Shell and FAW's New Battery Doubles Electric Truck Power

Electric semi trucks are about to get a lot better at their job, thanks to a breakthrough in battery cooling technology.

Shell and Chinese truck manufacturer FAW have developed a battery pack that surrounds battery cells in a special cooling fluid. This immersion cooling system keeps batteries at the perfect temperature, even during the most demanding hauls.

The results from early testing are impressive. The new system helped trucks climb steep hills 98% better than conventional batteries, a game changer for hauling heavy loads through mountain passes. Energy efficiency improved by nearly 1%, and the batteries could last up to 32% longer.

The technology has already passed industry safety tests and is being validated on FAW's Starship Hybrid concept truck. The truck has endured the kind of punishment commercial vehicles face daily, including rapid charging and discharging cycles that would stress typical batteries.

For truck operators, this means fewer battery replacements, lower operating costs, and more reliable vehicles. The improved hill climbing ability also opens routes that electric trucks previously struggled with, making them viable for more freight companies.

The Ripple Effect

This innovation arrives at a crucial moment for the freight industry. Commercial trucks account for a significant portion of transportation emissions, and many fleet operators have hesitated to go electric due to concerns about range, power, and battery longevity.

The immersion cooling breakthrough addresses all three worries at once. Better thermal management means batteries can charge faster without overheating, handle heavy loads without losing power, and survive longer before needing replacement.

Shell and FAW are showcasing the technology this week at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany. Fleet operators and other truck manufacturers will get their first hands on look at the system, potentially accelerating its adoption across the industry.

The partnership between an oil company and a truck manufacturer might seem surprising, but it shows how traditional energy companies are pivoting toward cleaner technologies. Shell's chemical division brought expertise in thermal fluids, while FAW contributed decades of commercial vehicle engineering knowledge.

As electric trucks become more capable and cost effective, cleaner freight transport moves from possibility to reality.