ACEA HD Sequences released

The ACEA Heavy-duty Engine Oil Sequences for service fill engine oils define the minimum quality level of an oil product for self-certification to the European Engine Lubricants Quality Management System (EELQMS) and for presentation to ACEA members.

In our view, the ACEA Oil Sequences provide a set of performance requirements that define oils that offer essential protection for the majority of the European heavy-duty vehicle fleet. These oils, when used as recommended, deliver a good quality lubricant on which marketers, OEMs and consumers can rely on. OEMs requiring additional performance may also choose to develop their own in-house specifications.

The first-ever EU-wide CO₂ emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) adopted in 2019 set a 15% reduction target by 2025 vs a 2019 baseline. These standards are applicable to heavy lorries over 16 tonnes with standard axle configurations, which the EU says account for approximately 70% of the CO₂ emissions produced by all HDVs.

As part of the ‘Fit for 55’ initiative, the EU agreed amended CO₂ emissions limits for these vehicles, which entered into force in June 2024 (see figure below). Their increasing stringency means OEMs are keen to find every lever for fuel economy improvement.

Along with developing new engine powertrain systems to continue to improve fuel efficiency and deliver the performance expected from their customers, heavy-duty vehicle OEMs are also looking for lubricant derived fuel economy improvement via lower viscosity engine oils.

To reflect this trend, the new version of the ACEA HDEO Sequences introduces the F01-24 engine oil sequence for on-road vehicles, which supports lubricant related fuel economy improvement.

The requirements for the new F01-24 engine oil sequence are the same as for the ACEA E11-24 sequence except with regard to its viscosity.

The F01-24 sequence supports only SAE XW-30 grade oils at low high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity, while for E11-24 there is no restriction on viscosity except as defined by shear stability and HTHS requirements – leaving manufacturers to indicate specific viscosity requirements related to ambient temperature.

The difference between E11-24 and F01-24 is solely related to viscosity, as shown below.

Many OEMs have already adopted or are considering the use of lower HTHS grades, aligned with F01-24, for factory fill fluids to help deliver fleet-wide fuel economy improvements.

However, in Europe the service fill market is currently dominated by SAE 10W-40 and 15W-40 grades, which means demand for F01-24 could be limited, but growth can be expected over time (see charts below).

Both E11-24 and F01-24 are recommended for a wide portfolio of on-road vehicle hardware architectures (see table below). However, the new F01-24 sequence is not recommended for off-road vehicle applications.

ACEA published the new HDEO Sequences, which replaced the ACEA 2022 edition, on October 15 2024. The 2024 ACEA Oil Sequences for Heavy-Duty Engines document was further updated to revision 1 on December 18 2024.

From 1 October 2025 onwards the new sequences become mandatory for all new claims. From this date onwards all claims for new HDEO formulations must be made according to this latest ACEA Sequences issue.

Infineum has data from US field trials that demonstrates API FA-4 performance – which is the same performance level as the new F01-24 sequence. This means we can be confident that our products are F01-24 ready. However, additional testing is required to meet the new ACEA 2024 specification, which we expect to complete in early 2025.

Infineum is ready to support its customers as they work to meet the new ACEA HDEO Sequences, including F01-24 performance. This will enable lubricant customers to use HDEO oils for future requirements with fuel economy improvements.

Download our new ACEA 2024 brochure here.