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Transport solutions leader Scania has announced the launch of its Megawatt Charging System (MCS), a groundbreaking technology set to redefine the capabilities of heavy-duty electric transport. The system, which will be available for order in early 2026, promises significantly faster charging times, making long-haul electric freight both practical and profitable. This development marks a pivotal step toward a more sustainable and efficient future for the trucking industry.
Key Highlights
- Scania’s new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) can charge an electric truck with up to 750 kW, roughly twice the speed of the current CCS2 standard.
- The technology allows a truck’s battery to charge from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes, a timeframe that fits within a driver’s mandatory rest period.
- MCS-equipped electric trucks will be available for customer orders in early 2026.
- A robust charging network is being developed, with partners in the Milence initiative aiming to establish 1,700 high-performance charging points across Europe by 2027.
A Leap in Charging Technology
The Megawatt Charging System represents a major advancement in electric vehicle infrastructure. Designed as an international standard, MCS is specified for a maximum current of 3,000 amperes. Scania’s first implementation will deliver up to 1,000 amperes, enabling a charging power of up to 750 kW. This high-capacity charging is made possible through innovative solutions like liquid-cooled connectors and advanced communication protocols, which ensure stable, safe, and predictable operations.
According to Daniel Schulze, Head of Scania eTruck Solutions, this innovation enables trucks to charge up to twice as fast as conventional standards. The company states that the new technology supports its goal of making sustainable transport a practical reality by ensuring operational efficiency and reliability over long distances.
Making Electric Transport Profitable
A key barrier to the widespread adoption of electric trucks has been the cost and time associated with charging. The MCS directly addresses this challenge. By dramatically reducing charging time, operators can maximize vehicle uptime and maintain competitive and efficient operations.
TRATON Charging Solutions, a dedicated eMobility service provider within the Scania-inclusive TRATON GROUP, emphasizes that the success of electric heavy vehicles depends on accessible and rapid public charging at fair prices. Petra Sundström, Managing Director of TRATON Charging Solutions, noted that MCS technology allows both public and private infrastructure to meet high-capacity demands, which is essential for supporting the broader sustainability goals of the transport sector.
Building the Future Charging Network
Alongside the vehicle technology, Scania and its partners are actively building out the necessary infrastructure. There are plans to establish MCS corridors along key European transport routes starting in 2025. This effort is complemented by the Milence initiative, a collaboration aiming to build 1,700 high-performance charging points across Europe by 2027.
This infrastructure development aligns with the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). Jorge Soria Galvarro, Senior Technical Adviser for Charging Infrastructure at Scania, explained that predictable and reliable charging is critical for making electric trucks a competitive alternative to diesel. It allows drivers to recharge during legally mandated rest periods without causing delays, a crucial factor in achieving global climate targets.
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