In a groundbreaking demonstration, MAN Truck & Bus, in collaboration with ABB E-mobility, showcased the capabilities of their megawatt charging system (MCS) by successfully charging a MAN eTruck with over 700 kilowatts and 1,000 amps at a prototype charging station. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the advancement of sustainable long-distance transport for electric trucks and buses.
The event, held at MAN’s development centre in Munich, highlighted the potential of the MCS to rapidly charge electric vehicle batteries, offering a range extension of 300 to 400 kilometers within a 45-minute statutory driving time break. The charging process, from 10 to 80 percent battery capacity, takes approximately half an hour.
MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp emphasized the urgency of expanding the charging infrastructure, stating, “We don’t have much time left for the roll-out.” Vlaskamp called for swift action to meet the goal of 30,000 MCS charging points in Europe by 2030, with around 4,000 in Germany alone.
The collaboration between MAN and ABB aims to address potential issues for early adopters of MCS-capable e-trucks, ensuring a reliable infrastructure through comprehensive software and interoperability testing. ABB E-mobility’s Senior Vice President of Products & Hardware Platforms, Floris van de Klashorst, stated that a product meeting logistics requirements should be available by 2025.
Michael Halbherr, CEO of ABB E-mobility, highlighted the significance of the MCS, stating, “With MCS, sustainable long-distance transport with trucks and buses will be possible in the near future.” He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable, reliable, and economical solutions for the energy transition in transport.
The Megawatt Charging System, designed for up to 3.75 megawatts of charging capacity, surpasses current CCS standard charging stations, which offer a maximum capacity of 400 kW. The MCS standardization process is expected to be completed this year, with ABB E-mobility and MAN actively participating in the international industry association CharIN.
The demonstration of the MCS’s capabilities represents a significant milestone in the electrification of commercial vehicles, paving the way for sustainable and efficient long-distance transport.
