Shell has unveiled a new electric vehicle (EV) concept car that can charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in just 9 minutes and 54 seconds, a breakthrough achieved without requiring ultra-fast charging infrastructure. The vehicle, named the Triple 10 Challenge, is a proof-of-concept designed to inspire a new design philosophy for next-generation EVs.
Triple 10 Challenge Goals Met
Shell set three ambitious targets for the concept car, all of which have been successfully met: a sub-10-minute charge time, an energy economy of 10 km/kWh, and a lifecycle carbon footprint of 10 tonnes CO2e. These achievements represent a significant leap forward in EV performance and sustainability.
Cara Tredget, VP Mobility & Lubricants Technology for Shell, said: “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. 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.”
Efficiency and Charging Performance
The vehicle achieves 10 km/kWh driving economy through a smaller, more efficient battery system, delivering over 30% improvement in overall energy efficiency compared to many current-generation EVs. Critically, the rapid charge from 10% to 80% is accomplished without compromising thermal stability or battery lifespan.
While some existing EVs can charge in under 10 minutes, they typically require ultra-fast chargers exceeding 300 kW—a rare condition on public charging networks. The Triple 10 Challenge vehicle achieves this feat using a standard 175 kW charger, adding 24 km of range per minute. In comparison, typical battery electric vehicles (BEVs) add an average of only 13 km per minute on the same charger.
Impact on EV Adoption
This breakthrough addresses two major barriers to EV adoption: charging time and infrastructure dependency. By enabling rapid charging on existing networks, Shell's concept could accelerate the transition to electric mobility without requiring costly upgrades to public charging stations. The combination of fast charging, high efficiency, and reduced lifecycle emissions positions the Triple 10 Challenge as a potential blueprint for future EV design.
