Shell develops EV thermal fluid for sub-10-minute charging
Published on: Sep 15, 2025
Innovation promises faster charging, enhanced safety, and greater efficiency for electric vehicles.
Shell Lubricants has unveiled a breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology with the development of its EV-Plus Thermal Fluid, designed to enable charging from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes.
Created in collaboration with UK automotive engineering firm RML Group, the new technology was demonstrated using a 34 kWh battery pack featuring Shell’s proprietary Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) technology. The fluid allows batteries to tolerate significantly higher charging currents by reducing thermal stresses, making it possible to achieve range additions up to five times greater than typical battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
When applied to a lightweight, aerodynamic car with an efficiency of 10 km/kWh, the system could deliver charging rates equivalent to 24 km of driving range per minute, compared to around 5 km per minute for many existing BEVs.
The EV-Plus Thermal Fluid is electrically non-conductive and fills the spaces within battery packs, maximizing direct contact with cells to ensure uniform heat transfer. This immersion cooling approach helps control temperatures during rapid charging while offering protection against thermal runaway.
“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,” said Jason Wong, Global Executive Vice President at Shell Lubricants.
The innovation comes as global EV adoption continues to grow, though concerns around charging speed and range anxiety remain major barriers. Shell’s new thermal management solution aims to address these challenges, supporting the transition toward more efficient and sustainable electric mobility.
