Charged EVs | MACBETH project aims to establish a comprehensive European MCS charging network for electric trucks

A consortium of 19 European companies, universities and research centers aims to develop and demonstrate charging hubs for heavy-duty EVs. The ultimate goal is to establish a comprehensive European charging network for electric trucks by 2030.

The MACBETH (Multipoint megAwatt Charging for Battery Electric Truck Hubs) project is led by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The project has a budget of €10 million, and is scheduled to last until January 2029.

Funded by the European Commission, the project aims to test and demonstrate megawatt-scale charging systems in multi-user charging hubs. Two large-scale pilots will test charging stations serving multiple users, including heavy- and medium-duty vehicles in professional transport, as well as private vehicles, and conduct comprehensive research into the charging hub design, safety and operational efficiency.

“To create a functional charging infrastructure, we need to investigate many aspects, including various charging hub designs, hardware systems, plug standards, safety-enabling robot technologies, as well as practical experiences of logistics companies in operating electric trucks,” said Yancho Todorov, Senior Scientist and Coordinator of the project at VTT.

One of the project partners is the Finnish company Kempower, which designs and manufactures DC fast EV chargers. “We’re bringing crucial equipment and expertise to the table,” said Kempower Research Director Ville Naumanen. “Currently, megawatt charging infrastructure is very rare in Europe, and our technologies will be key to bridging this critical gap.”

Another project partner, Netherlands-based Rocsys, has developed a robotic charging arm that’s designed to make charging more efficient and safer. “The robotised charging arm will not only free drivers’ time and increase productivity but also enhance safety,” said Joost van der Weijde from Rocsys. “Currently, drivers must exit their vehicles, handle heavy charging cables, and interrupt their break time. By automating the charging process, we’re addressing critical ergonomic, operational and safety challenges.”

Source: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland