Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, the Traton Group, and Volvo Group, together with Power Electronics have successfully completed a new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) pilot test conducted with a prototype Mercedes-Benz eActros 600.
Megawatt charging, which is capable of providing up to 3.75 megawatts (3,750 kilowatts) of DC power, is a critical component to the success of long-haul battery-electric-powered semis as it allows those vehicles to rapidly recharge in around 30 minutes.
Power Electronics is a manufacturer of solar inventers and an energy storage specialist. It entered a partnership with Milence earlier this year with the now-achieved joint goal of deploying one of Europe's first MCS solutions in the second half of 2024.
The system tested by the companies reduces charging times by around 90%, enabling that 30-minute recharge. This is made possible by the 1,440 kW (1,500 A, 1,000 V) of power that can be achieved.
[Related: Voltera CEO: 'Megawatt charging can't come soon enough]
“We are very pleased to have partnered with Power Electronics and to be working together on pioneering MCS technology in Europe," said Milence CEO Anja van Niersen. "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.”
Plans are in motion for Milence to continue developing MCS technology and accelerate market adoption.
David Salvo, CEO of Power Electronics commented that “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.”
Milence will display this game-changing technology at its stand at IAA Transportation, Europe's leading event for logistics, commercial vehicles, and transportation in Hanover, Germany in September.
