About FLEXMCS

FLEXMCS is focused on overcoming the major obstacles preventing the large-scale rollout of electric heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), via:

  • Developing energy-efficient megawatt charging hubs.

  • Integrating renewable energy sources to reduce grid impact.

  • Creating open software architectures.

  • Optimizing hub design and locations.

The Challenge

The mass deployment of electric heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) faces critical barriers:

  • Limited charging infrastructure along transport corridors.

  • Grid capacity constraints and high energy demand.

  • Lack of smart energy management to balance supply and demand.

The Objectives

The overall objective of the project is to design and demonstrate a highly energy efficient MW-charging hub concept with multipoint MW chargers for HDVs and light vehicles, offering logistic companies a reliable, well-located and affordable charge during the 45 minutes break of the driver.

Obj. 1:
Improve charging hardware and architecture

Obj. 2:
Optimise charger usage for efficiency and user convenience with an Open Charging Framework architecture

Obj. 3:
Streamline and accelerate the planning and installation of new charging hubs

Obj. 4:
Demonstration and assessment of FLEXMCS megawatt-charging hub concept and upscaling strategy

The FLEXMCS Solution

  • FLEXMCS will integrate multiport Megawatt charging systems with 4 MCS and up to 18 CCS outlets, optimizing usage by enabling fast charging for HDVs and overnight charging for light vehicles.

  • FLEXMCS will integrate renewable energy sources and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to reduce grid dependency.

  • A real-time Open Charging Framework, optimizing charging slot allocation and enhancing fleet management will be developed which will will enable real-time data exchange between charge point operators (CPOs) and trucks, ensuring optimal infrastructure use and a seamless charging experience.

  • A demonstration in Karlsruhe, Germany will take place, to validate scalability and business models.

Technical Innovations

  • Optimized charging layouts for cost-effective infrastructure deployment.

  • Multiport megawatt chargers for HDVs and light-duty vehicles.

  • A smart energy management system ensuring optimal utilization of the chargers and site infrastructure.

  • Digital twin-based Open Charging Framework for real-time data exchange.

Expected impacts

  • Enhanced megawatt charging systems with interoperable multiport designs for HDVs.

  • Tools to assess energy needs and charging profiles of electric vehicles using megawatt chargers.

  • Smart energy management integrating on-board and off-board components with the grid, renewable sources, and storage systems.

  • Optimized site selection models for large-scale megawatt charging hubs for trucks and light-duty vehicles.

  • Planning and operation tools to improve reliability and efficiency for drivers, fleet managers, and energy providers.

  • Highly energy-efficient charging hubs that maximize usage across different vehicle types.

  • Project demonstration of a charging hub with at least four megawatt (>1 MW) charging points, each capable of charging multiple light-duty vehicles.

Demonstration

  • The FLEXMCS megawatt charging hub concept will be tested in Karlsruhe, Germany. This will assess:

  • Charging efficiency & energy savings

  • Scalability of multiport megawatt charging systems

  • Cost-effectiveness for logistics operators

  • Integration with renewable energy sources