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CharIN supports global alignment for Megawatt Charging Systems

As the transport sector continues its transition toward zero-emission mobility, Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) are expected to play a central role in enabling the electrification of heavy-duty commercial vehicles. A recent article published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) highlights how international standardization efforts are creating the technical foundation for scalable, interoperable high-power charging infrastructure.

With global freight demand projected to roughly double by 2050, and similar growth expected in heavy-duty trucking, electrifying long-haul transport such as trucks and vessels is becoming increasingly important for achieving climate targets. However, today’s charging infrastructure often remains too slow or insufficiently compatible for industrial use cases, limiting operational viability.


International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). “Powering the Shift to Cleaner Heavy Transport.” IEC Blog, April 29, 2026. https://www.iec.ch/blog/powering-shift-cleaner-heavy-transport

Overview

MCS addresses these limitations by enabling ultra-high-power charging, significantly reducing charging times for battery-electric trucks and vessels. Until now, however, many implementations have been proprietary, resulting in limited interoperability across manufacturers and infrastructure providers.

The IEC article highlights that the publication of new international standards marks a key step toward overcoming this fragmentation. By defining a common technical language and protocol, MCS standards enable interoperability between vehicles, charging infrastructure, and energy systems, allowing fast charging across different locations and markets.

According to IEC, MCS technology is designed to deliver significantly higher charging capacities than conventional DC charging systems, meeting the operational needs of long-haul transport. Fast and reliable energy transfer is considered essential for scaling heavy-duty electric mobility.

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Published on: 05/12/2026

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According to IEC, MCS technology is designed to deliver significantly higher charging capacities than conventional DC charging systems, meeting the operational needs of long-haul transport. Fast and reliable energy transfer is considered essential for scaling heavy-duty electric mobility.

The standardization framework includes IEC TS 63379, which defines interface configurations for megawatt-level conductive charging, including connector design, safety requirements, thermal management, and bidirectional charging capability. It will be complemented by IEC 61851-23-3, currently under development, which defines supply equipment for high-power energy transfer between the grid and electric vehicles.

CharIN has been actively contributing to the development of MCS in close collaboration with IEC and global industry stakeholders. Building on the Combined Charging System (CCS), MCS represents the next step toward interoperable and future-ready charging solutions for commercial transport.

“This new standard for MCS marks an important step toward global alignment across industry stakeholders, accelerating adoption and ensure a seamless charging experience across markets. At CharIN, we see this collaborative effort as essential in driving innovation, reducing fragmentation, and supporting the integration of e-mobility into the energy system, which supports the global transition to sustainable mobility.”
Michael Keller, CTO of CharIN e.V. and CEO of CharIN Academy

Official publication of IEC TS 63379: A game-changer for Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standardization

Members of CharIN have contributed to the development of this specification from within the organization, helping to shape the standards that will drive the future of high-power charging.

Read Official Press Release

Electrification of the marine sector

CharIN aims to accelerate electrification in the marine industry, focusing on sustainable solutions that enable rapid, high-power charging for vessels, contributing to a greener and more efficient marine sector.

MCS Initiatives

The IEC article further underlines that globally harmonized standards are essential to reducing market fragmentation, enabling investment certainty, and ensuring scalable deployment of heavy-duty charging infrastructure worldwide.

CharIN values its close collaboration with IEC and international partners in advancing interoperable charging ecosystems and supporting the global transition to sustainable mobility.

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). “Powering the Shift to Cleaner Heavy Transport.” IEC Blog, April 29, 2026. https://www.iec.ch/blog/powering-shift-cleaner-heavy-transport

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Published on: 05/12/2026

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