Scania unveils megawatt charging system for heavy electric vehicles
Scania has introduced its Megawatt Charging System (MCS), a new charging technology designed to enable rapid charging of heavy electric vehicles with up to 3.75 MW. The system is expected to reach the market by 2024.
Scania, a manufacturer of trucks and buses, has unveiled its Megawatt Charging System (MCS), a high-power charging solution for heavy electric vehicles. The system is designed to deliver up to 3.75 megawatts (MW) of charging power.
The MCS technology, developed in collaboration with industry partners through the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN), utilizes a standardized connector and aims to significantly reduce charging times for long-haul electric trucks. During rest periods, which are mandated by driving time regulations, vehicles will be able to recharge substantial amounts of energy. A demonstration at the Electric Vehicle Symposium in June 2022 showcased a Scania truck charging at 1.2 MW using the new connector.
The charging interface is standardized to be located on the front-left side of the truck, behind the first axle, to facilitate harmonized infrastructure layouts. The system operates at up to 3,000 amperes and 1,250 volts. Scania believes this technology is crucial for making electric trucks a viable option for long-distance transport, potentially matching the total cost of ownership of diesel trucks sooner than anticipated.
Scania is actively involved in advocating for the inclusion of MCS standards in European legislation concerning alternative fuel infrastructure. Pilot projects are currently underway in Europe and North America to test the MCS technology in real-world conditions. The company expects the final version of the system to be market-ready in 2024, with potential applications also being explored for maritime and aviation sectors.