- MAN and ABB E-mobility ink an exclusive deal for technical collaboration, signalling a new era in partnership.
- Megawatt Charging System (MCS) sparks the inception of the strategic collaboration.
- Enhanced partnership targets laser focus on logistics customer needs.
MAN and ABB E-mobility’s new and exclusive pioneering alliance in research, technical collaboration, and logistics innovation
MAN Truck & Bus and ABB E-mobility have forged an electrifying alliance, sealing an exclusive cooperation agreement that propels their collaboration to new heights. This strategic partnership is not just a handshake – it’s a pact aimed at intensifying their joint efforts, especially in cutting-edge development.
Branding this collaboration as a market game-changer, and not just a partnership, MAN’s Senior VP of Engineering, Thomas Nickels, said;
“Cooperation in the area of research and development is rather rare in our industry. Together with ABB E-mobility, we are striving for a trusting, binding and transparent partnership. We are already starting with the development of products and standards and are focussing on the special requirements of the commercial vehicle industry.”
Nickels continued to underscore the crucial role of cross-industry collaboration, especially in megawatt charging systems (MCS), commenting;
“At MCS, we are working with players from the entire sector to enable charging capacities in the megawatt range in the future and thus sustainable and economical long-distance heavy goods and passenger transport. By cooperating with ABB E-mobility, we can tackle the challenges of the new technology at an early stage and drive standardisation forward more quickly.”
Tackling challenges like the ISO15118-20 communication standard and innovative signal transmission methods, the foundation of megawatt charging lies in pioneering Ethernet communication – a first in e-mobility. With a strategic three-year plan, the cooperation prioritises customer experience from the outset. Early software and interoperability tests aim to swiftly deliver reliable products across the market, emphasising not just internal development but also refining charging stations, vehicles, and software.
Floris van de Klashorst, Senior Vice President Products & Hardware Platforms at ABB E-mobility, said;
“High charging performance, reliable technology and customer confidence – these are the prerequisites for the success of electromobility in heavy goods and long-distance passenger transport. By working together with MAN right from the early product phase, we can respond even better to the needs of our customers. By 2025, we want to bring a product to the market that meets the requirements of logistics. The market needs an ecosystem that interlocks and works reliably. That’s why we want to jointly develop a concept for the interaction of MCS and CCS that addresses issues such as space, energy supply and grid expansion. MAN’s extensive expertise helps us to develop customer-oriented solutions – both for use in the depot and on the track.”
The collaboration between MAN Truck & Bus and ABB E-mobility marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of e-mobility. With an eye on the future, they anticipate the integration of MCS not just in logistics but also in the travel sector, including motorhomes and coaches. This shift poses new challenges and signals a transformation in user behaviour, showcasing a commitment to reshaping the landscape of sustainable mobility.
