The Technical University of Munich (TUM), in collaboration with industry and research partners, is spearheading a transformative initiative to enable long-distance cargo transport with battery-powered trucks.
Megawatt charging, a key technological advancement, is a pivotal element in this endeavor. The unveiling of the first prototypes at the Plattling Technology Campus signifies a significant step forward.
This innovative charging infrastructure allows electric trucks to replenish their batteries for 4.5 hours of operation within the legally mandated rest period, eliminating additional waiting time.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
In Germany, road transport accounts for around 70% of freight movement in terms of volume and distance, primarily relying on diesel-powered trucks.
This reliance on fossil fuels contributes significantly to environmental pollution, with 40% of total transport emissions, equivalent to 148 million tons of CO2, attributed to freight transport. Transitioning to electric power would yield substantial environmental benefits.
NEFTON Consortium
The NEFTON research consortium, led by TUM’s Chair of Automotive Technology, is actively working on the necessary technical and infrastructural solutions to facilitate this transition.
Professor Markus Lienkamp emphasized the superior efficiency of battery-powered trucks (75%) compared to fuel cell trucks (26%) and eFuels (14%).
However, he acknowledged the current lack of adequate infrastructure for electric trucks on major routes, highlighting the importance of megawatt charging technology in addressing this challenge.
Megawatt Charging Technology
Dr. Frederik Zohm, Executive Board Member for Research and Development at MAN Truck & Bus, highlighted the successful development of technologies enabling rapid charging of electric trucks with an output exceeding 1000 kW through the NEFTON project.
This research prioritizes real-world applicability, cost-effectiveness, and grid power output. Dr. Zohm emphasized that the combination of electric trucks and megawatt charging is crucial for the comprehensive decarbonization of road-based freight transport, and called for collaboration between policymakers, the energy sector, and vehicle manufacturers to expand the charging infrastructure.
Government Support
Hubert Aiwanger, the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting Bavaria’s role in shaping the future of mobility through high-tech and expertise.
He acknowledged the initiative’s contribution to decarbonizing logistics and freight transport, boosting the Bavarian economy’s competitiveness.
Minister Aiwanger also mentioned the government’s support for MCS technology through funding programs and emphasized the openness of the Bavarian government towards new mobility technologies.
Strategic Charging Network
The NEFTON project has investigated the practical application of electric trucks in real-world logistics scenarios.
By collaborating with four freight forwarding companies, the consortium analyzed various applications ranging from local distribution to long-distance transport.
The findings indicate that distribution and regional shipping can primarily rely on charging at freight forwarders’ premises. However, long-distance transport necessitates a network of high-powered truck charging stations strategically located at highway rest stops and parking areas.
Optimizing Charging Infrastructure
The research suggests that charging posts with a peak power of 1 megawatt should be installed every 50 km along core highway routes to eliminate charging-related time losses.
In research settings, charging outputs of up to 3 megawatts have been explored, potentially offering greater flexibility in daily operations, allowing for smaller batteries, and reducing costs and environmental impact. The NEFTON project will continue to investigate these future possibilities.
Project Partners and Funding
The NEFTON project is a collaborative effort involving TUM, MAN, AVL Software and Functions GmbH, Forschungsstelle für Energiewirtschaft e.V. (FfE), Fraunhofer ISE, Prettl Electronics Automotive, and Deggendorf Institute of Technology. The project receives funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.