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The HoLa project marks a pivotal advancement in zero-emission heavy-duty transport with the opening of Germany’s first Megawatt Charging System (MCS) point along the Autobahn A2. Located at the Lipperland Süd service area, this charger serves as a Proof of Concept unit delivered and commissioned by ABB E-mobility. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and the European Union, HoLa aims to validate MCS technology under real-world conditions, providing essential data for expanding charging networks across Germany and Europe.
Key Highlights
- Eight MCS points planned across five sites, including motorway service areas and logistics hubs.
- Live demonstrations featured three MCS-ready e-trucks charging at 650-695 kW during mandatory driver breaks.
- Consortium includes industry partners, research institutions, and four truck OEMs contributing eight CCS and four MCS trucks.
- ABB E-mobility launched the MCS1200 solution in April, a compact system for fleet operators and charge point operators.
- Project emphasizes interoperability, energy integration, and data collection for future rollouts.
A Collaborative Push for Sustainable Logistics
The inauguration highlighted the collaborative spirit of the HoLa consortium, uniting stakeholders from industry and research. Attendees included Christian Hirte, State Secretary at the Minister of Transport, who emphasized the project’s role in positioning Germany as a leader in zero-emission transport. Michael Bültmann, Managing Director at ABB E-mobility in Germany, stressed the need for seamless electric long-distance heavy-duty operations without downtime. This joint effort addresses system-critical logistics, ensuring sustainable mobility integrates into the broader ecosystem.
ABB E-mobility’s Strategic Contributions
ABB E-mobility plays a central role in HoLa by developing and testing MCS foundations tailored to long-haul trucking challenges. The Lipperland Süd charger integrates into mandatory 45-minute driver breaks, proving MCS practicality for efficient recharging. Beyond HoLa, ABB’s MCS1200 offers flexibility for fleets, charge point operators, and drivers, supporting broader megawatt charging strategies. These efforts generate insights on site configurations, interoperability, and potential hurdles, paving the way for scalable adoption.
HoLa’s Scope and Future Impact
HoLa will establish a corridor with ten CCS and eight MCS charging points, enabling real-world testing in logistics operations. By project’s end, data from these sites will inform regulatory frameworks and infrastructure expansions. Bültmann noted that HoLa underscores Europe’s market-leading stance in sustainable heavy-duty trucking, contingent on aligned policies. As Germany prepares truck tenders, HoLa positions the nation to drive large-scale electric fleet integration.
Extending Reach with ZEFES Project
ABB E-mobility extends its commitment through the ZEFES project, focusing on zero-emission long-haul freight across Europe. ZEFES tests operations up to 1,300 kilometers daily with modular vehicles achieving 750 kilometers per charge. It demonstrates interoperable MCS interfaces and explores digital tools like a “Digital Twin” for fleet optimization. Together, HoLa and ZEFES affirm ABB’s dedication to reliable, scalable heavy-duty electrification.
For more on ABB E-mobility’s innovations, visit ABB E-mobility.
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