Dumarey Group, a Belgian automotive engineering services company, and Malaysia’s Petronas Lubricants International have begun experimental testing of new engine oil formulations for hydrogen-fueled engines as part of an ongoing technical collaboration.
The program started in November 2025 and focuses on identifying lubricant chemistries that can withstand hydrogen combustion conditions, particularly higher water exposure, which can affect oil stability and durability.
The work reflects growing interest in hydrogen combustion as a potential pathway for decarbonizing certain vehicle segments alongside battery electric and fuel cell technologies. Hydrogen engines present different lubrication challenges than conventional gasoline or diesel engines, creating a need for formulations that can manage moisture, heat and long-term reliability as development activity increases.
Dumareyis using its hydrogen-ready engine platform to test components and systems under controlled conditions, while Petronas has supplied prototype oils designed to maintain performance under high thermal stress and sustained moisture exposure. The partners have launched an accelerated durability test program lasting about two months to assess resistance, efficiency, and compatibility with next-generation hydrogen engines and to generate data for future development.
The initiative supports broader efforts to prepare drivetrain technologies for the energy transition and emerging hydrogen applications, the companies said in a press release.