Innovator Debuts Mobile Battery Storage and Charging System for Electric-Powered Vehicles like Trucks and Buses
The Smart Charging Cube, a new mobile fast-charging solution developed by MAN Truck & Bus in collaboration with AW Automotive, is making waves in the electric vehicle industry. This innovative system combines battery storage, power electronics, and charging pillar in one housing, offering a versatile and efficient solution for operators of electric trucks and buses.
Key Details and Applications
Power Capacity
The Smart Charging Cube boasts battery units with storage capacities ranging from 500 kWh to 1,100 kWh. Each cube can support one to four charging points with a maximum charging capacity of 400 kW. In addition, the Cube can power an external MCS charging station, enabling charging powers of up to 1,000 kW[1].
Charging Technology
The Smart Charging Cube integrates power electronics and a charging station in a single unit. It can be connected to mains electricity with currents ranging from 32 A to 630 A, adapting to local conditions. It supports various smart charging functions such as peak shaving, dynamic power consumption adjustment, and bidirectional charging (vehicle-to-grid capabilities). Moreover, it can incorporate self-generated electricity, for example, from photovoltaic systems[1].
Deployment Sites and Applications
The Cube is aimed at vehicle depots and maintenance yards for electric trucks and buses but is also deployable at decentralized locations like construction sites. Its flexibility in connection and modular design make it suitable for different operational environments. The Cube can be purchased, leased, or rented, providing flexible options for fleet operators[1].
Usage Across the Volkswagen Group
AW Automotive does not work exclusively with MAN and has also partnered with Audi for the use of the Smart Charging Cube. At the Volkswagen plant in Zwickau, three Smart Charging Cubes with a total capacity of 2 MWh store locally generated wind and solar power for both the plant infrastructure and external fast-charging stations[1].
Flexible Connection Values and Charging Times
Lower connection values result in longer recharge times for the Smart Charging Cube's storage. The Cube has been used in multiple locations, including Nuremberg, Neckarsulm, and Zwickau[1].
In conclusion, the MAN and AW Automotive Smart Charging Cube is a high-capacity, adaptable battery storage and charging station vehicle charging solution with advanced integration capabilities, supporting up to 400 kW per cube and expandable up to 1,000 kW for external charging stations. It is utilized broadly from fixed depots to decentralized sites such as construction locations, enhancing e-mobility infrastructure for commercial electric vehicles[1].
[1] - Source: MAN Truck & Bus press release, "MAN Truck & Bus presents the Smart Charging Cube – a mobile fast-charging solution for electric trucks and buses," 2021.
The Smart Charging Cube, equipped with advanced technology, integrates power electronics and a charging station, supporting versatile functions such as peak shaving, dynamic power consumption adjustment, and bidirectional charging. This innovative charging solution is not limited to fixed vehicle depots but can also be deployed at decentralized locations like construction sites, making it suitable for various operational environments.
Moreover, the friendly partnership between Audi and AW Automotive has resulted in the deployment of the Smart Charging Cube at the Volkswagen plant in Zwickau, where it stores locally generated wind and solar power for both the plant infrastructure and external fast-charging stations, showing how sports (competition between automotive companies) and technology can contribute to enhancing the weather (energy sustainability) and e-mobility circuits.
