WattEV has unveiled the inaugural electric truck charging depot in the United States to utilize the revolutionary Megawatt Charge System (MCS), boasting a remarkable capability to deliver up to 1.2 megawatts of power. Located in Bakersfield, CA, this site marks a significant milestone in the EV industry, offering the highest-speed charger currently available in the US.
The Bakersfield facility houses the first MCS charger in North America, setting a new standard for charging speed and accessibility. While Tesla has deployed 750kW chargers in select facilities, WattEV’s 1.2MW charger surpasses these in both speed and public availability.
The MCS, developed by the charging standards organization CharIN, represents a cutting-edge charging standard nearing completion. Despite the absence of MCS-capable trucks or UL-certified charging units, WattEV’s installation serves as a pioneering experiment in this evolving landscape.
Comprising 50 total chargers, the depot features 32 grid-tied 360kW CCS chargers alongside 3 1.2MW MCS and 15 240kW CCS chargers. These are complemented by on-site solar panels and battery backup, creating a partially grid-islanded setup. WattEV secured grants from the California Energy Commission to establish this grid-islanded configuration, ensuring that power for the chargers is predominantly sourced from 5MW of solar energy (with plans to expand to 25MW) and 3MWh of battery storage.
The decision to grid-island half of the site was driven by various factors, including the CEC grant, the absence of UL-certified MCS chargers, and potential delays associated with permitting and interconnection processes. This innovative approach underscores WattEV’s commitment to anticipating and preparing for future advancements in electric trucking technology.
WattEV’s MCS charger offers the promise of rapid charging, enabling trucks to refuel in a timeframe comparable to a traditional truck rest stop. While current trucks do not support 1.2MW charging, WattEV’s forward-thinking approach positions it to capitalize on future developments in the industry.
Unlike many operators who await charger availability before investing in trucks, WattEV is taking a proactive stance, prioritizing infrastructure development. By offering a “truck-as-a-service” model at a fixed price with lower startup costs, WattEV aims to facilitate the transition to electric trucking for businesses.
Accessible to the public through membership or on-site payment methods, the Bakersfield depot is strategically located near an industrial park and the 99 freeway, serving the California central valley. This location is poised to benefit distribution centers receiving goods from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as local farming facilities and produce delivery services transitioning to zero-emission operations, such as OK Produce in Fresno.
