MegaCharge aims to transform the value chain within transport electrification to achieve the goal of a 50% reduction in emissions from the transport sector by 2030.
Norway has a large share of electric passenger cars, and the technology for the charging infrastructure for these vehicles is well-known and widespread. However, charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles is not fully developed, requiring different technology and infrastructure than that used for passenger car charging.
The lack of charging infrastructure poses a significant barrier for Norwegian transport companies who wants to invest in electric vehicles. There is therefore a great need for a unified Norwegian effort to develop new knowledge, solutions, and technology that can accelerate the development of charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles in Norway.
Heavy vehicles will to a certain extent require charging on megawatt level, which is 10–20 times more powerful than "regular" fast charging. For heavy vehicle charging, there are technical challenges in designing and building infrastructure that can deliver the necessary power to the charging stations. It is also a challenge to achieve profitability for charging providers.
In many parts of Norway, the power grid does not have sufficient capacity for installing new fast charging stations. MegaCharge will help address this by developing and testing a tool for optimal charging station design, developing a management system for optimal utilization of the power grid and infrastructure at charging stations, and developing a concept for booking charging services. In addition to this, Elywhere will build a full-scale charging module for megawatt fast charging of trucks. The module will be tested in a pilot project, and Circle K will demonstrate several of the solutions developed at their locations. Additionally, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration will provide one or more of its locations for testing in the project.
The pilot projects in MegaCharge are crucial for demonstrating and verifying the methods, concepts, and technology being developed in the project.
MegaCharge is divided as follows:
- Design of charging stations for heavy transport
- Charging technology and energy conversion
- Flexibility and energy resources
- Efficient development and grid connection
- Charging services and digital solutions
- Scaling up and sustainability
- Pilot testing
Project lead: SINTEF Energi AS