To align new engine technology and push for a more fuel efficient future, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new rules in 2022, set to take effect in 2027, that tighten emission standards and emphasize longer component service life. The American Petroleum Institute (API) responded by developing the new proposed category for heavy duty commercial lubricants: PC-12. Once implemented, these new standards will improve fuel efficiency and engine protection while reducing emissions of sulfur, phosphorous, and other environmentally harmful particulate matter.
The Five “W’s” of PC-12
Who: The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
What: New category of heavy-duty commercial lubricants
When: Announced in 2022 and taking effect in 2027
Where: North America
Why: To improve efficiency and engine protection while reducing emissions and harmful particulate matter.
To facilitate the transition, PC-12 lubricants are divided into two categories: PC-12A, which is backward compatible with legacy equipment, and PC-12B, which will optimize new equipment to maximum performance and efficiency. Both standards will pass a variety of stringent tests ensuring their performance and adherence to the EPA’s stricter standards for emissions and aftertreatment system service life.
The Mobil Delvac team is prepared to work closely with OEMs, distributors, and experts at every level of heavy-duty engine operation to ensure the success of this transition and all associated emission testing and PC-12 spec evaluations.
On Expertise
“Mobil™ technicians have been driving efficiency in heavy duty engine oil for a century, and the new PC-12 is no different. When the standards arrive in 2027, we’ll be ready to deliver to our customers, distributors, and the OEMs who make this possible.”
“ExxonMobil™ is a voting member in the development of PC-12 specifications in North America and in certain parts of the globe. We are going to be ready with PC-12 formulations when they go live in 2027.” — Bhaskar Prabhakar, CVL Product Lines Manager
On Preparation
“I've always been passionate about automotive technology, especially thinking toward the next best thing. And I'm proud to be a part of that at ExxonMobil. PC-12 is coming in 2027, and we already have products ready to meet that new specification.” — Bhaskar Prabhakar, CVL Product Lines Manager
On Collaboration
“To stay proactive in future formulation, we, work closely with the OEMs to understand their emerging technology and how to do the to design lubricant that meet their requirements.” – Reda Fawzy, Global Program Manager
On Value
“PC-12 is ultimately about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Lower viscosity is going to help unlock the engine power, and help maximize the efficiency of the newer engine technology that's going to be available.” – Nick Rivera, Applications Engineer