MCS Fast Charging of Trucks during rest break is now possible

Daimler Truck, MAN Truck & Bus, Scania, and Milence show how quickly electric trucks could be charged in the future. MCS fast charging is a key component in scaling up electric mobility. Around 35,000 publicly accessible MCS fast charging points will be needed across Europe by 2030

Daimler Truck, MAN Truck & Bus, and Scania joined charging infrastructure operator Milence for a demonstration of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) on Press Day at IAA TRANSPORTATION, showing how quickly battery-electric commercial vehicles could be charged in the future.

Vehicle batteries were charged to 80% or fully charged within the legally mandated driver rest breaks of 30 to 45 minutes scheduled for long-haul operations. MCS charging takes electric truck charging performance to a new level. The demonstration provided an impressive example of how fast and straightforward charging electric trucks could become.

The demonstration once again shows that the industry is not only already producing innovative, high-performance, climate-neutral commercial vehicles, but is also actively advancing the transition to electric mobility across all areas.

Building and expanding charging infrastructure is crucial

“Megawatt Charging is ready for real-world electric trucking today. At IAA TRANSPORTATION, we are demonstrating interoperable megawatt charging across trucks from different manufacturers, showing that MCS technology is ready to support the next phase of electric long-haul transport. Now Europe needs to accelerate and scale charging infrastructure along its key freight corridors, so that this technology can deliver its full potential and support the transition to zero-emission road transport”, says Anja van Niersen, Chief Executive Officer of Milence.

“MCS charging technology is the key to the cost-effectiveness and widespread adoption of battery-electric lorries in long-haul transport. With charging times shorter than the driver’s rest break, the MAN eTGX can achieve daily ranges of over 1,000 kilometres within the same working hours as a diesel lorry. Since July, MAN has been fitting MCS charging technology as standard for customers who wish to adopt it at an early stage. By giving IAA visitors a practical insight into megawatt charging, the VDA and Milence are making an important contribution to the successful market roll-out of MCS and to the success of the comprehensive electrification of road freight transport”, says Jürgen Wagner, Senior Vice President Engineering Vehicle & External Engines MAN Truck & Bus.

Stina Fagerman, President Mercedes-Benz Trucks Customer Region Europe at Daimler Truck: “The transformation of road freight transport can only be achieved through a comprehensive, high-performance charging network. With the eActros 600, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is already proving that battery-electric long-haul transport is ready for real-world operations and delivers tangible benefits for customers in their daily business. We therefore highly welcome the VDA and Milence showcasing MCS technology at IAA Transportation, as it will be a key enabler for the further scale-up of electric mobility in long-haul transport.”

Lars Gustafsson, SVP and Head of Solutions Management at Scania: “The transition to electric long-haul transport requires charging solutions that combine power, safety and reliable performance. With 1,000 amps and 750 kW as a starting point, MCS has the potential to exceed 3 MW as the technology develops. Scania is among the first solution providers to fully implement the latest cybersecurity requirements between the vehicle and charger. Scania’s advanced battery technology and active cooling support stable charging in both hot and cold conditions. By leveraging experience from across the TRATON GROUP and deploying proprietary software, Scania helps ensure smooth interoperability and reliable uptime for customers.”

Jürgen Mindel, Managing Director of the VDA, emphasized: “The industry is making upfront investments to scale up electric mobility in the commercial vehicle sector and is showing what is already possible today. Milence, Daimler Truck, MAN Truck & Bus, and Scania are doing just that with their practical demonstration of MCS fast charging at IAA TRANSPORTATION. Now policymakers must follow suit: By 2030, around 35,000 publicly accessible MCS fast charging points will be needed across Europe. Currently, there are just 730 charging points across the EU with a minimum power output of more than 350 kW available exclusively for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Expanding charging infrastructure and power grids must therefore be the top priority now.”

The press release recently published by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) on charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure needs for heavy-duty commercial vehicles in Europe through 2030 is available