A groundbreaking €10 million innovation initiative is set to revolutionise battery electric truck charging in the EU’s heavy-duty transport sector.
The MACBETH (Multipoint megAwatt Charging for Battery Electric Truck Hubs) project will run from February 2025 to January 2029 and is led by Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre.
The EU-wide project represents a significant investment in Europe’s sustainable transport future and supports the EU’s European Green Deal objective of reducing transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2050.
The project features real-life demonstrations of charging hubs to accelerate the electrification of heavy-duty transport.
Funded by the European Commission, the project aims to develop and demonstrate cutting-edge solutions for megawatt charging systems (MCS) in multi-user charging hubs.
In doing so, it seeks to establish a comprehensive European charging network for electric trucks by 2030.
The pioneering project brings together a consortium of 19 leading European companies, universities, and research centres to address the critical challenges of sustainable heavy-duty transport.
The project operates on the premise that the availability of MCS will fundamentally transform how long-haul and high-utilisation heavy-duty electric trucks operate.
MACBETH’s strategic objective is to create a robust and efficient charging network in Europe that can support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the logistics sector.
“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,” said MACBETH project coordinator and Senior Scientist at VTT, Yancho Todorov.
“The project will also explore new business models for charging infrastructure.”
MACBETH aims to find new practical solutions through real-life piloting, to ensure that electric charging meets the needs of heavy-duty logistics companies.
Two large-scale demonstration pilots will test hybrid charging stations serving multiple users, including heavy and medium duty vehicles in logistics transport, as well as light duty private vehicles.
The pilots will also conduct comprehensive research into the charging hub design, safety, and operational efficiency.
One of the project partners is Finnish company Kempower, which designs and manufactures fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles.
“We’re bringing crucial equipment and expertise to the table. Currently, megawatt charging infrastructure is very rare in Europe, and our technologies will be key to bridging this critical gap,” said Kempower Research Director, Ville Naumanen.
One of the technologies under study relates to the testing of a robotised charging arm.
This could revolutionise the charging process by increasing the safety of high-power charging systems.
Netherlands-based Rocsys’s goal is to create a solution where drivers can rest while the robot handles the charging, potentially improving overall logistics efficiency.
“The robotised charging arm will not only free drivers’ time and increase productivity but also enhance safety,” Rocsys’s Joost van der Weijde.
“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.”
VTT Research Professor Mikko Pihlatie explained the reasoning being the project.
“The MACBETH project is not just about technological innovation, rather it prepares new charging solutions towards large-scale deployment.
“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.”
Learn more about the MACBETH project.
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