Autel Europe and the Charging Interface Initiative e. V. (CharIN) are set to host the groundbreaking MCS Controller Testival Europe 2025, taking place on April 1–2, 2025, at Autel’s Spanish office in Barcelona. This highly anticipated event will gather industry leaders, technology providers, and key stakeholders to test and validate the next generation of Megawatt Charging System (MCS) controllers. The initiative plays a crucial role in advancing high-power charging technology for heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs), ensuring faster, more efficient, and highly reliable charging solutions.
A Major Milestone for MCS Technology
The MCS Controller Testival represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of megawatt charging systems, marking the first-ever event of its kind organized by CharIN. This collaborative effort will unite key industry players, including SECC (Supply Equipment Communication Controller) and EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) manufacturers, to rigorously evaluate and enhance the interoperability of MCS controllers. By facilitating these critical interoperability tests, the event aims to improve the seamless integration of MCS technology into existing charging infrastructures and drive industry-wide standardization.
The adoption of MCS technology is pivotal in addressing the increasing demand for high-power charging solutions, particularly for heavy-duty electric trucks, buses, and other commercial EVs. As the global transition to electrified transportation accelerates, ensuring interoperability and efficiency in megawatt charging solutions has become a key priority for manufacturers and infrastructure providers alike.
The Importance of Interoperability Testing
Throughout the two-day event, experts will conduct interoperability tests, pairing different EVCC and SECC MCS controllers in controlled test scenarios. These evaluations will be instrumental in confirming compliance with industry standards and ensuring that MCS controllers can seamlessly communicate with various charging infrastructures. The tests will also focus on critical performance metrics, including:
- Electrical efficiency: Assessing power transfer capabilities to optimize energy efficiency and minimize losses.
- Thermal management: Evaluating heat dissipation mechanisms to maintain operational stability.
- Mechanical compatibility: Ensuring that hardware components align with standard specifications.
By conducting these live testing sessions, the MCS Controller Testival will accelerate the widespread adoption of MCS technology worldwide, supporting the electrification of commercial transportation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Industry experts have expressed their enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative. Andreas Lastei, VP Sales & Marketing at Autel Energy Europe, emphasized the importance of hosting the event at Autel’s Spanish office:
“Hosting this event at our Autel Spain office reinforces our commitment to advancing high-power EV charging solutions and fostering an open, standardized charging ecosystem. By collaborating with CharIN, we are taking a major step in shaping the future of megawatt charging for commercial and heavy-duty EVs.”
Michael Keller, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of CharIN e. V. and CEO of CharIN Academy, highlighted the significance of hands-on testing in ensuring the reliability of MCS technology:
“The MCS Controller Testival is a crucial milestone in the development of megawatt charging technology. Through hands-on interoperability testing, we are ensuring that the MCS standard meets the highest performance and reliability expectations required by the industry. This initiative will also lead to broader adoption in other industries such as marine, mining, and aviation.”
Participating Companies and Sponsors
The event has attracted leading companies from across the EV charging sector, including:
- Testing companies onsite: Advantics, Autel, Bosch, BTC Power, Chargebyte, MAN, Keysight, Ekoenergetyka, Kempower, Power Electronics, Vector Informatik, Watt & Well.
- Sponsors: bp, Comemso, Milence, and Phoenix Contact.
The presence of these major industry players underscores the significance of the MCS Controller Testival in shaping the future of high-power EV charging.
A Unique Opportunity for Stakeholders
Beyond testing, the event will provide a platform for industry stakeholders, including charging technology providers, system integrators, and policymakers, to engage in real-time discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange insights, explore emerging trends in EV charging, and collaborate on strategies to advance next-generation charging solutions.
By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, the Testival aims to drive innovation, promote best practices, and pave the way for a seamless and efficient MCS ecosystem. This initiative will play a pivotal role in ensuring that MCS technology evolves in line with industry needs and remains a viable solution for large-scale electrification projects.
