Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP, and Volvo Group, has successfully tested a new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) in collaboration with Power Electronics. Power Electronics is a leading manufacturer of solar inverters for photovoltaic plants and a world leader in energy storage, making them a key player in the electric mobility sector. This partnership between Milence and Power Electronics aims to introduce this groundbreaking technology to the European market for electric vehicle chargers.
The recent test conducted by Milence and Power Electronics achieved a charging power of 1,100 kilowatts, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of electric truck charging technology. The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) sets a new standard for high-power charging, specifically designed to meet the demands of the growing electric truck market. This test was carried out using a prototype of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, demonstrating the potential of MCS to significantly reduce charging times and make electric trucks more practical and efficient for long-haul transport.
Megawatt charging refers to a high-power charging system capable of delivering up to 3.75 megawatts of DC power, which translates to 3,750 kilowatts. The solution tested by Milence and Power Electronics is expected to reduce charging times by approximately 90%, allowing batteries to be charged in around 30 minutes. This is made possible by the impressive power output of 1,440 kW (1,500 A, 1,000 V) that can be achieved.
As a leader in the development of public charging solutions for heavy-duty electric vehicles in Europe, Milence has been actively collaborating with partners to further enhance MCS technology and facilitate its market adoption. Following this successful test, additional testing involving various truck brands is planned in the coming weeks to ensure the system’s readiness for market deployment.
Milence is gearing up to showcase this innovative technology alongside Power Electronics at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, Germany from September 17th to 22nd, 2024. Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to explore a miniature version of a Milence Charging Hub at the booth located in Hall 12. The booth will provide insights into the European network rollout and offer engaging workshops and presentations.
Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence, expressed her excitement about the partnership with Power Electronics and the progress made in pioneering MCS technology in Europe. She emphasized the commitment to driving innovation in electric truck charging infrastructure and highlighted the upcoming showcase at the IAA in Hanover.
David Salvo, CEO of Power Electronics, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership and the potential of MCS to redefine the future of electric mobility. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between manufacturers and operators to meet the needs of heavy electric vehicle users across Europe. Both CEOs are looking forward to presenting this innovative solution at the IAA and showcasing the future of electric road transport.