Inside the Future of Fleet Performance: Shell’s PC-12 Oil Development Journey
Get ready—big changes are coming to the world of diesel engine oils, and Shell is leading the charge. In a recent conversation between Shell’s Global Lubricants team and Technical Manager Matt Urbanek, we got an inside look at how Shell is preparing for the upcoming API PC-12 diesel engine oil category, set to launch in 2027.
Matt pulled back the curtain on Shell’s intense preparation process—from lab testing to real-world validation. "We’re not entirely ready yet, but the journey is well underway," he shared. With a legacy of innovation behind them, Shell is diving deep into research and development to ensure PC-12 oils deliver top-tier performance in oxidation control, wear protection, and deposit management.
What makes this development so exciting? Shell isn’t just testing oils in the lab. They’re putting them through the paces in real fleet scenarios—from long-haul trucking to off-highway and agriculture applications. And they’re not stopping at used oil analysis; Shell is performing full engine teardowns to verify performance down to the metal.
A key feature of PC-12? The introduction of lower-viscosity oils (5W-20 and even 0W-20)—a game-changer for fuel economy. Despite some hesitation in the industry, Matt reassured fleets: “These lower-viscosity oils will meet the same wear protection standards as the heavier ones. You’re not trading protection for efficiency—you’re getting both.”
Shell’s commitment to collaboration is another cornerstone of the development process. By working closely with additive suppliers and industry stakeholders, Shell ensures the oils they create meet stringent EPA emissions requirements and support the longevity of aftertreatment systems like DPFs.
In Matt’s words, “PC-12 is all about helping OEMs meet emissions targets—while making sure engines stay protected, efficient, and on the road longer.”
So buckle up—Shell’s PC-12 journey is proving once again why they’re the industry’s technology leader. More to come as field trials and engine teardowns deliver the data that keeps your fleet ahead of the curve.