MAN electric trucks can recharge their batteries in half an hour.
The electrification of heavy transport is not limited to simply manufacturing trucks equipped with high-capacity batteries. It also requires that they be able to recover energy quickly, since in the logistics sector, every minute of downtime has a significant impact on the bottom line. MAN Truck & Bus has taken an important step in this direction by demonstrating the high-power charging of its eTGX and eTGS trucks up to 50 tons using the MCS standard, reaching around 750 kW and completing a charge from 10% to 90% in approximately 30 minutes.
The charging needs of electric trucks
In the context of an electric passenger car, a thirty-minute interruption might be acceptable during a long journey. For a freight truck, this same pause must fit into routes, delivery times, mandatory rest periods, and profitability per kilometer.
For this reason, the Megawatt Charging System, also known as MCS, stands out as a fundamental technology. In contrast to the CCS system, commonly used in electric vehicles and some commercial vehicles, MCS is designed to support larger batteries with significantly higher capacities.
The goal is clear: for an electric truck to be able to recover a significant amount of energy during a brief stop and then resume driving without compromising operational efficiency.
eTGX and eTGS, the two key models with MCS.
The MAN eTGX was the star of the demonstration we had the opportunity to witness, although it is not the only model from the brand equipped for this technology. MAN also offers the eTGS with an MCS charging option, extending the reach of this solution to various heavy-duty transport configurations.
Both models are part of MAN's strategy for developing electric vehicles, designed for long-haul routes (over 800 kilometers of range), heavy distribution, and professional applications where range and efficiency during downtime are critical factors.
During the test, the power output reached approximately 700 kW. The implemented infrastructure is capable of handling currents up to 1,000 amps and an output power of up to 1 megawatt. However, in this case, the limit was set by the truck's capacity, which is 750 kW. It is important to note that maintaining a constant maximum power output presents challenges. Therefore, it is estimated that it takes between 30 and 45 minutes to reach between 10% and 90% of the battery packs' capacity.
Other models that also strengthen the electric range.
Along with the eTGX and eTGS models, MAN also offers the eTGM and eTGL within its range of electric vehicles. The first of these models is positioned in the mid-range, with a 16-ton capacity, and is designed for distribution and service applications where a long-haul configuration is not always necessary. Meanwhile, the 12-ton eTGL model has been specifically designed for urban and regional distribution applications.
In both cases, fast charging is handled by CCS, with power outputs reaching up to 375 kW, depending on the number of battery packs. The eTGM achieves a range of 480 kilometers, while the eTGL achieves up to 310 kilometers per full charge. Although it's not the same MCS technology found in the eTGX and eTGS, it reinforces the idea of an electric vehicle range where charging speed is becoming a key selling point. In any case, both systems require similar charging times.
Communication between the truck and the charger is also important.
Power isn't the only relevant aspect. MAN has emphasized the importance of interoperability between the vehicle and the charging station. For MCS to function on a large scale, it's imperative that the truck and the charger communicate securely, reliably, and predictably.
This includes power control, battery protection, cooling coordination, and ensuring the continuity of the charging process. In other words, simply having a large charger isn't enough; the entire system must operate as a reliable industrial tool.
The technology that can transform electric logistics.
The MAN eTGX and eTGS models are available for purchase through the MCS ordering system. This makes megawatt charging a viable business option, not a distant promise, since the real key factor is charging speed. Furthermore, it's important to note that the manufacturer is already working on a system that will allow for a 400-kilometer range.
