In megawatt steps to green heavy-duty transport

The minister hasn’t come to Tempelhof just for the test drive though. In discussions with Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, and Frank Mühlon, CEO of ABB E-mobility, the focus is on the shift towards electric-powered HGVs, especially in long-haul transport – and on the political course to set to get us there.

The electrification of heavy goods vehicles is a key building block for the transport transition: In long-haul transport alone, 100,000 electric 40-tonne trucks could save up to 10 million tonnes of CO₂ each year. However, in addition to the development of new vehicles, the development of a high-performance infrastructure is also essential. The electric MAN truck – to be launched in 2024 – can handle daily ranges of up to 800 kilometres, but it can also do so much more: It will be ready for a new generation of fast charging – megawatt charging.

New charging standard for higher ranges

Trucks need large battery packs to give them a similar range to conventionally powered vehicles. And to enable these large batteries to charge quickly enough, significantly higher-powered charging than ever before will be required. The new standard is known as MCS (Megawatt Charging System), delivering huge amounts of power to vehicles quickly – charging at up to several megawatts will eventually be possible. The fastest current rapid charging standard, CCS, only allows charging at up to 375 kW.

A single binding and uniform standard is key to the introduction of megawatt charging technology. Equally important, however, is the rapid availability of the technology, emphasises Alexander Vlaskamp. “Accelerated expansion of the charging infrastructure is the only way to bring about the transport transition and achieve our climate targets.” Vlaskamp tells of the commitment of his own group, which is embarking on this expansion: “As part of the TRATON Group, we are committed to a joint venture with industry partners to establish and operate a public high-performance charging network offering at least 1,700 green electricity charging points across Europe.”

The new MCS standard is currently undergoing practical testing under the scientific supervision of the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research. With funding from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, MCS charging stations have been built at four locations along the A2 motorway. The HoLa (high-performance charging) project is using these sites to gather experience that will help with wider-scale expansion. Germany could set the standards for MCS charging: More than 20 partners from industry and science, including MAN and ABB, are working together on the high-performance charging project.

ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, believes that some 10,000 to 15,000 high-capacity public charging points will be needed across Europe by 2025. That figure will rise from 40,000 to 50,000 by 2030 to enable comprehensive electrification of road goods transport.