Electric HGV megawatt charging network gets €10m boost

A new research project aiming to roll out ultra-rapid charging for electric trucks across Europe has secured €10 million in funding.

The MACBETH (Multipoint megAwatt Charging for Battery Electric Truck Hubs) project involves a consortium of 19 companies, universities, and research centres led by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The four-year scheme aims to pilot and test megawatt charging hubs to develop the best solution for long-haul and heavy-duty transport use.

The €10m funding from the European Commission will allow the project to explore various approaches including the use of “robotised” charging devices, and mixed-used “hybrid” hubs that serve eHGVs, mid-sized commercial vans and private vehicles.

Megawatt chargers are currently rare in Europe but are seen as vital to the successful introduction of all-electric HGVs. They can deliver energy at three to four times the rate of the most common high-power CCS2 chargers currently in use, allowing a truck such as the Mercedes eActros 600 to charge its massive 621kWh batteries from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

“To create a functional charging infrastructure, we need to investigate many aspects, including various charging hub designs, hardware systems, plug standards, safety-enabling robot technologies, as well as practical experiences of logistics companies in operating electric trucks. The project will also explore new business models for charging infrastructure,” said Yancho Todorov, senior scientist and coordinator of the project at VTT.

Initially, the project will create two large-scale demonstration pilots to test the hybrid hub approach as well as trialling new technology such as robotised truck chargers from Dutch firm Rocsys. These will plug the charging cable in and initialise the charging process for the driver.

“The robotised charging arm will not only free drivers’ time and increase productivity but also enhance safety,” said Joost van der Weijde from Rocsys. “Currently, drivers must exit their vehicles, handle heavy charging cables, and interrupt their break time. By automating the charging process, we’re addressing critical ergonomic, operational, and safety challenges in electric heavy-duty transport.”

“The MACBETH project is not just about technological innovation; rather, it prepares new charging solutions towards large-scale deployment,” said research professor Mikko Pihlatie from VTT.

“It is an important step towards reimagining the entire ecosystem of electric transport, from charging infrastructure to logistics operations. Innovation projects that combine research and piloting like this are essential for scaling and commercialising solutions. They help advance climate goals, create new business opportunities, and drive growth across Europe.”