Shell and Chinese truck manufacturer FAW have jointly developed a new battery pack for electric semi-trucks. The system utilizes immersion-cooling technology, where battery cells are submerged in an electrically insulating fluid to manage heat more effectively than traditional cooling methods.
The battery pack is currently installed in the Starship Hybrid concept truck. It has passed industry-standard on-road certification tests and is undergoing further validation by FAW under demanding commercial operating conditions, including high-power charging and rapid discharging cycles.
Initial testing indicates significant performance improvements. According to the companies, the immersion-cooled batteries provide up to a 98% increase in maximum gradability, a 0.8% improvement in energy efficiency, and up to 32% longer battery life compared to conventional setups.
The companies are showcasing the battery technology and the Starship Hybrid concept at the IAA Transportation 2026 event in Hannover, Germany. This collaboration aims to address the growing need for higher power, efficiency, and faster charging in the commercial vehicle sector.
