The project represents the next milestone in the development of an efficient, high-power charging solution for heavy-duty vehicles, enabling them to be charged in half the time.
The initial testing, to prove the technical viability of high current charging, is a first important step towards the future megawatt charging system (MCS) from ABB E-mobility. This will result in the progressive deployment of high-power chargers, starting from 1,500 Ampere and eventually extending to the full MCS scope of up to 3,000 Ampere. This is a charging standard that Scania and ABB E-mobility have both invested in and have been instrumental in developing in collaboration with CharIN. The MCS standard is expected in 2024.
MCS technology is critical for Scania's long-haul electric trucks, where both driving time and resting time are regulated by law. The vehicle can be driven for a maximum of 4.5 hours before the driver needs to take a 45-minute break and during this time the truck needs to charge enough power to operate another 4.5 hours. Due to the size of the batteries, both fast and high-power charging is essential.
"We see momentum for electric transport and our goal is that 50% of all vehicles we sell annually by 2030 are electric. To achieve this goal will require infrastructure and MCS is a crucial piece of the puzzle for the infrastructure going forward," says Fredrik Allard, head of E-mobility, Scania.
From this year Scania can offer trucks with the MCS pre-standard connector to customers with specific and pronounced needs, with production set to begin in 2024. ABB E-mobility will introduce the next iteration of its MCS technology in late 2024/early 2025.
