MAN starts series production of MCS-ready electric trucks

MAN has produced its first series-manufactured electric trucks equipped with the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) at its Munich plant. The eTGX and eTGS support charging at up to 750 kW, with the first customer deliveries now underway in nine European countries.

MAN Truck & Bus has rolled out the first series-produced battery-electric truck equipped with the relatively new Megawatt Charging System (MCS). According to the German commercial vehicle manufacturer, MAN is the first manufacturer in Europe to produce MCS-enabled electric trucks as part of its regular series production. The vehicles are manufactured at the company’s main plant in Munich.

The Megawatt Charging System was developed specifically for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and enables significantly higher charging capacities than the previously widespread Combined Charging System (CCS). The electric models MAN eTGX and eTGS currently achieve up to 375 kW via CCS. With the new MCS interface, MAN states that the charging capacity increases to up to 750 kW – at a maximum of 1,000 amperes and 750 volts.

Although the name suggests otherwise, the first MCS-enabled series production model from MAN does not yet charge at a full megawatt. However, the higher power output already significantly reduces charging times: an eTGX or eTGS with six battery packs and a usable total capacity of 534 kWh is expected to take less than 30 minutes to charge from 20 to 80 per cent. For chassis with seven battery packs and a total capacity of 623 kWh, the same charging cycle should take less than 40 minutes.

According to the manufacturer, this allows drivers to recharge the vehicles within the legally mandated break times. MAN cites single-range distances of up to 570 kilometres between charging stops. With a long-haul articulated truck, this enables daily mileages of over 1,000 kilometres within the same working hours as a diesel truck.

The first MCS-enabled vehicles will be delivered gradually to customers in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the Czech Republic. In parallel, MAN is collaborating with charging infrastructure manufacturers to ensure seamless interaction between vehicles and charging stations. MAN has also been highly active in the NEFTON research projects at the Technical University of Munich.

“The MCS ecosystem is currently at an important stage of market introduction. Vehicles, charging infrastructure and IT backend systems are evolving dynamically and hand in hand,” said Roman Sitte, Head of Sales Area Europe at MAN Truck & Bus, on the start of series production.

In addition to the MCS charging socket on the front left, the electric trucks can also be equipped with additional CCS connections. An optional charging port is available on the front right. For chassis, connections can additionally be ordered on the right and left sides in the rear vehicle area. The various positions are designed to facilitate charging at public stations and depots with different layouts.

“With the first MCS vehicles, MAN is actively helping to establish the new charging standard in Europe and further strengthen interoperability throughout the overall system,” Sitte added. In its consulting for fleet operators, MAN already considers existing and planned MCS charging points. Through the charging service MAN Charge&Go, customers will also gain access to certified MCS and CCS charging points.