MEGA:CHARGE – Implementation Study for Megawatt Charging (MCS) in Austria

In the MEGA:CHARGE project, scientists from the Reiner Lemoine Institute, together with project partners, are analysing the future demand for megawatt charging infrastructure (MCS) for heavy-duty battery-electric commercial vehicles in Austria. The aim is to identify suitable locations for MCS charging parks, to take grid requirements into account at an early stage and to support the expansion of an efficient charging infrastructure along important transport and logistics corridors. To this end, future charging requirements are modelled, potential megawatt hotspots are identified and technical and regulatory challenges are examined. The project results provide policymakers, grid operators and charging infrastructure companies with a sound basis for an efficient, grid-compatible and climate-impacting expansion of the MCS charging infrastructure in Austria.

MCS as basis for the electrification of heavy-duty transport

Due to stricter CO₂ fleet standards for heavy commercial vehicles and the goal of achieving climate neutrality in Austria by 2040, new registrations of zero-emission trucks are rising continuously. This is associated with challenges in terms of range and minimizing charging times. Currently, the Combined Charging System (CCS) is used for fast charging of passenger cars, whose maximum charging power is not sufficient to charge trucks in a short break period. In the project, experts are therefore working on the dissemination of MCS technology in heavy-duty transport in order to achieve higher charging capacity and shorter charging times.

Analysis of charging needs, locations and grid integration 

The project team is investigating the charging demand and identifying where “megawatt hotspots” with multiple MCS charging points can emerge. Based on this, the team creates a map for Austria that shows charging demand and hotspot potential. In addition, the scientists are analysing technical, operational and energy-related requirements that have an impact on the power grid and how the optimal interaction of CCS and MCS infrastructure can succeed. In addition, they assess the regulatory framework and implementation risks and formulate concrete recommendations for action.

Consideration of gender and diversity dimensions 

The project takes gender and diversity dimensions into account. The future megawatt charging infrastructure is aimed at different user groups. Requirements for site design, safety and operational processes are therefore derived in such a way that they are practical and meet the requirements of different genders and people with different physical and linguistic conditions. This is intended to increase the acceptance, usability and application of the recommendations.

Project period: May 2026 – April 2027

• Accelerating the ramp-up of zero-emission commercial vehicles
• Technology-related demand and hotspot map for Austria
• Recommendations for the reduction of investment and implementation risks
• Accessible, inclusive and fair solutions through gender and diversity orientation