The Megawatt Charging Standard (MCS) is an emerging electric vehicle charging standard designed specifically formedium and heavy-duty vehicles, including electric trucks, buses, and commercial fleet vehicles. Developed by the CharIN association, MCS enables ultra-fast charging at power levels up to 3.75 megawatts (MW) with a capacity to handle up to 3000A of current.

Unlike traditional EV charging that takes hours, MCS technology allows heavy-duty vehicles to charge from 20-80% in less than 30 minutes, aligning with driver mandatory rest periods and making long-haul electric trucking commercially viable. This technology is revolutionizing freight transport sustainability.

The Megawatt Charging System has been developed by CharIN (Charging Interface Initiative), a global association with over 300 members dedicated to advancing interoperable charging standards for electric vehicles. The MCS Task Force, initiated in 2018, has developed a holistic system based on the Combined Charging System (CCS), ensuring interoperability and efficiency across the heavy-duty vehicle industry.

MCS was designed from a "clean slate" approach, free from legacy constraints, creating a globally conceived specification that promotes worldwide interoperability. This approach addresses the challenges of implementing a unified charging system across diverse industries and markets, facilitating the adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles on a global scale.

The latest developments include MCS 2.0 specifications with updated recommendations for standardization and development of ultra-fast charging systems for heavy-duty electric vehicles. CharIN continues to work with over 100 companies worldwide to ensure reliable, high-quality, and interoperable MCS-based products.

Specialized MCS variants have been developed for specific applications:

• Extreme Megawatt Charging System (X-MCS): Designed for the highest power requirements in mining and industrial applications.
• Ruggedized Megawatt Charging System (R-MCS): Engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions typical of mining operations, ensuring robust performance in extreme settings.
• Dynamic Charging Interface (DCI): Enables vehicles to charge while in motion, particularly beneficial for maintaining productivity in operations.

The Megawatt Charging Standard (MCS) is the global high‑power DC fast‑charging system for medium and heavy‑duty vehicles. It delivers up to 3.75 MW across 400–1,250 VDC with about 3,000 A via a single, liquid‑cooled connector engineered for durability and automation readiness. Typical heavy‑duty truck charging is 20–80% in under 30 minutes, aligning with mandated rest periods—enabling viable long‑haul electrification and competitive total cost of ownership.

• Standardization: codified by SAE J3271 with mechanical/electrical/communication requirements for cross‑manufacturer interoperability.
• Safety: enhanced insulation, temperature and touch protection, EMC, and short‑circuit protection; thermal monitoring throughout the connector/cable.
• Rollout (2024–2025): pilots and early commercial sites across EU/US led by Milence, WattEV, and Shell, with ABB and Kempower hardware at multi‑MW public hubs.