Munich university consortium developing megawatt charging system for e-trucks

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is working with industry partners and research institutions to develop a megawatt charging system that would enable battery-powered trucks to perform long-distance cargo transport. The first prototypes of a charging post capable of delivering peak power of 1 megawatt (MW) was presented to the public on 19 July. The new charging posts will make it possible to sufficiently charge electric trucks for 4.5 hours of operation within the regulatory rest period, with no additional waiting time, said the university.

"The necessary infrastructure for the effective use of electric trucks is still lacking along the main transport routes," Markus Lienkamp, TUM’s chair of automotive technology, said. He is leading the research consortium NEFTON, which is developing the required technical and infrastructure solutions. "The technology for megawatt charging represents an enormous step forward." Lienkamp added that battery-powered trucks have an efficiency of around 75 percent, much higher than alternatives such as trucks powered by fuel cells with a 26 percent efficiency, and eFuels with a 14 percent efficiency.

Frederik Zohm, executive board member for research and development at MAN Truck & Bus, said that the project has demonstrated that electric trucks and megawatt charging are “the perfect combination for comprehensive decarbonisation of road-based freight transport.” The next step is to expand charging infrastructure in close cooperation with policymakers, vehicle manufactures and the energy sector, Zohm added.

In Germany, diesel-powered trucks account for around 70 percent of freight transport, which has a considerable environmental impact: 40 percent of transport-related emissions of 148 million tonnes of CO2 stem from freight transport. The government is set to launch the first auctions for e-truck charging infrastructure along the country's autobahn network in September.