Germany has inaugurated its first public Megawatt Charging System (MCS) station specifically designed for battery-electric trucks, marking a significant advancement in the nation's efforts to decarbonize its logistics sector. The new station, located at the Lipperland Süd rest area along the A2 motorway near Bielefeld, was officially opened on September 29, 2025.
This development is a key component of the HoLa (High-Power Charging for Long-Distance Truck Transport) project, an initiative aimed at building a robust high-power charging infrastructure tailored for long-haul electric freight. The MCS standard represents a substantial upgrade from previous charging technologies, offering capacities of up to 3.75 megawatts, a considerable increase from the 400 kW of standard CCS chargers. The Lipperland Süd station features a 1.2 MW charging unit, developed by ABB and operated by EnBW mobility+, capable of providing hundreds of kilometers of range to electric trucks in approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This rapid charging capability is crucial for the economic viability and operational flexibility of long-distance electric trucking.
Prof. Patrick Plötz of Fraunhofer ISI emphasized the transformative impact of megawatt charging, stating that it "marks the start of a new chapter in electric logistics." He highlighted that this technology is a prerequisite for the economically viable electrification of long-haul trucking, enabling heavy-duty trucks to gain hundreds of kilometers of range in a short charging period. Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport, echoed this sentiment, noting that the HoLa project is deploying a key technology for climate-friendly freight traffic, making long-distance charging for heavy-duty trucks much faster, more flexible, and more economical.
The HoLa project, which began in 2021, has received €12 million in funding from the Federal Ministry of Transport and the EU. It involves a wide array of partners from the automotive, energy, grid operation, highway management, and research sectors. Shell is also a significant partner, managing three of the five planned charging locations. The project aims to establish fast-charging hubs at five strategic sites along the A2 motorway, with four of these sites equipped with MCS chargers. This expansion aligns with EU regulations mandating public truck charging infrastructure at intervals of 60 to 100 kilometers on major European motorways by 2030.
The introduction of this MCS station signifies a broader shift in the logistics industry, addressing a critical bottleneck that has previously hindered the widespread adoption of electric trucks for long-haul routes. As infrastructure continues to expand through initiatives like HoLa, supported by substantial governmental and EU funding, Germany is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future for freight transport across Europe.