ACEA has published a 2024 edition of the ACEA Oil Sequences for Heavy-Duty Engines. The new sequences address engine developments driven by regulatory and performance needs, complemented by necessary test maintenance requirements.
According to European legislation, emissions from most new trucks must be 15% lower by 2025 and 30% lower by 2030. The 2024 sequences allow for lighter viscosities XW-30 and lower HTHS between 2.9 and 3.5, which can help achieve these emissions targets.
Developed by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, the ACEA sequences are a set of performance standards specifically tailored to the needs of the European market.
In the 2024 sequences, a new engine oil category, F01, has been introduced, which has specific viscosity requirements in comparison to E11-24 oil specifications. F01 is expected to be used for road vehicles, not off road highway vehicles, to help tackle the road emissions issue.
The new F01-24 category is similar in performance to E11 but mandates an XW-30 engine oil grade and a lower HTHS than the other categories to improve fuel economy for a small but emerging part of the market. This contrasts with the 2022 update, which introduced new categories, E8 and E11, and updated engine tests for the E4 and E7 categories that applied to a significant part of the market.
The 2024 sequences replace the 2022 sequences. Claims can now be made against the 2024 sequences and from 15 October 2025 onwards, the 2024 ACEA Oil Sequences for Heavy-Duty Engines will be mandatory for all new claims.
UK independent trade body, the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), welcomes the publication of the new ACEA Heavy-Duty sequences. Chairman Harald Oosting commented:
“We welcome any initiatives which support emissions reduction. Although heavy-duty vehicles comprise a small percentage of the vehicles on our roads, they are responsible for a much larger share of CO2 emissions. Engine and lubricant manufacturers are working hard to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines as well as develop electric and hydrogen solutions to help achieve net zero targets.
Operators must be aware that, as with the light-duty sequences with lower HTHS limits, backwards compatibility could be an issue. Workshops need to be vigilant and ensure they are using the correct lubricant for each and every vehicle they service.”
Verification of Lubricant Specifications is an independent organisation providing a credible and trusted means to verify lubricant specifications. For more details on the work of VLS, please visit www.ukla-vls.org.uk.
