First megawatt charger for electric trucks unveiled

With companions from business and analysis establishments, the Technical College of Munich (TUM) is attempting to make battery-powered vehicles viable for long-distance cargo transport. Megawatt charging represents an essential step towards this aim.

The primary prototypes have been introduced to the general public on Friday at an occasion on the Plattling Expertise Campus with the Bavarian Minister of Financial Affairs Hubert Aiwanger in attendance. With the brand new charging submit and truck, it can now be attainable for the primary time to cost the battery sufficiently for 4.5 hours of operation inside the regulatory relaxation interval—with no extra ready time.

In Germany about 70% of freight transport when it comes to quantity and distance takes place on the street—primarily with diesel-powered vehicles. This has a substantial environmental impression: 40% of transport-related emissions of 148 million tons of CO₂ relate to freight transport.

Consequently, a swap from diesel to electric power would yield substantial advantages. The analysis consortium NEFTON is engaged on the wanted technical and infrastructure options underneath the management of the Chair of Automotive Expertise of the Technical College of Munich (TUM).

Prof. Markus Lienkamp mentioned, “The scientific info ship a transparent message: Battery-powered vehicles have an effectivity of round 75%. This places them far forward of vehicles powered by gasoline cells with a 26% effectivity and eFuels with a 14% effectivity.

“However, the necessary infrastructure for the effective use of electric trucks is still lacking along the main transport routes. The technology for megawatt charging represents an enormous step forward.”

Dr. Frederik Zohm, Government Board Member for Analysis and Improvement at MAN Truck & Bus, mentioned, “With NEFTON we’ve developed applied sciences that may make it attainable to cost e-trucks quickly and at an influence score of over 1,000 kW. Our analysis prioritized real-world readiness, the prices and the grid energy output.

“Together with our mission companions we’ve clearly demonstrated that electrical vehicles and megawatt charging is the proper mixture for complete 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 Financial Affairs, mentioned, “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. It will increase the competitiveness of the Bavarian economic system.

“I’d due to this fact wish to thank everybody who has contributed to the success of the NEFTON mission. The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) will massively speed up the charging instances for vehicles. This makes it a milestone within the improvement 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 know-how into our present 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.”

The NEFTON mission

The NEFTON project has investigated using electrical vehicles within the real-world logistics course of. The consortium labored with 4 freight forwarding corporations to investigate varied areas of software—from native distribution to long-distance transport.

The outcomes present that, for distribution and regional delivery, most charging can happen on the freight forwarder’s premises. Nevertheless, long-distance transport operations would require a community of high-powered truck charging stations at freeway relaxation stops and parking areas.

The outcomes additionally present that charging posts able to delivering peak energy of 1 megawatt needs to be put in each 50 km alongside core freeway routes. This could get rid of all time losses from charging.

In a analysis setting, charging outputs of as much as 3 megawatts have been studied. This may drastically enhance flexibility in on a regular basis use. It could additionally make it attainable to put in smaller batteries, which would scale back prices and yield ecological advantages. The NEFTON mission will now examine these future prospects.