BYD, Castrol ON form strategic partnership on advanced EV fluids
China's largest EV maker BYD and global lubricant giant Castrol have announced a three-year strategic collaboration agreement on using Castrol ON advanced EV fluids in the former's range of EVs. The agreement follows existing first-fill and service-fill supply arrangements that commenced last year.
Accordingly, BYD will officially recommend the use of Castrol ON EV transmission fluid for its 'Han' luxury electric car. Joint marketing activities between the two companies will highlight the benefits of Castrol ON products in China, the largest EV market in the world, according to the partners' joint statement.
Mike Zhang, Vice President Castrol China, said, "Castrol and BYD have a long-standing relationship, and this is an important milestone in the development of Castrol's new energy business in China. This strategic cooperation with BYD will help us pursue EV opportunities in both first-fill and service-fill, underpinning Castrol's leading position in the China EV market".
BYD will promote Castrol ON products in its online stores, aftersales centres and across its dealer network in China. Both companies will use co-branded assets to market the products in a series of service campaigns designed to inform car owners about the benefits of using EV-specific lubricants.
Zikai Gao, Managing Director, BYD Global After-sales Division, commented on the development, "BYD was the first to introduce Castrol ON EV fluids for the after-service business in January 2021. As we announce the end of production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, we believe this partnership with Castrol will go towards helping us accelerate EV adoption across the world".
The cooperation agreement will also see BYD promote the use of Castrol ON EV transmission fluid by the brand's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) racing team competing in the China Rally Championship (CRC).
Castrol ON range includes transmission fluids, EV thermal fluids and greases for EVs. The company claims that these products deliver enhanced protection to drivetrain and improves efficiency.
Castrol EV thermal fluids are said to keep batteries cooler, even in extreme conditions, thus enabling ultra-fast charging, while the greases play a vital role in maintaining optimum efficiency and extending the life of vehicle components.
