Shell has revealed a new concept car with technology it says can improve EV capabilities without the need for bigger batteries.
The Triple 10 Challenge concept includes a charging time of less than 10 minutes, 10km/kWh efficiency, as well as a 10-tonne CO2e lifecycle footprint.
This performance can be achieved due to its dielectric fluid technology, which allows for direct immersion cooling of the battery and indirect cooling of powertrain components.
Its battery, which has a 32kWh usable capacity, can be charged from 10 to 80% in nine minutes and 54 seconds without compromising thermal stability or lifespan.
This can be achieved using a standard 175kW public charger, rather than a less common ultra-rapid charger, and represents an improvement of about 90% compared with typical current EVs in terms of range added per minute charging.
The 10km/kWh efficiency is achieved through a smaller, more efficient battery system, featuring a more than 30% efficiency improvement compared with many current-generation EVs.
Also, Shell says the concept’s improvements contribute to a battery cost reduction of about 25% compared with a conventional EV.
Partners involved in the project include RML, Empel Systems and Horiba Mira.
Cara Tredget, VP for mobility and lubricants technology at Shell, said, “With the Triple 10 Challenge concept car, we have unlocked the potential for faster charging, lighter systems and improved lifecycle efficiency by using our advanced thermal fluids.
“Together with our co-engineering partners, we are proud to develop alternative options for sustainable EV development leveraging technologies that are available today and are scalable to support customers into the future.”
