Afton Chemical Corp., a global leader in the development of performance additives for fuels and lubricants, is excited to announce the launch of the world’s first commercially available dedicated additive for H₂ heavy-duty engines – HiTEC^® 12582.

H₂ is rapidly emerging as the most viable low-emission alternative fuel to navigate the ‘messy middle’ – the period between conventional internal combustion engines and a fully battery-electric future, where existing technologies and alternative fuels must be leveraged while full-electric solutions evolve and advance.

For long-haul trucks in particular, H₂ as a combustion fuel produces virtually no exhaust CO₂ emissions—only trace amounts from lubricants or possible impurities in the H₂—supporting progress towards large emissions reduction targets.

Original Equipment Manufacturers across the world are busy developing the engine hardware with production models expected in the coming years followed by double digit growth through the next decade. Afton has been working with partners across the industry to develop lubricants capable of meeting the specific challenges of H₂ combustion. Up to now these have been fuel agnostic lubricants capable of working across a range of fuels. This provides logistical simplicity but does not allow the full potential of H₂ internal combustion engines to be achieved.

HiTEC 12582 performance additive is purpose-built for H₂ internal combustion engines, eliminating the excess chemistry needed for fuel agnostic lubricants. Engine oils formulated with HiTEC 12582 provide superior performance in the critical areas of water handling, corrosion resistance, pre-ignition and oxidation whilst maintaining the durability that all modern engines require. This dedicated approach delivers a cleaner, more efficient product with protection and performance precisely tuned to H₂’s unique demands.

Dr Alan Henderson, Marketing Manager for Heavy Duty Engine Oils in EMEAI, said, “By focusing on the specific demands that H₂ places on the lubricant, we have been able to open the formulation space and drive down treat rates. With no unnecessary chemistry, our customers will benefit from a formulation that delivers high performance while supporting long-term emissions goals.”