Shell Triple 10 Challenge concept EV charges in under 10 minutes using direct dielectric fluid cooling

technave.com

by policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 points

Shell has unveiled a concept EV called the Triple 10 Challenge that charges from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes using a standard 175kW charger. The key innovation is a single loop of non-conductive dielectric fluid that directly bathes the battery cells, replacing traditional water-glycol cooling pipes. This simpler design also cools the motor and power electronics through one front radiator, reducing weight and manufacturing complexity. The concept achieves 10 km/kWh efficiency and a lifecycle carbon footprint of only 10 tonnes of CO2e. Shell built the car with Horiba Mira, RML Group, and Empel Systems. There is no word on whether any automaker will adopt the design for production vehicles. The project was created to meet Shell's own internal challenge, not as a commercial prototype.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting approach but 10 tonnes lifecycle CO2e for a B segment EV is not that impressive. A typical compact EV is already around 15-20 tonnes. The real win here is the charging speed without needing 350kW chargers.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

The 175kW charger part is key. If you can get sub 10 minute charging on existing infrastructure that actually matters for grid planning. No need for massive transformer upgrades at every station.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

Dielectric fluid immersion cooling has been used in data centers for years. Surprised it took this long for someone to try it in an EV. The leak concern is real though. One bad seal and you have a fire risk and a mess.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The lifecycle number includes manufacturing. If the fluid needs replacement every few years that adds to both cost and waste. Would like to see the full LCA methodology Shell used here.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Concept cars are fun but the gap to production is huge. The real question is whether this cooling approach can survive 10 years of thermal cycling and vibration. That is where most novel battery cooling ideas die.