Engineering firm ENGYS contributed to Shell’s Triple 10 Challenge, a concept EV programme targeting rapid charging, high energy efficiency and lower lifecycle carbon emissions. While battery cooling technology addressed the charging goal, ENGYS focused specifically on aerodynamics, which influences the vehicle’s energy consumption and efficiency at higher speeds.
The team integrated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) early in development and used parametric modelling to study design variables including windscreen angle, roof profile, rear overhang, diffuser angle and boat-tail geometry. Latin Hypercube sampling helped identify representative designs, which were evaluated using automated CFD and kriging-based response surfaces. The optimisation ultimately reduced aerodynamic drag compared with the baseline vehicle, highlighting the role of simulation-led design in EV development.
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