Shell unveiled a battery electric concept car at the HORIBA MIRA proving ground in the UK. The Triple 10 Challenge Concept Car targets three goals: charging from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes, achieving about six miles per kilowatt-hour, and limiting its lifecycle carbon footprint to roughly 2,200 lbs of CO2 equivalent. Instead of using larger batteries, Shell focused on thermal management, weight reduction, and efficiency. The concept uses a dielectric thermal fluid for direct immersion cooling of the battery, motor, and power electronics through a single circuit. This replaces the water-glycol systems found in most EVs and reduces piping, weight, and cost. Shell says the battery pack costs about 25% less than comparable designs and delivers over 30% better energy efficiency than many current production EVs. The car hits its charging target with a 175 kW charger, not the 300 kW plus units many EVs need. Shell built the concept with British engineering firms RML, Empel Systems, and HORIBA MIRA. The project continues Shell's efficiency program from the Eco-marathon through the Starship truck program. The concept is unlikely to reach production, but it signals that one of the largest oil companies is now pushing for smarter thermal engineering and efficiency over bigger battery packs.
