initiative, named Multipoint megAwatt Charging for Battery Electric Truck Hubs (MACBETH), is being coordinated by Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre and will run until January 2029.
The MACBETH project brings together a broad consortium of European partners, including logistics provider PostNord Denmark, commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus SE, and technology firms such as Power Electronics Espana and Rocsys. The project aims to develop scalable MCS solutions that can serve both commercial and private electric vehicles via multi-user hybrid charging hubs.
Two large-scale demonstration pilots are planned, which will see the deployment of “hybrid charging stations” designed to serve heavy-duty trucks, medium-duty vehicles, and passenger EVs simultaneously. These pilots will test a range of technologies contributed by project partners.
Dutch robotics firm Rocsys is set to trial a robotic charging arm designed to automate the plug-in process for truck drivers. “Currently, drivers must exit their vehicles, handle heavy charging cables, and interrupt their break time,” said Joost van der Weijde of Rocsys. “By automating the charging process, we’re addressing critical ergonomic, operational, and safety challenges in electric heavy-duty transport.”
Finnish charging specialist Kempower, which previously unveiled its own MCS technology, will also participate in the pilots. “We’re bringing crucial equipment and expertise to the table,” said Kempower’s Research Director Ville Naumanen. “Currently, megawatt charging infrastructure is very rare in Europe, and our technologies will be key to bridging this critical gap.”
Project coordinator Yancho Todorov, a senior scientist at VTT, said the initiative takes a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development. “To create a functional charging infrastructure, we need to investigate many aspects, including various charging hub designs, hardware systems, plug standards, safety enabling robot technologies, as well as practical experiences of logistics companies in operating electric trucks,” he said.
While detailed technical specifications are yet to be disclosed, the project is seen as a significant step in closing the gap between Europe and countries such as China, where MCS infrastructure is more advanced. Several private sector efforts are also underway in Europe, including Shell’s MCS test centre in Hamburg, which will support charging capacities of up to five megawatts, and BYD’s recently announced plans to build a network of megawatt chargers—though focused on electric cars rather than trucks.
Other companies such as Milence, Gruber Logistics, and Ionity are also developing MCS-related technologies. However, MACBETH is one of the first major initiatives backed by the European Commission to address both commercial and private electric vehicle charging, underscoring the bloc’s growing commitment to decarbonizing heavy transport infrastructure.