ABB E-mobility and MAN Truck & Bus recently celebrated the premiere of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), a new charging standard that enables super-fast charging for heavy-duty electric vehicles (up to 3.75 MW). The MAN eTruck was charged with more than 700 kW and 1,000 A at an MCS charging station from ABB E-mobility.
The international standardization process is expected to be completed this year, and companies are already close to commercial implementation.
Today’s electric trucks need a fast MCS booster during the legally prescribed driving time break, especially in national and international long-distance transport or in loading and unloading situations. This new technology complements existing solutions: Depot charging with lower charging capacities will continue to play a central role in the future.
The two companies have demonstrated that MCS charging already works at MAN’s development centre in Munich. Here, one of the first-megawatt charging points in Germany was installed by ABB E-mobility.
“With MCS, sustainable long-distance transport with trucks and buses will be possible in the near future,” said Michael Halbherr, CEO of ABB E-mobility. “Even if we are still showing a prototype, with the new MCS standard we have not only doubled the amperage but also the charging capacity within just a few years. To achieve the energy transition in transport, we need solutions that are sustainable, reliable, and economical. To achieve this, we need to think integratively and work together.”
The new MCS megawatt charging standard is technically designed for charging capacities of up to 3.75 MW at 3,000 amperes. ABB E-mobility and MAN have demonstrated more than 700 kW charging power with prototype charging technology. With the finalization of the MCS standard, charging capacities of over one megawatt will already be possible and will result in a significant improvement in charging times.
By way of comparison, today’s charging stations with the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard can be used by cars and commercial vehicles and offer a maximum charging capacity of 400 kW at 500 A. The international standardization process for the Megawatt Charging System is expected to be completed this year. ABB E-mobility and MAN have contributed their expertise to the creation of the MCS standard in the international industry association CharIN.
The fact is, a lot of energy is needed for MCS charging. When so much electricity is flowing, the infrastructure behind the visible charging points, the grid connections, and the space requirements (e.g., at motorway service stations, car parks, or truck stops) play a key role. Grid expansion and the digitalization of the grids are not only essential for the future supply of renewable energy, but also a prerequisite for the charging infrastructure.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News