Megawatt Charging: the Future of a Sustainable Heavy Duty Transport?

The smarter E Podcast Episode 170 | March 21, 2024 | Language: English

The electrification of long-haul freight transport is a crucial step towards a sustainable future, and the deployment of high-power megawatt charging stations along Europe's major motorways is at the heart of this transformation. The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology is seen as a key enabler. But how far along is the development of MCS in general, and what are the benefits?

We discuss this in this episode with Dr Julia Hildermeier of the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP). In her recent study with RAP, she analyzed the economic aspects of setting up such an infrastructure.

Timeline:

  • 02:08 What is the issue with heavy-duty transport and why is electrification important?
  • 04:25 Megawatt charging system (MCS): What is this technology about and why is it relevant?
  • 09:41 The study highlights significant cost differences for megawatt charging in different EU member states. What are the main factors leading to these differences?
  • 13:07 Grid costs form a significant part of charging costs. How do these costs vary across the EU and what impact does this have on the choice of location for charging stations?

About The smarter E Podcast

The smarter E podcast is all about the current trends and developments in a renewable, decentralized and digital energy industry. Our moderators Tobias Bücklein and Zackes Brustik welcome and interview personalities who shape our industry and drive developments forward. A new episode is published every Thursday.

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About Dr. Julia Hildermeier and RAP

Dr. Julia Hildermeier, Senior Associate

Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) is an independent, global non-governmental organization with a mission of advancing policy innovation and thought leadership within the energy community.

Julia Hildermeier joined RAP’s Europe team as an electro-mobility and transport expert to explore the benefits of integrating electrified transport in a smarter and decarbonized power market. In addition to providing research and policy analysis, she leads RAP’s electric transportation program for RAP’s EU department including strategic planning and outreach in Brussels and beyond. Before coming to RAP in 2018, Hildermeier worked for the European Federation for Transport & Environment, advocating for a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable transport system.

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