The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has presented its first megawatt charger prototypes for electric trucks. The university says this a world first, and that it will now be possible for the first time to charge the battery sufficiently for 4.5 hours of operation within the regulatory 45-minute rest period.
The achievement is also thanks to the research consortium NEFTON, which has been working on the needed technical and infrastructure solutions under the leadership of the Chair of Automotive Technology of the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
Commenting on the feat, Professor Markus Lienkamp said that the necessary infrastructure for the effective use of electric trucks is still lacking along the main transport routes. Therefore, he sees the technology for megawatt charging as being “an enormous step forward”.
Also commenting on the unveiling of the prototype charger was Dr. Frederik Zohm, Executive Board Member for Research and Development at MAN Truck & Bus, who said:
“With NEFTON we have developed technologies that will make it possible to charge e-trucks rapidly and at a power rating of over 1000 kW. Our research prioritised real-world readiness, the costs and the grid power output. Along with our project partners we have clearly demonstrated that electric trucks and megawatt charging is the perfect combination for comprehensive decarbonization of road-based freight transport. The technology is there. Now it’s time to move ahead with the expansion of the charging infrastructure in the market through close cooperation between policymakers, the energy sector and vehicle manufacturers.”
Hubert Aiwanger, the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, added:
“This research project shows: high-tech and expertise from Bavaria will shape the mobility of the future. Initiatives like this will gradually decarbonize logistics and freight transport. This will boost the competitiveness of the Bavarian economy. I would therefore like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the NEFTON project. The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) will massively accelerate the charging times for trucks. This makes it a milestone in the development of electromobility. MAN has already demonstrated the real-world viability of this technology and has played a key role in developing standards. We are also incorporating the MCS technology into our current funding program. In the first round, we will finance 86 charge points. The next call for funding proposals is due to start in the late fall. Along with our hydrogen funding programs, this program is emblematic of the Bavarian state government’s openness to new mobility technologies.”
Charging stations every 50 km
The NEFTON project has concluded that for distribution and regional shipping, most charging can take place at the freight forwarder’s premises. However, the consortium believes that long-distance transport operations will require a network of high-powered truck charging stations at highway rest stops and parking areas.
The results from NEFTON show that charging posts capable of delivering peak power of 1 megawatt should be installed every 50 km along core highway routes. This, it is said, can eliminate all time losses from charging.