Leinfelden‑Echterdingen – During a demanding long‑distance test drive with two Mercedes‑Benz eActros 600 prototype trucks earlier this year, development engineers from Mercedes‑Benz Trucks tested charging based on the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard. The objective of the test drive was to ensure the highest possible compatibility between the vehicle and megawatt charging stations from various manufacturers, while also gathering valuable insights into the real‑world performance of megawatt charging under winter conditions. The test route covered around 2,400 kilometers, running from Germany through the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark to Sweden. Along the route, the vehicles were charged at both public and private MCS sites designed specifically for truck applications.

Following the tests, one of the two MCS‑capable eActros 600 trucks made an additional trip to the Finnish Arctic Circle, where it completed further winter testing at temperatures as low as –20°C before returning south.

Peter Ziegler, Head of E‑Charging Components at Mercedes‑Benz Trucks, shares insights from the testing and outlines the next steps.

What were the key findings from the test drives and winter testing with regard to the MCS standard?

The test drives and winter trials provided us with important insights into the Megawatt Charging System, particularly with respect to battery thermal management and interoperability between vehicle and charging infrastructure.

The results confirmed that charging power in the megawatt range is also achievable at low temperatures, provided that the battery is at a sufficiently high operating temperature. Since we expect megawatt charging in real‑world use to typically take place during the legally mandated driving breaks following a driving cycle, this condition is met in practical operation.

At the same time, the test drives demonstrated successful charging sessions at several charging points, further confirming the fundamental suitability of the system for real‑world use.

How does Mercedes‑Benz Trucks view the potential of megawatt charging as a global standard for heavy‑duty vehicles?

We see megawatt charging as a key enabler for the global electrification of heavy long‑haul transport and fully support the MCS standard as an open, manufacturer‑independent solution.

Given the dynamic global market development of battery‑electric commercial vehicles, the importance of a uniform, internationally compatible charging standard continues to grow. From our perspective, MCS provides the foundation for interoperability, scalability and long‑term investment security across markets and manufacturers.

What are the next steps for Mercedes‑Benz Trucks toward finalizing the MCS standard?

The current phase of finalizing the MCS standard involves not only vehicle hardware and software, but also the hardware and software of the charging infrastructure. Over the coming months, we will conduct further interoperability tests with various charging station manufacturers to further refine the interaction between vehicle and infrastructure and, ultimately, to offer our customers the best possible overall system comprising both charging station and vehicle.

In parallel, Daimler Truck is participating as an industry partner in the HoLa high‑performance charging project for long‑haul trucking in Germany and will bring the eActros 600 into real‑world testing of high‑power charging infrastructure over the course of this year.

In the second half of the year, we will begin the first customer trials of MCS‑capable
eActros 600 trucks in real‑world logistics operations. As part of the “Electrify Inbound Logistics” project, which focuses on electrifying inbound transport for Mercedes‑Benz Trucks production plants in Germany, the vehicles will be deployed with various customers. To enable faster charging of electric trucks in the future, an MCS‑capable charging station is planned for installation at the Wörth am Rhein plant site starting mid‑year.

Note for media representatives

Further information on the MCS test drive conducted in January 2026 is available here:
Megawatt charging in long-haul endurance test: Mercedes-Benz Trucks sends eActros 600 from Germany to Sweden | Daimler Truck

Further information on the “Electrify Inbound Logistics” project is available here:
Lighthouse Project for Sustainability: The Electrification of Inbound Logistics at Daimler Truck Is Gaining Momentum! | Daimler Truck