Shell has unveiled its Triple 10 Challenge concept car, a next-generation battery electric vehicle (EV) designed to demonstrate how smarter thermal management can make electric mobility faster, lighter, and more sustainable.

The proof-of-concept vehicle showcases an alternative approach to EV design by reducing dependence on larger battery packs while improving charging speed, driving efficiency, and overall lifecycle emissions.

Three ambitious goals for the future of EVs

The Triple 10 Challenge is built around three key performance targets that Shell believes could shape the future of mass-market electric vehicles:

  • Charge Faster: Achieve a charging time of less than 10 minutes.
  • Go Further: Deliver an energy efficiency of 10 kilometers per kilowatt-hour (km/kWh).
  • Drive Cleaner: Limit the vehicle’s lifecycle carbon footprint to approximately 10 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

According to Shell, the concept vehicle is the first roadworthy EV to successfully demonstrate a simplified single-circuit cooling system capable of managing the thermal demands of the entire powertrain, even during ultra-fast charging under real-world conditions.

Advanced thermal technology boosts efficiency

At the heart of the Triple 10 Challenge is Shell Recharge thermal fluid, a dielectric cooling fluid that replaces the conventional water-glycol cooling system used in most electric vehicles.

Instead of circulating coolant around the battery, the fluid enables direct immersion cooling of the battery, electric motor, and power electronics, improving heat management while simplifying the vehicle’s overall architecture.

Cara Tredget, Vice President for Mobility and Lubricants Technology at Shell, said the technology demonstrates how existing innovations can help accelerate the development of more efficient EVs.

“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,” Tredget said.

“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.”

Smaller battery, faster charging

The concept vehicle was engineered to achieve 10 km/kWh using a smaller and more efficient battery system, representing more than a 30 percent improvement in overall energy efficiency compared to many current-generation electric vehicles.

The vehicle can also charge its battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 9 minutes and 54 seconds using a standard 175kW fast charger, rather than relying on the ultra-fast chargers exceeding 300kW that are typically required for similar charging times.

Shell said the vehicle adds approximately 24 kilometers of driving range per minute of charging, compared with an average of 13 kilometers per minute for many battery electric vehicles using the same charging infrastructure.

The redesigned battery architecture, featuring fewer modules and a simplified housing made possible by immersive cooling technology, also contributes to an estimated 25 percent reduction in battery pack costs.

Lower carbon footprint

Shell estimates the Triple 10 Challenge concept vehicle would generate a lifecycle carbon footprint of approximately 10 tonnes of CO2 equivalent over a projected lifespan of 200,000 kilometers.

The reduction is achieved through a combination of lightweight vehicle construction, optimized battery size, recyclable and lower-carbon materials, and charging powered entirely by renewable electricity.

Based on Shell’s internal life cycle assessment, the concept could reduce lifecycle emissions by around 50 percent compared to many battery electric vehicles currently available in the European market.

Collaboration with automotive engineering leaders

The Triple 10 Challenge concept car was unveiled at HORIBA MIRA’s proving ground in the United Kingdom and was developed through a collaboration with several automotive engineering specialists.

Battery engineering company RML designed the battery pack architecture, eliminating much of the complex piping found in traditional cooling systems to reduce vehicle weight.

Electric powertrain specialist Empel Systems developed the compact electric motors and drive units, while HORIBA MIRA handled vehicle integration, testing, and validation, including simulations under extreme weather conditions.

Shell expands EV ecosystem

Alongside the unveiling of the concept vehicle, Shell also announced that it is integrating its complete electric vehicle offerings—including charging, thermal fluids, and battery solutions—under the Shell Recharge brand.

As part of this transition, the Shell EV-Plus brand will be retired, creating a unified end-to-end electric mobility platform for both business and consumer customers.

The Triple 10 Challenge continues Shell’s long history of developing efficient vehicle technologies, following initiatives such as Project M, the Starship fuel-efficient truck program, and the global Shell Eco-marathon, which has challenged students for decades to build some of the world’s most energy-efficient vehicles.