Shell, FAW test immersion-cooled battery with up to 98% gradability boost
Shell and FAW Trucks tested an immersion-cooled battery pack that demonstrated up to a 98% increase in maximum gradability. The same tests also showed a 0.8% gain in vehicle-level energy efficiency and a potential battery-life extension of up to 32%.
The battery pack uses an electrically insulating fluid that surrounds the cells, moving heat away directly rather than through a separate cooling plate. Testing was conducted under sustained high-power charging and discharging conditions, with results verified by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center. So far the pack has only been evaluated on a concept vehicle, the Starship 3.0 Hybrid, and is not yet slated for production.
“As commercial vehicles continue to evolve, so do the technologies needed to support them. By working closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like FAW TRUCKS, we’re developing advanced fluid solutions designed to support evolving vehicle technologies, including electrification powertrains and thermal management systems,” Cara Tredget, vice president of Mobility & Lubricants Technology at Shell said.
The technology is part of the Shell Starship program, a technology demonstration platform focused on improving commercial vehicle efficiency and reducing emissions. Both companies are continuing to validate the battery pack for potential use in future FAW hybrid trucks.
What we know
Initial vehicle validation showed potential improvements in several areas, including an up to 98% increase in maximum gradability, a 0.8% improvement in vehicle-level energy efficiency and a potential battery life improvement of up to 32%, according to Shell.
The battery pack also underwent industry-standard testing and vehicle evaluations, with the results verified by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, according to Shell.
Shell and FAW Trucks developed the system as part of their ongoing work regarding hybrid and electrified commercial vehicle technology.
The battery pack has not been announced as a production system.
Shell’s system uses this approach on the Starship 3.0 Hybrid.