Shell’s Thermal Fluid Enables Sub-10-Minute EV Charging in Tests

Shell’s new technology promises EV battery charging in under 10 minutes. Partnering with UK-based RML Group, the company has demonstrated that this ultra-fast charging is achievable in real-world tests.

The Science Behind 

The magic ingredient? Shell’s EV-Plus Thermal Fluid. Built using Shell’s proprietary Gas-to-Liquid technology, this fluid is electrically non-conductive, making it safe around batteries. Here’s where it gets interesting. The fluid fills every gap within a battery pack.

It wraps around each cell, maximizing contact. This dramatically improves heat transfer. Heat is the enemy of fast charging. It stresses batteries and limits charging speeds. Shell’s fluid solves this by efficiently whisking heat away. The result? Batteries can handle much higher charging currents. Safety and longevity don’t take a hit either.

Real-World Testing Results

Shell didn’t just theorize. They tested it on a 34 kWh battery pack that went from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes. Shell ran some numbers on what this means practically. Picture a lightweight, aerodynamic EV with excellent efficiency. We’re talking 10 kilometers per kilowatt-hour.

With Shell’s system, that vehicle could gain 24 kilometers of range per minute of charging. A quick coffee stop could add serious miles to your journey.

Why This Actually Matters

Charging anxiety is real. It’s one of the biggest obstacles stopping people from going electric. Nobody wants to wait 40 minutes at a charging station. Road trips become exercises in patience. Shell’s technology could completely change this narrative.

With Shell’s system, charging an EV could become as quick and convenient as filling up at a gas station. However, the technology is currently limited to standalone battery packs, with no commercial EVs yet equipped. 

The Bigger Picture

Shell isn’t alone in this race. China’s BYD recently unveiled flash-charging that works in 5 to 8 minutes. StoreDot has similar ultra-fast charging tech using silicone anode cells. The competition is heating up. That’s excellent news for consumers.

An oil company leading EV charging innovation feels almost ironic. Perhaps they’re reading the writing on the wall. The future is electric, and Shell wants a seat at that table.

What Happens Next?

The technology exists. It works in controlled tests. Now comes the hard part. Shell needs automotive manufacturers to adopt this system. Battery packs would need redesigning. The infrastructure would need upgrading. These aren’t small asks.

There’s also the question of cost. Premium thermal fluids may initially increase the cost of EVs. But faster charging could justify the price premium for many buyers. Regulatory approval will take time, too. New battery technologies face rigorous safety testing. Shell will need to clear those hurdles.

Conclusion

Shell just made electric vehicles significantly more practical on paper. Whether this technology reaches showroom floors remains to be seen. The potential is undeniable, though. Ten-minute charging could be the tipping point that pushes EVs into the mainstream.

The oil giant is betting big on electrons instead of hydrocarbons. That shift alone tells you where the industry is headed. Shell’s thermal fluid might just accelerate that journey faster than anyone expected. What are your views on Shell’s 10-minute EV charging solution? Let us know in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.