by Shell presents new Triple 10 Challenge concept
Shell quietly unveiled a new concept called the Triple 10 Challenge. It is described as a “breakthrough demonstrator vehicle designed to inspire a new design philosophy for the next generation of battery electric vehicles.”
Three key objectives of the concept
Designed to be compact and affordable, the car is named after three key metrics. These include achieving 10 km/kWh, a lifecycle of 10 tons of CO2e emissions, and a charging time of less than 10 minutes.
Regarding the latter, the car’s “compact” battery can charge from 10% to 80% in 9 minutes and 54 seconds. This is quite fast, and this time is achieved using a relatively common 175 kW DC fast charger.
Sustainability and efficiency
The concept is also environmentally friendly thanks to a lightweight construction, “optimized battery capacity,” and the use of recyclable materials. Furthermore, the electric vehicle is expected to use 100% renewable energy for charging, so the combination of these factors could provide a “50% reduction in lifecycle emissions compared to typical battery electric vehicles on the European market.”
Regarding efficiency, Shell stated that the concept is “the first road-ready vehicle to successfully demonstrate the potential of a simplified single-loop cooling system to effectively manage the thermal load of the entire vehicle powertrain, even under the most extreme real-world fast-charging scenario.” Essentially, this is the main highlight, as Shell has a new fluid to sell.
Recharge fluid and its role
In this case, it is the Recharge thermal fluid. The company stated that the dielectric fluid “enables direct battery immersion for cooling and indirect cooling of powertrain components, including the motor and power electronics.” Shell claimed that the fluid allowed them to “unlock the potential for faster charging, lighter systems, and improved lifecycle efficiency, using technologies that exist and can be scaled today.”
Although specific figures were scarce, the firm stated a “more than 30% improvement in overall energy efficiency compared to many current-generation EVs.” Shell also noted that the cost of the battery pack was reduced by approximately 25% thanks to an efficient design with fewer modules, a simplified housing architecture, and the company’s fluids.
Technical details and design
The oil giant did not delve into technical specifications but confirmed that Empel Systems developed the car’s electric motor and drive unit, while RML worked on the battery and integration.
This is not a lot of information, but the Triple 10 looks like a small five-door hatchback with a vertical front end and a wide light bar. These are complemented by digital side mirrors, flush door handles, and wheels with a “simulated” cast design. We can also notice a smooth roofline and a minimalist interior with what appears to be a rotary gear selector.
This concept demonstrates how oil companies are trying to adapt to the electric vehicle era, offering not just fuel but also technological solutions for cooling and efficiency. Although Shell does not disclose all the details, the emphasis on fast charging and reduced emissions indicates a shift in priorities within the industry. However, the question remains of how realistic the mass adoption of such solutions is, given the dependence on specialized fluids and infrastructure.
