Shell has unveiled a groundbreaking EV-Plus Thermal Fluid designed to address two significant challenges in the electric vehicle (EV) market: charging times and battery performance. Developed in collaboration with RML Group, the advanced thermal fluid enables batteries to charge from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes, a feat that could reshape the EV industry and alleviate widespread concerns about charging efficiency. By using Shell's proprietary Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) technology, the thermal fluid enhances heat transfer while maintaining electrical safety, allowing high charging currents without compromising the battery’s integrity or lifespan. This innovation can add up to 24 kilometers of range per charging minute, making it five times more efficient than many existing BEV systems.
What distinguishes Shell EV-Plus Thermal Fluid is its single-phase immersion cooling technology, which minimizes thermal stress by ensuring uniform heat dissipation across battery cells. Unlike conventional cooling methods, the fluid fills the spaces between battery cells, maximizing heat absorption while preventing adverse thermal events. This approach allows for smaller, lighter battery packs with improved energy density, providing cost-efficient and highly sustainable solutions for automakers. Furthermore, the fluid's electrically non-conductive properties make it a robust choice for EV manufacturers, ensuring compatibility with high-voltage systems and excellent safety standards. Shell's innovation reduces reliance on overly complex system designs while simultaneously paving the way for faster charging networks.
As the EV sector experiences exponential growth—seeing a 14% increase in sales in 2024 compared to 2023—Shell’s EV-Plus Thermal Fluid is poised to play a critical role in accelerating EV adoption. Range anxiety and charging time concerns continue to deter many consumers, with 44% of surveyed non-EV drivers citing it as a barrier. However, Shell’s revolutionary thermal management solutions offer a path toward widespread electrification. By combining efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, the thermal fluid aligns with global decarbonization initiatives, enabling automakers and consumers to embrace EV technology with confidence. As the innovation debuts at global industry events like The Battery Show North America, Shell positions itself as a leader in sustainable, high-performance EV solutions designed to meet the demands of modern drivers.
📷: SHELL
