Mercedes-Benz Tests Megawatt Charging for Electric Trucks in Real-World Conditions

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has launched extensive real-world testing of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard for its long-haul electric truck, the eActros 600. As part of a prolonged test run, two prototype trucks are traveling a route of roughly 1,490 miles from Wörth am Rhein, Germany, to Linköping, Sweden, crossing several European countries along the way.

The primary goal of the program is to verify maximum compatibility between the truck and megawatt-class charging stations from different manufacturers, including performance in winter conditions. Company engineers are collecting data on charging curves, average charging power, and the overall performance of MCS infrastructure.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the key technical challenges include ensuring seamless communication between the vehicle and various charging systems, as well as managing the extreme thermal loads generated by ultra-high charging currents. The new MCS standard supports charging power of up to 1,000 kW, dramatically reducing downtime. For example, charging the eActros 600’s battery from 20% to 80% takes about 30 minutes. Such charging speeds could significantly improve efficiency and operational flexibility in long-distance freight transport, helping accelerate the shift to electric trucks.

That transition, however, depends on the availability of suitable infrastructure. At present, Europe has only a limited number of publicly accessible MCS charging stations. Development of the standard is being led by the CharIN association, with participation from commercial vehicle manufacturers, and is aimed at creating unified interfaces. This effort is expected to form the foundation for a Europe-wide network of ultra-fast charging stations for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.