The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is collaborating with industry and research institutions to develop battery-powered trucks suitable for long-distance cargo transport. A significant milestone in this direction is the introduction of megawatt charging.
At an event held at the Plattling Technology Campus, the first prototypes were unveiled to the public, with the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger in attendance. The new charging station and truck enable the battery to be fully charged within the regulatory rest period, providing 4.5 hours of operation without any additional waiting time.
In Germany, the majority of freight transport, about 70 percent in terms of volume and distance, occurs on the road, primarily using trucks fueled by diesel. This practice has a significant environmental impact, as 40 percent of the total transport-related emissions of 148 million tons of CO2 are attributed to freight transport.
Therefore, transitioning from diesel to electric power would result in substantial benefits. The NEFTON research consortium, led by the Chair of Automotive Technology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), is actively working on the necessary technical and infrastructure solutions.
Prof. Markus Lienkamp said: “The scientific facts send a clear message: Battery-powered trucks have an efficiency of around 75%. This puts them far ahead of trucks powered by fuel cells with a 26% efficiency and eFuels with a 14% efficiency. However, the necessary infrastructure for the effective use of electric trucks is still lacking along the main transport routes. The technology for megawatt charging represents an enormous step forward.”
“With NEFTON, we have developed technologies that will make it possible to charge e-trucks rapidly and at a power rating of over 1000 kW,” said Dr. Frederik Zohm, Executive Board Member for Research and Development at MAN Truck & Bus. “Our research prioritized real-world readiness, the costs, and the grid power output. Along with our project partners, we have clearly demonstrated that electric trucks and megawatt charging are the perfect combination for the comprehensive decarbonization of road-based freight transport. The technology is there. Now it’s time to move ahead with the expansion of the charging infrastructure in the market through close cooperation between policymakers, the energy sector, and vehicle manufacturers.”
“This research project shows that high-tech and expertise from Bavaria will shape the mobility of the future. Initiatives like this will gradually decarbonize logistics and freight transport,” said Hubert Aiwanger, the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs. “This will boost the competitiveness of the Bavarian economy. I would therefore like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the NEFTON project. The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) will massively accelerate the charging times for trucks. This makes it a milestone in the development of electromobility.”
“MAN has already demonstrated the real-world viability of this technology and has played a key role in developing standards. We are also incorporating the MCS technology into our current funding program. In the first round, we will finance 86 charge points. The next call for funding proposals is due to start in the late fall. Along with our hydrogen funding programs, this program is emblematic of the Bavarian state government’s openness to new mobility technologies.”
The NEFTON project’s investigation into the use of electric trucks in real-world logistics processes has yielded promising results. Collaborating with four freight forwarding companies, the consortium analyzed various applications, from local distribution to long-distance transport.
It was found that most of the charges for distribution and regional shipping can be made at the freight forwarder’s premises. However, long-distance transport will require a network of high-powered truck charging stations at highway rest stops and parking areas.
The research suggests that installing charging posts capable of delivering a peak power of 1 megawatt every 50 km along core highway routes can effectively eliminate time losses from charging. Furthermore, the exploration of charging outputs of up to 3 megawatts in a research setting offers increased flexibility in everyday use. This advancement could also lead to the installation of smaller, cost-effective batteries that offer ecological benefits. The NEFTON project is now poised to delve into these future prospects.
