Argonne National Laboratory Develops Megawatt Charging System
- Megawatt Charging & Power Conversion Power Electronics Research
Marin Holt
- 0
- 6 minutes read
- Power scale: 1+ MW
- Vehicle type: Medium- and heavy-duty EVs
- Location: Illinois
- Presentation: Clean Cities 'MW+ What's Ahead', January 7, 2020
- Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (US DOE facility)
Argonne National Laboratory presented a Clean Cities presentation on January 7, 2020, outlining a multi-port charging system designed for medium- and heavy-duty EVs at 1+ MW scale in Illinois. The presentation, titled “MW+ What’s Ahead,” discussed the development of megawatt charging and power conversion systems for fleet charging applications. According to the presentation, the system is capable of delivering over 1 MW of power, with a focus on medium-duty EVs and heavy-duty EVs. The presentation took place at a Clean Cities event, where Argonne National Laboratory researchers discussed the future of megawatt charging and its potential applications. The event highlighted the importance of developing high-power charging systems for medium- and heavy-duty EVs, with a focus on 1+ MW scale. When the presentation was given, in January 2020, the development of such systems was still in its early stages, with researchers exploring various technologies and designs.
The presentation outlined the technical requirements for megawatt charging systems, including the need for high-voltage and high-power components. The researchers discussed the challenges associated with developing such systems, including the need for advanced power conversion and control systems. The presentation also highlighted the potential benefits of megawatt charging, including the ability to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously and the potential for reduced charging times. The researchers emphasized the importance of developing standards and protocols for megawatt charging systems, in order to ensure interoperability and safety.
The development of megawatt charging systems is critical for the widespread adoption of medium- and heavy-duty EVs. Currently, most charging systems are designed for low-power applications, and are not capable of delivering the high power levels required by medium- and heavy-duty EVs. The development of megawatt charging systems will require significant advances in power conversion and control technologies, as well as the development of new standards and protocols. Argonne National Laboratory’s research in this area is focused on developing the technical expertise and knowledge required to support the development of megawatt charging systems.
The presentation also discussed the potential applications of megawatt charging systems, including fleet charging and public charging stations. The researchers emphasized the importance of developing charging systems that can support a wide range of vehicle types and sizes, from medium-duty EVs to heavy-duty EVs. The presentation highlighted the need for further research and development in this area, in order to support the widespread adoption of EVs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Why It Matters
The development of megawatt charging systems is critical for the widespread adoption of medium- and heavy-duty EVs, and will play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The development of such systems will require significant advances in power conversion and control technologies, and will have important implications for the U.S. grid and EV infrastructure. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, the development of megawatt charging systems will be essential for supporting the widespread adoption of these vehicles.
Sources
https://cleancities.energy.gov/files/u/news_events/document/document_url/525/ANL_CleanCities_MW_plus_WhatsAhead_Jan7_2020.pdf – Argonne National Laboratory
https://cleancities.energy.gov/files/u/news_events/document/document_url/525/ANL_CleanCities_MW_plus_WhatsAhead_Jan7_2020.pdf – cleancities.energy.gov
Critical Perspective
Series context: This post is part of MGRID’s Megawatt Charging System (MCS) industry coverage. The MCS spec was ratified by CharIN in 2023 and SAE in early 2024, and the 18 months since have produced a steady wave of vendor announcements, fleet pilots, and lab demonstrations. Readers should distinguish three distinct claim tiers in MCS coverage: (1) spec compliance, which most products credibly claim because the spec is settled; (2) production shipments, which reduces to ABB MCS1200 plus a handful of pre-production units from other vendors as of mid-2026; and (3) field-deployed truck refuels at MCS-rated power, which is measured in single digits globally. Coverage that conflates these tiers overstates commercial maturity. Field availability of MCS-spec chargers will scale through 2027 as Heliox, Kempower, ChargePoint, Tritium, and others move past prototype builds. For each product cited in this post, readers should verify the deployment tier (lab / pilot / commercial pilot / general availability) before assuming operational readiness.
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