The Original Motor Oil reinforces its 160-year legacy by shaping next-generation electric vehicle (EV) fluids for everyday drivers
At this weekend’s London E-Prix, the season finale of the Formula E World Championship, Valvoline™ Global Operations, is proving that 160 years of innovation can help power the future of electric mobility through its role as Official Partner of Mahindra Racing.
“Being the original motor oil means you must evolve,” said Michael Kirtman, Chief Brand Officer, Valvoline Global Operations. “For more than 160 years, Valvoline has evolved alongside the vehicles we help protect, and Formula E is the perfect proving ground for what comes next. Our collaboration with Mahindra Racing captures hard-won track data under peak thermal, mechanical and high-voltage loads, helping us turn what we learn into the next generation of innovation for drivers everywhere.”
Frédéric Bertrand, Team Principal & CEO of Mahindra Racing, added: “Valvoline Global is a valued technical partner, and its fluid-engineering expertise contributes to the performance and reliability work behind our race program. Monaco and Tokyo were important results for the whole team, and the partnership forms part of the wider progress we have made this season.”
“What makes this collaboration truly compelling is how it connects global racing technology leadership with our deep local business and engineering roots in India. With Mahindra, we adapt our learnings from these race‑developed fluids to Indian vehicle portfolios – delivering tangible commercial value for our vehicle manufacturing partners and end‑consumers alike. This builds on nearly two decades of partnership, reinforcing our shared commitment to innovation and to driving growth in India and global markets,” said Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director, Valvoline Cummins Pvt. Ltd.
Born from Competition
As Official Partner, Valvoline Global engages with Mahindra Racing’s engineers to develop and test custom e-fluids that maximize drivetrain efficiency, durability and reliability. Validated through a rigorous lab and on-track program, the collaborative transmission fluid has been flowing through Mahindra Racing’s race cars since May 2026. Data insights from every lap contributes to Valvoline’s ongoing commercial product development, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes fluids for mass-production EVs. This transforms selected race-winning technology insights and learnings into reliability that everyday drivers can trust.
Inventing the Way Forward since 1866
Over the course of 160 years, Valvoline has played a part in defining the standards of the lubricants industry by embracing the full spectrum of automotive evolution. Its R&D philosophy spans internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, backed by more than two decades of dedicated EV research. Key innovations – including in the fields of low-surface-tension fluid technology and advanced battery cooling systems – address core industry challenges such as battery safety and driving range loss under fast charging. This diversified approach ensures that whether it’s a high-mileage engine or a next-generation EV, The Original Motor Oil continues to set the benchmark for performance and protection. Today, Valvoline Global offers a suite of e-mobility solutions covering thermal management and driveline systems, accelerating the shift to electric mobility without compromising the reliability that customers have depended on for generations.
Global Scale, Local Pride
Operating in more than 140 countries, Valvoline Global is proud to support India’s premier vehicle manufacturer on the world stage, fueling Mahindra in e-Racing and reinforcing its technology leadership in India, one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets. Underpinning this global stage presence is a deep local commitment: delivering advanced lubricant technologies for both internal combustion engines and electric mobility solutions, precisely tailored to Mahindra’s evolving vehicle portfolio. The London E-Prix activation welcomes trade partners from around the world, with special recognition of India as a critical pillar of its growth strategy, coinciding with India’s Independence Day celebrations. Together, they spotlight Indian automotive excellence and the power of global collaboration.
