David Valentyne, aftermarket sales manager at TotalEnergies UK discusses the advances in re-refined base oils that have won the confidence of OEMs.
Advances in lubricant recycling technology have enabled TotalEnergies to formulate EV3R – a range of products made from waste oil which meets the stringent requirements of leading OEM specifications.
In the past, there were concerns that lubricant products that used waste oil were of lower quality than those formulated from virgin base oil stocks. However, thanks to cutting-edge R&D and advances in regeneration techniques, manufacturers including Stellantis, Mercedes Benz, Renault and VW have granted approvals to re-refined products, with some even being used for factory fill.
Included for the first time
In a mark of maturity, re-refined base oils (RRBOs) were included, for the first time, by the Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry in its updated code of practice – issued in and applied from December 2025.
Quartz EV3R is a synthetic motor oil range formulated with regenerated base oils, specially designed for petrol and diesel engines, including those equipped with turbochargers and multi-valve systems.
Quartz EV3R delivers the same trusted performance profile as standard Quartz products made from virgin base oil stocks, now in a cutting-edge RRBO formulation.
The expanding Quartz EV3R range initially launched with the versatile 10W-40 grade made from 100 per cent regenerated base oils, with an advanced, high performance 5W-40 grade being added in 2026 and made from a minimum of 50 per cent regenerated base oils. The range of available RRBO grades continues to expand, with the planned addition of a 5W-30 option – providing even more circular and sustainable alternatives to the market.
Stellantis compatibility
EV3R OEM approvals include compatibility with Stellantis’ latest and market-leading FPW9.55535/XX specifications, which have harmonised nearly 40 legacy specifications inherited from its PSA (Peugeot), FCA (Fiat-Chrysler) and Opel-Vauxhall brand families into a rationalised group of six. This consolidation saw Stellantis comprehensively redesign its testing and approval protocol, resulting in a far more rigorous methodology that is aligned with the highest technical expectations. The new harmonised framework stands out as one of the most demanding in the automotive industry, providing a trusted signal for engine durability, fuel efficiency and resistance to extreme temperatures.
Taken together, and across its full range of automotive lubricants including EV3R, TotalEnergies is the only supplier on the market offering approved lubricants that cover all six of the specifications which comprise the full spectrum of Stellantis vehicle needs in the UK and Europe.
The EV3R range has proven that products formulated from what is considered to be waste oil can meet even these modern and demanding requirements.
Quartz EV3R 10W-40 complies with Stellantis FPW9.55535/04, while Quartz EV3R 5W-40 complies with FPW9.55535/10.
Re-refined products like Quartz EV3R are also helping drivers, technicians and OEMs reach their targets on emissions reduction. For example, Quartz EV3R 5W-40 delivers a 27 per cent reduction in product carbon footprint versus conventional base-oil formulations. Quartz EV3R 10W-40 is one of only two lubricants to be offered as part of the Stellantis SustainEra initiative, and the only one to be formulated with 100 per cent regenerated base oils.
With new grades under development, and the trusted hallmark of a wide range of OEM approvals, the EV3R range is continuing to set the standard for RRBO lubricants.
