vehicle performing the way you need it to? Will your business require more vehicles or high-performing vehicles in the future? Now is a good time to consider replacing older vehicles before emissions standards rise or before diesel and gasoline-powered vehicle sales bans take effect.
  2. Establish a lubricant program. An established lubricant program outlining exact standards for storing and using lubricants can reduce costs. We’ve shared some great information on how to run successful programs in this past blog.
  3. Join our oil analysis program. How will you know if your fleet will need to make the switch to PC-12 oils? With regular oil analysis sampling. As a member of our oil analysis program, you’ll get exact data on the lubricant needs of your vehicles and equipment based on how you use them. We’ll teach you how to take samples, read the reports, and implement the maintenance and lubrication recommendations from the lab. With this information, you’ll be able to cut down on unnecessary maintenance costs, reduce equipment downtime, and get the most efficiency out of your vehicle. Once PC-12 products hit the market, you’ll know your fleet’s lubricant needs and if you should make the switch.

The industry is ready for PC-12
It’s taken time, but the framework for PC-12 is now firmly in place. We know what the chemical limits will be and how products will be tested to measure their performance to qualify for PC-12. With this knowledge, manufacturers like Chevron are preparing for the next phase of development: oil products that should hit the market in 2027.

Even though it’s still a few years away, preparing new oil products to meet PC-12 is a significant effort. It takes time to develop, test, and manufacture these products. As new emission standards take effect, the need for cleaner, more efficient oils and vehicle engines become more critical. As a Chevron Lubricants Supplier, our team at Greg’s Petroleum is here to help you prepare for this transition by keeping you updated on the progress of PC-12 and Chevron’s new products that will meet these standards. With our help, you can be prepared to make the switch when it’s time!