Scania has successfully installed and tested a pilot megawatt charging system from ABB E-mobility.

The testing represents the next milestone in the development of an efficient, high-power charging solution for heavy-duty vehicles, with the technology enabling half the charging time.

The initial testing aims to prove the technical viability of high current charging, and is a first important step towards the future MCS system from ABB E-mobility. This will result in the progressive deployment of high-power chargers, starting from 1500A and eventually extending to the full MCS scope of up to 3000A.

MCS technology is critical for Scania’s long-haul electric trucks, where both driving time and resting time are regulated by law. The vehicle can be driven for a maximum of 4.5 hours before the driver needs to take a 45-minute break and during this time the truck needs to charge enough power to operate another 4.5 hours. Due to the size of the batteries, both fast and high-power charging is essential.

“We see momentum for electric transport and our goal is that 50 percent of all vehicles we sell annually by 2030 are electric,” said Fredrik Allard, head of E-mobility, Scania.

“To achieve this goal will require infrastructure and MCS is a crucial piece of the puzzle for the infrastructure going forward,” he said.

Chris Nordh, global head of the fleet & transit business at ABB E-mobility, said the collaboration with Scania will “set a precedent for the sector” and identify ways the company can collaboratively approach OEM charging partnerships.

“Today is an exciting day and we look forward to many more milestones to come as we further develop a quality, reliable, and seamless charging experience for fleets,” he said.

From this year, Scania can offer trucks with the MCS pre-standard connector to customers with specific and pronounced needs, with production set to begin in 2024. ABB E-mobility will introduce the next iteration of its MCS technology in late 2024/early 2025.