Siemens announces successful pilot of Megawatt Charging System for e-trucks

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has completed the first successful pilot of 1 MW charging, brought out by a prototype 'SICHARGE' MCS charging station developed by Siemens that charged a long-haul electric truck. 

The company claims that its Megawatt Charging System [MCS] will become a game-changer in heavy-duty electrification, in combination with the current Combined Charging System [CCS] charging protocol, thereby supporting sustainable long-distance transport. 

At present, the battery electric truck industry is being driven by technological developments in both battery and charger technology. Given the complex requirements of long-haul trucking, the problem of driving range anxiety and prolonged charging duration continues to play spoilsport for EV adoption in this sector. 

"Especially in long-distance transport, electric trucks and coaches will need fast MCS during the legally prescribed driving time break", said Markus Mildner, CEO eMobility, Siemens Smart Infrastructure. "To ensure nationwide distribution of this, various requirements must be met including on the governmental side". 

"However, the successful test brings us a big step forward on the technology side and underlines our ambition to actively make transport more sustainable", Mildner added. 

Based on the existing portfolio, the MCS consists of multiple 'SICHARGE' UC150 power cabinets, a switching matrix and a customized MCS dispenser. The switching matrix is the central element in the MCS, bundling the output power of the charging stations and, depending on the requirement, directing the power to the MCS dispenser. 

Batteries commonly used in electric trucks could be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a suitable charging station with an output of around 1 MW, according to the equipment manufacturer. 

The company believes that with mass adoption of MCS will change the dynamics and business models involved in the electrification of long-distance trucking and its related charging infrastructure.