SHD’s Innovative Solutions Drive Lightweight, Low-CO₂ Performance in the Shell Triple 10 Challenge Vehicle
SHD Composites, a Cambium company, is proud to announce its partnership with Shell plc. (‘Shell’) for the Triple 10 Challenge concept car, a ground-breaking proof-of-concept vehicle designed to inspire a new design philosophy for the next generation of battery electric vehicles (EVs).
This compact, mass-market EV demonstrates next-generation electric vehicle capability, and offers the industry an alternative to the current reliance on ever-larger batteries by re-imagining the fundamentals of lightweight material selection alongside Shell’s novel thermal management systems.
SHD’s novel composite prepreg materials are used across the vehicle structure including the bulkhead, front and back seat rows, loading deck, A pillar outer and inner panels, roof panel and windscreen supports, providing lightweight components for the vehicle to meet its target battery range.
The vehicle meets three ambitious goals that Shell believes can help drive the future of mass-market electric mobility:
Charge Faster - a sub 10-minute charge time
Go Further - 10-km/kWh economy,
Drive Cleaner - a life cycle 10-tonne CO2e footprint
Shell chose to partner with SHD for their expertise in developing novel solutions at a fast pace. SHD’s technology experts worked closely with Shell’s structural design team to develop bespoke materials to meet the Triple 10’s performance targets with the lowest possible embodied CO2. All within the tight timeframes required of such a demonstration platform in an era of rapidly advancing technology.
The seven unique material formats developed all incorporate a level of bio-based, renewable, recycled or repurposed raw materials to support lightweight, lower-carbon manufacturing. In addition, the pioneering resin chemistries adopted eliminate the typical need for refrigerated storage, helping to further reduce environmental impact across the supply chain.
Nigel Blatherwick, Commercial Director for SHD, said: “We are delighted SHD were chosen as Shell’s advanced material partner. Our responsiveness, short lead times, agility and expertise were key to delivering several innovative lightweight solutions to meet the projects sustainability goals. These solutions are available through SHD’s global manufacturing sites and scalable to support customers in the future.”
SHD is pleased to support Shell in proving that EVs can be lighter, more economical, faster-charging, and more sustainable to help drive the future of mass-market e-mobility.
