Charged EVs | chargebyte’s CCL MCS brings ISO 15118-20 over Ethernet to megawatt charging for heavy-duty EVs

At ACT Expo next week (May 4–7, Las Vegas, Booth 3570), chargebyte is introducing the Charge Control L MCS (CCL MCS), a stand-alone charge controller that handles the complete ISO 15118-20 communication and safety stack for Megawatt Charging System-equipped trucks, buses and heavy machinery. First samples are open for pre-order.

The CCL MCS sits in the low-voltage path between the MCS inlet and the vehicle and eliminates the need for additional ECUs. It’s built around two NXP S32K146 processors and implements charging communication over 10BASE-T1S Ethernet—the single-pair automotive Ethernet layer specified for MCS—replacing the power line communication (PLC) approach used in CCS deployments. Interfaces include CAN-FD and CAN with vehicle CAN at 500 kbit/s, native support for Isabellenhütte IVT-S and IVT-3 current shunts, and UDS-based firmware updates.

Integrated functions cover dual HV interlock, HV switch control with weld detection, a full inlet controller (ID, CE, PE, lock, button), temperature monitoring on both DC paths and LED control. Protection rating is IP6K9K (ISO 20653), operating range is -40 °C to +85 °C, supply input is 9–32 V, and the Cinch housing measures 153 × 146 × 56 mm at 400 g. Each unit ships with a per-unit end-of-line test.

10BASE-T1S offers lower latency and better noise immunity than PLC—significant at the power levels MCS targets. For heavy-duty OEMs and body builders, the practical appeal of a product like this is offloading the entire ISO 15118-20 stack to a qualified, production-ready ECU rather than developing it in-house.

“With the Megawatt Charging System, charging communication moves to a new layer – away from PLC, towards Ethernet,” said Martin Kranzfelder, CPO Products at chargebyte. “Our brand new CCL MCS is a fully integrated, rugged controller. It makes MCS deployable today, and thus enables OEMs and body builders to stay ahead in the e-truck market.”

Customer-specific variants are available on request.

Source: chargebyte