Revolutionizing heavy-duty electric vehicle charging: CharIN MCS Controller Testival 2025 - Spain

The CharIN MCS Controller Testival EUROPE 2025, hosted by Autel Energy, was a landmark event in the evolution of Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS). As the first CharIN Testival of the year and the first-ever dedicated to MCS Controller Testing, the two-day event attracted approximately 80 attendees and 14 testing companies, including suppliers of Supply Equipment Communication Controllers (SECC) and Electric Vehicle Communication Controllers (EVCC).

The MCS Controller Testival featured real-world EVCC-SECC pairing sessions, ensuring cross-platform functionality and compliance with industry standards. Key testing areas included: electrical efficiency, thermal management, and mechanical compatibility. By conducting these tests, the event accelerated the standardization and global adoption of MCS technology for heavy-duty transport.

The participants were able to mutually authenticate charging sessions using the mandatory mutual TLS1.3 security mechanism, marking a first step toward a more secure and seamless Plug&Charge integration in compliance with the ISO 15118-20 standard. This advancement paves the way for a future-proof, interoperable, and secure charging ecosystem. The inaugural Testival united industry leaders, tech providers, and stakeholders to validate next-gen MCS controllers. Rigorous testing advanced high-power charging for heavy-duty EVs, enhancing efficiency, reliability, and seamless global integration.

Evolution of MCS technology

The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is advancing rapidly in Europe, driving high-power solutions for heavy-duty transport. In December 2024, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges launched a charging hub with 22 bays, offering 4MW CCS and 2.8MW MCS capacity, solidifying its role in electric freight.

Starting July 2025, new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) in Europe need to comply with fleetwide CO2 emission targets, aligning with regulatory efforts to cut emissions.

Meanwhile, Milence, a joint venture of leading truck manufacturers, is developing Europe’s largest public charging network. By late 2025, it aims to establish the first MCS corridor from Antwerp to Stockholm, making long-haul electric trucking more viable .

These regulatory and infrastructure strides underscore Europe’s commitment to zeroemission freight. To ensure seamless adoption, CharIN launched the first MCS Controller Testival, validating next-gen controllers and promoting standardization.

CharIN and the Megawatt Charging System (MCS)

Since 2018, CharIN has led the development of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), building on existing CCS (Combined Charging System) standards. Through its MCS Task Force, CharIN brings together industry leaders to drive innovation and establish a unified global standard for high-power charging.

Key MCS requirements include:

Single conductive plug for universal compatibility

Up to 1,250V & 3,000A (DC) to enable ultra-fast charging Ethernet-based communication (10BASE-T1S) & ISO/IEC 15118-20 for secure and efficient data exchange

Compliance with safety standards (UL2251, OSHA, ADA, FCC Class A EMI) V2X bi-directional capabilities to support energy grid integration

CharIN is also actively involved in real-world MCS deployments, such as the first public electric truck charging site in Portland, Oregon, developed in collaboration with PGE and DTNA. In addition to heavy-duty trucking, CharIN's MCS initiatives are shaping the future of high-power charging in industries like aviation and mining. With these efforts, CharIN is accelerating the transition to a standardized, efficient, and scalable charging network.