Chargepoint, an electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider, has announced the development of a new megawatt charger designed to support the upcoming Megawatt Charging System (MCS). The charger, based on Chargepoint’s Power Link 2000 series, will initially deliver 1.2 MW and is expected to later increase to up to 3 MW. The company is now offering tests of the charging system to truck manufacturers.
According to Chargepoint, the MCS cables and plugs for e-trucks will be available at charging stations equipped with this type of device. The company’s partners, particularly truck manufacturers, can commence interoperability tests immediately. The charger will also support bidirectional charging.
While specific volt and ampere values for the device were not disclosed, Chargepoint noted that the current Power Link 2000 stations are based on the company’s internal modular ‘Express Plus DC’ fast charging platform, which will also serve as the foundation for the upcoming megawatt charging system. Chargepoint’s CCS chargers of the Power Link 2000 type currently deliver a maximum of 500 kW.
With a charging capacity of up to 3 megawatts, Chargepoint is expanding its focus beyond electric road freight transport to include the shipping and aviation sectors. However, the truck sector remains a primary target, at least initially. Hossein Kazemi, CTO for Hardware at ChargePoint, stated, “Megawatt technology is the first step toward electrifying the commercial trucking industry. Megawatt charging solves one half of the electrification equation for trucking.”
Major commercial vehicle manufacturers are already conducting tests in the megawatt range at full speed. While the MCS standard is not yet finalized, all OEMs are preparing for its expected completion in 2025. In April, Mercedes-Benz Trucks demonstrated charging in the 1,000 kW range, while in March, the MAN eTruck charged at a station from ABB with a capacity of 700 kW. Mercedes used a Siemens megawatt charger, and MAN used an ABB prototype device.
Chargepoint’s development of the megawatt charger signifies a significant step forward in the electrification of commercial transportation, offering a glimpse into the future of high-capacity electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
