Shell has unveiled a new electric vehicle concept that could reshape EV battery design, combining faster charging with improved efficiency and a lower environmental impact.
The Triple 10 Challenge concept car uses immersion cooling technology and a smaller battery to deliver high performance without relying on ultra-fast charging infrastructure - an ongoing barrier to wider EV adoption.
New approach to EV battery cooling
At the core of the concept is Shell Recharge thermal fluid, which submerges the vehicle’s battery cells and parts of the motor.
The fluid circulates around each cell, regulating temperature more evenly than conventional cooling systems. This helps maintain performance during rapid charging while improving overall energy efficiency.
Sub-10-minute charging on standard infrastructure
The “Triple 10” name reflects the vehicle’s charging capability:
- Charges from 10% to 80% in 9 minutes and 54 seconds
- Achieved using a 175kW public charger (within a 175–185kW range during testing)
By comparison:
- Most EVs take 25 to 40 minutes to reach the same charge level
- Similar speeds typically require 300kW ultra-fast chargers
This suggests the potential to deliver ultra-fast charging without widespread infrastructure upgrades.
Efficiency gains and competitive range
Testing also shows notable improvements in efficiency:
- 10 km per kWh energy efficiency
- Over 30% improvement compared to many current EVs
- Up to 24 km of range added per minute when charging
- Total driving range of 320 km on a full charge
These results demonstrate that a smaller battery can still deliver competitive performance.
Smaller battery, broader benefits
Reducing battery size brings multiple advantages:
- Lower vehicle weight improves efficiency
- Reduced material use supports sustainability
- Increased interior space, including more rear legroom
This may signal a shift away from simply increasing battery capacity to enhance performance.
Lower lifecycle carbon footprint
The concept prioritises sustainability across the vehicle lifecycle:
- Simplified cooling system improves energy efficiency
- Lightweight design reduces operational energy demand
- Use of recycled materials limits raw material extraction
Shell estimates a lifetime carbon footprint of 10 tonnes CO₂, around 50% lower than comparable EVs.
Implications for the future of EVs
The Triple 10 concept highlights a move towards efficiency-led EV innovation, focusing on smarter system design rather than larger batteries.
If brought to market, this approach could enable:
- Faster charging without reliance on ultra-fast networks
- Improved efficiency and performance
- Reduced environmental impact across production and use
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