Industry Perspectives on High-Power Charging (EVSE Companies)

Interviews with high-power EV charging equipment manufacturers captured their views on enabling megawatt-level charging for trucks. The EVSE companies described how current heavy-duty CCS chargers are limited by voltage and current constraints and outlined their development efforts toward the new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard [etruc.org]. They discussed practical considerations for deploying MCS: designing charging plazas, ensuring equipment durability/maintenance, and anticipated cost differences compared to today’s high-power (CCS) chargers [etruc.org]. The report also covers alternative ultra-fast charging approaches (e.g., overhead pantograph systems, “pin-and-sleeve” connectors, wireless charging pads) and how each might fit heavy-duty use cases [etruc.org]. EVSE providers highlighted challenges related to grid integration and business-case viability at megawatt scale, noting that infrastructure upgrades and careful planning will be required to support ~1 MW+ charging per truck while maintaining reliability and safety [etruc.org].