Shell Lubricants has partnered with UK automotive engineering firm RML Group to develop an innovative thermal fluid, EV-Plus Thermal Fluid, designed to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) charging.
This advanced fluid enables EV batteries to charge from 10% to 80% in under ten minutes, a significant breakthrough for EV adoption. The technology utilizes Shell's proprietary Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) technology within a 34 kWh battery pack. The EV-Plus Thermal Fluid is electrically non-conductive and fills all interstitial spaces within the battery pack, employing an immersion cooling approach for precise temperature control during rapid charging. This method significantly reduces thermal stresses, allowing batteries to tolerate higher charging currents without compromising their integrity or lifespan.
Jason Wong, Global Executive Vice President of Shell Lubricants, expressed enthusiasm for the development, stating, "As we celebrate World EV Day, we are thrilled to demonstrate that Shell EV-Plus Thermal Fluids can help to significantly improve battery thermal performance, paving the way towards higher charging efficiencies, enhanced safety, convenience and cost-effectiveness." This advancement directly addresses consumer demand for faster charging and longer driving ranges, aiming to make EVs more practical for daily use.
Robert Mainwaring, Shell's lead engineer on the project, highlighted the consumer desire for improved energy efficiency and quicker charging. He noted, "Our ambition within this project was to show how Shell EV-Plus Thermal Fluids can support significant reductions in charging time without compromising cell integrity and lifetime." Mainwaring believes that sophisticated thermal management solutions will usher in a new era of more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective battery electric vehicle solutions.
This innovation is set to transform the EV landscape, potentially offering up to five times more range per minute of charging compared to typical BEVs. For instance, in a lightweight, aerodynamic car with an efficiency of 10 km/kWh, this system could achieve charging rates equivalent to 24 km of driving range per minute, a substantial increase from the approximately 5 km per minute seen in many existing BEVs.
Shell's ongoing collaborations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are crucial for accelerating the uptake of these advanced lubricant technologies, combining Shell's fluid expertise with hardware innovations to shape the next generation of EV batteries. The introduction of Shell's EV-Plus Thermal Fluid marks a pivotal moment in EV charging technology, directly addressing the industry's need for faster charging times and enhanced battery performance.