World’s first megawatt charger for electric trucks goes into operation in Germany

The transition to more sustainable freight transportation is underway, and megawatt charging for electric trucks is a crucial step in that process. Together with industry partners and research institutes, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is leading the way in making electric trucks viable for long-distance freight transport.

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The need for a lasting solution

In Germany, around 70% of freight transport takes place by road, mainly with diesel trucks. This model has a considerable impact on the environment, since it contributes to 40% of transport-related emissions, or 148 million tonnes of_CO2. Switching from diesel to electricity could generate significant benefits in terms of reducing emissions.

Infrastructure challenges

One of the main obstacles to the adoption of electric trucks is the lack of adequate infrastructure along major transportation routes. Although electric trucks have an efficiency of 75%, higher than fuel cell trucks and e-fuels, their effective use depends on the availability of fast charging stations along transportation routes.

Megawatt loading

The NEFTON project, led by TUM, has developed technologies that enable rapid charging of electric trucks at a power of more than 1,000 kW. This technology, known as Megawatt Charging System (MCS), allows truck batteries to be recharged within the regulatory rest time of 4.5 hours, without additional waiting time.

Promising results

Research carried out by the NEFTON consortium, in collaboration with freight transport companies, has demonstrated the feasibility of megawatt charging in a real-world situation. The results indicate that for distribution and regional transportation, most charging can be done at the carrier’s premises. However, long-distance transportation operations will require a network of high-power charging stations at highway rest and parking areas.

Infrastructure Implementation

To eliminate time loss due to recharging, it has been proposed to install charging stations capable of providing peak power of 1 megawatt every 50 km along major motorways. In a research environment, loads of up to 3 megawatts have been investigated, which would significantly improve flexibility in daily use and allow smaller batteries to be installed, reducing costs and generating ecological benefits.

Cooperation between legislators, the energy sector and automakers is essential to the expansion of charging infrastructure in the market. Bavarian Economy Minister Hubert Aiwanger emphasized that MCS technology will significantly accelerate truck charging times and contribute to the decarbonization of road freight transport.

Funding and future prospects

The Bavarian government is already integrating MCS technology into its current funding program, with the first round funding 86 charging points. The next call for funding proposals is expected to begin in the fall. Together with the hydrogen financing programs, this program reflects the openness of the Bavarian state government to new mobility technologies.

Megawatt charging of electric trucks represents a milestone in the development of electromobility. With the right technology and infrastructure, an efficient transition to more sustainable freight transport can be achieved, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and improving operational efficiency. Collaboration between industry, research institutes and governments will be essential to bring this innovation from the lab to the road and transform the future of freight transport._Via www.tum.de