MAN and ABB E-mobility launch megawatt charging in Munich
In the presence of Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder (CSU), ABB E-mobility and MAN Truck & Bus celebrated the premiere of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS). The electric truck was charged at an MCS charging station from ABB E-mobility with more than 700 kW and 1,000 A. Söder sees "Bavaria on the road to the mobility of the future." This is the most modern ecological and economical e-mobility being developed out of Bavaria, the head of state enthused.
"We need to enable our domestic industry to compete. Innovation and technology secure the future," proclaimed the CSU politician.
The megawatt charging is intended to be the starting signal for an essential component of the mobility transition in the commercial vehicle sector towards climate-friendly mobility and the successful electrification of buses and trucks. Especially in national and international long-distance transport or during loading and unloading situations, electric trucks and, in the future, electric coaches need a quick MCS booster during the legally required driving break, the manufacturer outlined. The new technology thus complements existing solutions: Depot charging with lower charging capacities will also continue to play a central role in the future.
Demonstrating that it works
The two companies demonstrated at MAN's development center in Munich that MCS charging already works today. One of the first megawatt charging stations in Germany was installed there by ABB E-mobility.
"With MCS, sustainable long-distance transport with trucks and buses will be possible in the near future. Even though we are showing a prototype here: With the new MCS standard, we have doubled the current and the charging capacity in just a few years. To achieve the energy transition in transport, we need solutions that are sustainable, reliable, and economical. For this, we must think integratively and collaborate," explained Michael Halbherr, CEO of ABB E-mobility.
Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, reiterated during the premiere of Megawatt Charging his demand for more speed in the expansion of the charging infrastructure. The goal is to establish 30,000 MCS charging points in Europe by 2030, around 4,000 of them in Germany.
"We don't have much time left for the setup. The electric trucks are available, the megawatt charging works. We now need clear signals from policymakers, not least to build trust among our customers for electrification. We need to build and scale the infrastructure quickly now," appealed Vlaskamp.
The new megawatt charging standard MCS is technically designed for charging capacities of up to 3.75 MW at 3,000 amperes (A) current strength. On the premiere day, ABB E-mobility and MAN demonstrated more than 700 kW charging capacity with prototype charging technology. With the finalization of the MCS standard, charging capacities of over one megawatt will already be possible. This will result in a significantly noticeable improvement in charging times. For comparison: Today's charging stations with the CCS standard (Combined Charging System) can be used by cars and commercial vehicles and offer a maximum of 400 kW charging capacity at 500 A.
Standardization is to be Completed This Year
The international standardization process of the Megawatt Charging System is expected to be completed this year. ABB E-mobility and MAN have contributed their expertise to the creation of the MCS standard in the international industry association CharIN. However, it is also a fact that a lot of energy will be required for MCS charging.
Translated automatically from German."When so much electricity flows, the infrastructure behind the visible charging points, the network connections, and the space requirements at highway rest stops, parking lots, or service stations play a significant role. Network expansion and the digitization of grids are not only essential for future renewable energy supply but also a prerequisite for the charging infrastructure," stated the manufacturer.
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