On February 25, 2025, Milence, a joint venture of Daimler Truck, TRATON Group, and Volvo Group, successfully deployed its first MCS (Megawatt Charging System) solution at the Ketenis truck parking lot center in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This is one of the first MCS chargers completed in Europe. The charging center built by Milence adopts a modular concept. Initially, CCS chargers are installed, and MCS chargers can be added later.
The deployment and the first public availability of this cutting-edge MCS charging solution mark an important milestone in the electrification of road transportation. This installation is a crucial step in establishing the first MCS charging corridor for trucks in Europe, accelerating the transition to electric trucks.
The high-power charging solution developed by Power Electronics, a global leading manufacturer of energy storage inverters, solar inverters, and e-mobility solutions, underwent rigorous testing in 2024 and is now on the market.
Two high-power chargers from Power Electronics have been installed at the two newly added charging piles. By significantly reducing the charging time and improving the efficiency of long-distance transportation, they have revolutionized the future of electric trucks.
The charging center now offers 22 charging bays, providing 4MW of CCS and 2.8MW of MCS charging capacity, making it one of the largest charging stations in Europe and a real milestone for electric freight transportation, a perfect solution for the second largest seaport in Europe.
A Game Changer for the Future of Road Transportation
The MCS megawatt charging system is a newly defined high-power charging standard, specifically developed to support the rapid expansion of electric trucks. Capable of providing up to 3.75 megawatts (3750 kilowatts) of direct current, MCS represents a transformative shift in the industry. It makes electric trucks a more reliable and efficient solution for long-distance transportation.
The solution installed at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges underwent rigorous testing in 2024 and is expected to reduce the charging time by approximately 90%, enabling electric trucks to charge their batteries within 30 minutes. This new technology has a charging capacity of up to 1440 kilowatts (up to 1500 amperes, 1000 volts).
Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence, emphasized the significance of this milestone: "This deployment represents a turning point for electric road transport. MCS technology is a key enabler for the widespread adoption of electric trucks, making long-haul transport a viable and sustainable option. By drastically reducing charging times, we are breaking down one of the biggest barriers to electrification in freight transport. The future of road transport is electric and we are committed to leading this transition, not only by building Europe's largest public charging network, but also by ensuring we deliver a fast, reliable and seamless charging experience."
Building the First MCS Corridor in Europe
As part of its ambitious expansion plan, Milence is committed to establishing a robust network of megawatt-level charging points in Europe. By 2027, the company aims to deploy at least 284 MCS charging points at 71 locations in 10 EU member states in response to the call of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure (AFIF). The hub at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the starting point of one of the first corridors connecting Antwerp and Stockholm.
Anja van Niersen concluded: "We are confident that that this development will not only support the transition to electric freight transport but also reinforce Europe's leadership in sustainable mobility solutions".
Ensuring Interoperability Across the Entire Market Milence is dedicated to providing seamless public charging solutions for heavy-duty electric vehicles and is working closely with industry partners to refine the MCS technology and drive market adoption. This pilot truck is a prototype of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, which was tested in Valencia, Spain not long ago. Additional tests involving multiple truck brands will be conducted in the coming months. Milence invites all truck manufacturers currently developing MCS-compatible vehicles to cooperate and test their models within the expanding network. By promoting industry-wide cooperation, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of electric trucks and create a seamless, efficient, and sustainable charging ecosystem for the future of logistics.
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Milence
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