• The 2 companies entered a partnership earlier this year with the aim to deploy one of the 1st MCS (Megawatt Charging System) solutions in Europe during the 2nd half of 2024.
• The new technology will be a game changer and completely redefine electric road transport.
• The pilot test was conducted with a prototype of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600.
• The charging solution will be on display on the Milence stand at IAA Transportation in Hanover in September 2024
Amsterdam, July 16 2024 – Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP and Volvo Group successfully tested a new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) solution together with Power Electronics, the leading manufacturer of solar inverters for photovoltaic plants and world leader in energy storage, and leading company in the electric mobility sector, after entering a partnership and planning to roll out this new technology for the first time with Milence, in what will be one of the first commissioning in Europe for this electric vehicle charger. This test marks a significant milestone in the evolution of electric truck charging technology, achieving a charging power of 1,100 kilowatts.
The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is the newly defined standard for high-power charging, designed to meet the needs of the growing electric truck market.
The recent test, conducted with a prototype of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, demonstrates the potential of MCS to dramatically reduce charging times, making electric trucks more practical and efficient for long-haul transport.
Megawatt charging refers to a high-power charging system capable of delivering up to 3.75 megawatts (3,750 kilowatts) of DC power. The solution tested by Milence and Power Electronics will reduce charging times by around 90%, allowing batteries to be charged in around 30 minutes, thanks to the 1,440 kW (1,500 A, 1,000 V) power that can be achieved.
As a leader in the development of public charging solutions for heavy duty electric vehicles in Europe, Milence has been collaborating with partners to further develop MCS technology and accelerate market adoption. This promising progress will be followed by additional testing in the coming weeks, involving several truck brands, to ensure the system’s readiness for market deployment.
Milence will attend IAA Transportation, the leading platform for logistics, commercial vehicles, and the transport sector in Hanover, Germany from September 17th to 22nd, 2024 and will be showcasing the recently tested solution together with Power Electronics. The booth located in Hall 12 will be a miniature of a Milence Charging Hub and will allow visitors to discover the European network roll out as well as engage in exciting workshops and presentations.
Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are very pleased to have partnered with Power Electronics and to be working together on pioneering MCS technology in Europe. These first test results show that we are well on the way to achieving our joint goal. We are looking forward to attending the IAA in Hanover this year and showcasing this technology along with further updates on the electric routes we are creating with our network. Our commitment to driving innovation in electric truck charging infrastructure remains solid and we are confident that the future of road transport is electric.”
David Salvo, CEO of Power Electronics, highlighted: “Our MCS is here to redefine the future of electric mobility. We have designed a product that offers an effective solution for heavy electric vehicle users, and thanks to our partnership with Milence, it will have a wide reach across Europe. We are looking forward to attending IAA to present this solution and demonstrate that electric mobility has a future if manufacturers and operators work together to meet user needs.”
Take a look at the charging session here.
