WattEV and CharIN finalize rapid-charging standard for electric trucks

In the United States, on November 26, 2024, WattEV, a leader in medium- and heavy-duty truck charging infrastructure, collaborated with the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) to develop a rapid-charging standard. This event took place during a gathering at WattEV's truck charging depot in San Bernardino, California, where industry leaders focused on the interoperability testing of electric vehicle charging systems. The new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) aims to enable heavy-duty electric trucks to charge completely in under 30 minutes, significantly reducing charging times compared to traditional diesel refueling. Salim Youssefzadeh, CEO of WattEV, emphasized that achieving comparable refueling times for zero-emission trucks is essential for the trucking industry's transition to an eco-friendly future. WattEV's commitment to rapid-charging technology stems from the increasing need for effective charging solutions as the market for electric trucks expands. With the introduction of two new charging standards, the North American Charging System (NACS) and MCS, the necessity of a unified charging experience grows. During this week’s event, industry participants recognized the importance of collaboration in establishing interoperability among the various electric vehicle charging standards and technologies. This harmonization is crucial for facilitating the seamless operation of electric trucks and enhancing the overall user experience for operators. WattEV is also in the process of developing multiple public zero-emission truck charging depots across California and aims to create a nationwide network to support long-haul electric trucking. The charging stations being built along major interstates like I-5, I-10, and I-15 will feature solar arrays for sustainable power generation and battery storage options to ensure energy availability during peak demands. The ongoing efforts to create this infrastructure underline WattEV's dedication to not only promoting electric truck operations but also enabling their viability and competitiveness against traditional diesel trucks. As of today, WattEV has already made significant progress, having successfully completed over 20,000 charges from its existing network of charging stations and achieving more than one million zero-emission miles with its electric truck fleet. The development of the MCS standard and participation in events like the CharIN Testival signify vital steps towards transforming the electric truck transportation landscape, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more efficient future for the industry.