A special technical feature of the trailblazing electric commercial vehicle, which will be launched on the market in 2024, is its capacity for future megawatt charging. ABB E-mobility, a leading global provider of charging solutions for electric vehicles, aims to bring megawatt charging technology to market maturity in the next three years.
MAN and ABB E-mobility are thus revving up for the next phase of electromobility: operational capability for heavy-duty long-haul trucking with daily ranges between 600-800km (400-530mi). Moreover, with their unequivocal commitment to electromobility, the two companies are signaling that the industry is ready to proceed, and that legislators must establish the policy framework for zero-emission road haulage.
Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, emphasised that "accelerating the expansion of the charging infrastructure is the only way to achieve the evolution of transport and meet climate targets." He also highlighted why MAN is relying on battery-electric powertrains for future carbon-free commercial vehicle fleets: low operating costs and the best overall energy footprint. "As part of the Traton Group, we are already participating in a joint venture with industry partners to develop and operatea high-performance public charging network with a target of at least 1,700 green electricity charging points across Europe," Vlaskamp added.
To enable long-distance daily ranges between 600 and 800 kilometers, the MAN electric truck, due to be launched in 2024, is already equipped with the technical prerequisites for future megawatt charging systems. ABB E-mobility, as a leading global provider of charging solutions, intends to bring such charging systems to market quickly.
"Megawatt charging will require new power technology with more than 1,000 volts, so systemic electrical safety and reliability are essential at these power levels and for the foreseeable use cases," said Frank Mühlon, CEO of ABB E-mobility.
In Germany, more than 20 partners from industry and science, including MAN and ABB, are working on the high-performance charging project (known as "HoLa” in German), which is funded by the German government and is the world's first megawatt charging project. Two high-performance charging points with megawatt charging systems (MCS) are being built at four locations along the A2 federal highway. The project is intended to serve as the basis for nationwide expansion.