Filtration specialist UFI has developed new technology to meet the growing needs of hybrid and electric vehicles. It is now the original equipment supplier of a new oil module for all of the Volkswagen Group’s mild hybrid EA 288 EVO 2.0 litre engines.

The Volkswagen Group's four-cylinder engine has a starter generator connected to a lithium-ion battery. This reduces CO2 emissions by up to 10 g/km over the previous version. The UFI Filters oil module contributes to this reduction, through thermal management of the oil and coolant circuits and an optimised layout that reduces pressure drops.

The EA 288 EVO is one of the German company's most widely sold engines and is featured on models including the Volkswagen Golf, the Passat, the Škoda Octavia and the SEAT Leon.

The new UFI Filters module, which has a plastic body and smaller dimensions, helps to reduce the weight and fuel consumption of the engine. It features a by-pass valve and a solenoid valve which improve control of the oil and coolant flow through the engine, as well as helping to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. These technological systems, which are built into the UFI Filters oil module, guarantee minimised pressure losses in the lubrication system, thus increasing engine performance and reducing fuel consumption. The filtration module also has a plastic drain valve to facilitate workshop servicing.

The complete filter, with an eco-friendly cartridge, delivers 99% filtering efficiency for particles of up to 40 microns, according to ISO 4548-12.

Luca Betti, UFI Group Aftermarket Business Unit Director, said, “This is a very important project for the UFI Filters Group, in which our product is installed on one of the most appreciated engines on the market. A key competitive advantage that the Group offers to its Aftermarket distributors is its range of exclusive products. Our customers can have spare parts quality installed in their cars being equivalent to the Original Equipment, a step ahead of our competitors in the market. The replacement module will also be available in the UFI and SOFIMA Aftermarket catalogue in the coming year."