Megawatt Charging Arrives: Kempower Powers Electric Truck Revolution

Megawatt Charging Arrives: Kempower Powers Electric Truck Revolution

The future of heavy-duty electric transportation is no longer a distant dream. Kempower, a leader in charging solutions, is actively deploying megawatt charging systems (MCS) across Europe, signaling a significant leap forward for electric trucks. During a recent industry event in Sweden, Kempower showcased its cutting-edge technology, demonstrating the real-world application of charging massive electric trucks at speeds previously thought unimaginable.

The event brought together a diverse group of industry players, including competing charge point operators and EV truck manufacturers, all focused on the common goal of electrifying the heavy transport sector. This collaborative spirit underscores the industry’s readiness to embrace new technologies like MCS, which is poised to revolutionize logistics and freight. While many electric trucks currently on the road utilize CCS charging, MCS is emerging as the standard for high-power charging required by these large vehicles.

Kempower’s Mega Satellite: A Glimpse into the Future

At the heart of Kempower’s demonstration was its Mega Satellite, an MCS-enabled charging unit designed to deliver unprecedented charging power. We witnessed a dual-trailer 33-meter electric truck, a behemoth of electric propulsion, connected to this system. The charging session was nothing short of spectacular, with peak charging rates reaching an astonishing 1,125 kW. This immense power is drawn from Kempower’s modular power units, which can be combined to achieve a total output of 1.2 megawatts for MCS charging.

The system’s flexibility is a key highlight. Kempower’s approach allows for hybrid sites, seamlessly integrating MCS with CCS charging capabilities. This means that a single charging hub can cater to a wide range of electric vehicles, from passenger cars to the heaviest of trucks. The ability to mix and match different satellite types – including liquid-cooled satellites for high-performance charging and MCS-equipped Mega Satellites – provides charging infrastructure operators with the ultimate flexibility to design and optimize their sites.

Performance and Charging Dynamics

During a charging demonstration with a Scania prototype MCS truck, the Kempower system consistently delivered impressive performance. Charging speeds soared, reaching over 645 kW, with the system pushing close to its 1,000-amp limit. This translates to approximately 670 kW at the battery voltage, showcasing the efficiency of the liquid-cooled cables and the robust power delivery of the Kempower units. The system’s ability to dynamically adjust power output based on the vehicle’s needs and available capacity is crucial for maximizing site utilization and ensuring a positive return on investment for operators.

The discussion around charging curves and battery voltage revealed fascinating insights into how charging speeds will evolve. As battery pack voltages increase in future truck models, charging speeds will naturally accelerate. Kempower’s system is designed to accommodate these advancements, ensuring its infrastructure remains relevant and capable for years to come.

Addressing North American Needs

Kempower is also keenly focused on the North American market. Adam Wagner, Senior Solutions Engineer at Kempower, shared insights into the company’s strategy for the region. Despite some headwinds in the EV market, Kempower sees significant growth opportunities, particularly in the fleet, public charging, and off-highway sectors. For North America, Kempower offers a 600-amp boost option for its chargers, providing enhanced performance for vehicles that can utilize it, provided the site’s underground wiring is adequately sized.

Wagner emphasized the advantages of Kempower’s distributed system architecture. This design allows charging operators to manage grid connection costs effectively by sharing a smaller grid feed across multiple chargers. This approach ensures that even when multiple vehicles are charging, each receives adequate power, while avoiding the hefty demand charges associated with oversized grid connections. This is particularly beneficial for accommodating a mix of vehicles, from high-demand trucks to lower-power vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt, which might only require 50 kW.

Value Proposition and Target Buyer

Kempower’s charging solutions are designed for a broad spectrum of customers, from large fleet operators looking to electrify their logistics to charge point operators aiming to build efficient and scalable charging networks. The company’s emphasis on modularity, flexibility, and dynamic power sharing makes its systems particularly attractive. By optimizing energy distribution, Kempower helps reduce operational costs, offering a compelling value proposition.

The ability to dynamically share power across multiple charging points is a significant advantage. It ensures that charging queues are minimized, and vehicles receive the power they need, even if it’s not the absolute maximum available. This pragmatic approach, where a slightly lower charging speed is preferred over waiting in a queue, aligns with the real-world needs of many drivers and fleet managers. The average global charging session speed of around 80 kW highlights that not all vehicles require ultra-high-speed charging, making distributed systems like Kempower’s an efficient and cost-effective solution.

The Road Ahead

Kempower’s commitment to innovation and its strategic deployment of megawatt charging systems are accelerating the adoption of electric trucks. With operational MCS sites already established in the Nordics and expanding across Europe, the company is proving that high-power electric charging for heavy-duty vehicles is not just a concept, but a present reality. As the industry continues to evolve, Kempower’s flexible and powerful charging solutions are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.

Source: Electric Trucks Need Very High Power Charging! Megawatt DCFC w/ New Kempower Units (YouTube)