Scania and ABB E-mobility Collaborate on Pilot Megawatt Charging System for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Introduction:

Scania, a prominent player in the automotive industry, and ABB E-mobility, a global leader in EV charging solutions, have achieved a significant milestone in the development of efficient and high-power charging solutions for heavy-duty vehicles. Through successful installation and testing of a pilot megawatt charging system, both companies are actively driving towards a zero-emission transport future while catering to the demands of the evolving market. This report outlines the key features and implications of this groundbreaking collaboration.

Enhancing Charging Efficiency:

Scania and ABB E-mobility have successfully installed and tested a pilot megawatt charging system, marking a significant advancement in high-power charging technology for heavy-duty vehicles. The collaboration aims to cut the charging time for these vehicles in half, enabling efficient operations and reducing downtime.

Enabling Fossil-Free Transportation:

The joint efforts of Scania and ABB E-mobility reflect their commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies that facilitate the transition to a zero-emission transport future. By focusing on the development of a fast-charging solution that offers substantial range, the partners aim to boost the sales of heavy-duty electric vehicles capable of operating without fossil fuels.

Progressing towards MCS Standard:

The initial testing phase of the pilot megawatt charging system is a crucial step towards the future implementation of the Modular Charging System (MCS) from ABB E-mobility. This testing will pave the way for the gradual deployment of high-power chargers, with an initial capacity of 1,500 Ampere, extending eventually to the full MCS scope of up to 3,000 Ampere. Scania and ABB E-mobility have invested in and played instrumental roles in the development of the MCS standard in collaboration with CharIN, with an expected release in 2024.

Importance for Scania's Long-Haul Electric Trucks:

The MCS technology holds particular significance for Scania's long-haul electric trucks, as their driving and resting times are regulated by law. Given the constraints imposed by regulations, it is crucial to provide fast and high-power charging capabilities to ensure optimal utilization of these vehicles. The MCS technology offers an efficient solution to recharge the trucks during the mandatory resting time, allowing them to cover maximum driving distance within regulatory limitations.

Future Outlook:

Scania aims to achieve its ambitious goal of having 50 percent of its annual vehicle sales as electric vehicles by 2030. To accomplish this, the company recognizes the need for robust charging infrastructure, with the MCS serving as a crucial component in this infrastructure. Scania plans to offer trucks with the MCS pre-standard connector to customers with specific needs starting from this year, and production is set to commence in 2024. ABB E-mobility, as a leader in EV charging solutions, plans to introduce the next iteration of its MCS technology in late 2024 or early 2025.

Conclusion: The successful installation and testing of the pilot megawatt charging system by Scania and ABB E-mobility signifies a significant milestone in the development of high-power charging solutions for heavy-duty electric vehicles. With a shared vision of achieving a zero-emission transport future, the collaboration highlights the commitment of both companies to driving innovation in the automotive industry. The implementation of the MCS standard and the provision of efficient charging infrastructure are crucial steps toward enabling widespread adoption of heavy-duty electric vehicles, ultimately leading to a sustainable and greener transportation ecosystem.