Charging at the touch of a button: Dresden city cleaning service tests automatic charging system for electric trucks
May 22, 2025
Fraunhofer IVI and Dresdner Stadtreinigung (SRD, city cleaning service) are launching a practical test of an automated charging system that improves the efficiency and safety of charging electric vehicles in urban logistics operations. This new technology makes charging electric trucks easier, as the entire process can be started and stopped without cables and at the touch of just one button. This represents a significant step forward in the development of practical and space-saving charging solutions for the challenges of electric mobility.
[Coming soon: Link to the press release]
Presentation of underbody charging system at the TraWeBa Congress
May 13, 2025
The focus of the TraWeBa Congress in Leipzig was on transforming the battery value chain. Practical examples showed how operational networks can function effectively – with measurable benefits for companies. In the technology session, Fraunhofer IVI presented their underbody contact system from the user's perspective. The subsequent discussions clearly showed that this approach to automated charging in the high-power range struck a chord with the audience.
Standardization of underbody charging is progressing
March 28, 2025
In the first quarter of 2025, the first version of the IEC 61851-26 system standard “EV supply equipment with automatic docking of a vehicle coupler located located at the underbody of an electric vehicle” for EV chargers was finalized as a Draft Technical Specification, representing an important step in standardization.
In addition, we have been actively involved in the development of a standardization mandate for the ACD-U interface in order to establish an international standard for underbody charging. Our participation in the PT 63644 committee enables us to contribute to and position our innovative solution for high-performance underbody charging in the IEC 63644 interface standard “Vehicle coupler for a contact interface for Automated Connection Device Underbody (ACD-U) systems.”
Our modern charging infrastructure is ready and available – become our partner in shaping the future of heavy-duty traffic!
September 5, 2024
Within the scope of the MEGA-LADEN project, we have set up a highly modern charging infrastructure system in Dresden as well as in Berlin Westhafen that is now ready to operate. Therefore, we are now looking for a logistics partner to support us in continuing our trial operation phase who wants to promote the electrification of inner-city heavy-duty traffic and is open for innovative future-oriented technologies.
MEGA-LADEN project completed
August 28, 2024
The MEGA-LADEN project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) was brought to a successful close during an exclusive final event. We had the opportunity to present our results to the project manager DLR-PT and the Elektro-Mobil accompanying research institution, and we held a live demonstration of our charging technology’s functionality in Berlin Westhafen.
The system’s core pieces are an innovative underbody contacting system and scalable charging infrastructure with distributed charging paths. This solution constitutes an impressive example of an automated, safe and compact charging technology system made for future emission-free heavy-duty traffic. By designing it, the entire project team has taken an important step towards sustainable mobility. The approach will be further improved and implemented in future products.
Start of trial operations
June 19, 2024
The vehicle, charging station, contact system, and drivers... all are ready to start the trial operation in a logistics environment. The next few weeks will be incredibly exciting for the project team because this is the moment we have diligently worked towards.
Commissioning of the charging technology
May 15, 2024
A camera has been mounted on the vehicle as a positioning aid, allowing the driver to find the assigned parking spot easily and accurately by using the integrated screen in the vehicle cabin and the guiding line. Simultaneously, the user can watch the underfloor contact system as it connects and disconnects.
Installation of the contact system in Berlin Westhafen
April 6, 2024
The underbody contact system from Schunk was installed into the Berlin ground and connected to the power electronics from SBRS. Unfortunately, the weather didn't share our good mood…
Contact system meets cold weather, snow and ice
November 30, 2023
Finally, with a temperature of -6°C, it became a bit cooler, allowing us to test our integrated heating system in the shaft. We were able to demonstrate that the electronics can be kept pleasantly warm. In addition, the cover plate of the contact system remained ice-free throughout. We were glad to see that the system works as intended.
Project meeting in Dresden
November 28, 2023
On November 28, 2023, we had the opportunity to present our recent project results at Fraunhofer IVI, alongside our project partners, including the DLR funding agency and the accompanying research on electric mobility from TÜV Rheinland.
Megawatt charging capability approved
November 20, 2023
On the high-current test bench at Fraunhofer IVI, the contact system was subjected to currents of up to 2,000 A. At a system voltage of 1,000 VDC, this results in a charging power of two megawatts. If we consider the standardized 1,250 VDC, 2.5 megawatts can be transmitted. Only a simple air cooling system is required for this. Charging a battery with 250 kWh can be achieved in just under 10 minutes with the system presented here.
Commissioning of the contact system on the vehicle
September 27, 2023
After installing the ACD as the roadside part of the charging station, the implementation of the vehicle-side part of the contact system was next on the agenda. For this purpose, the vehicle control system had to be expanded and tested with the relevant control and monitoring functions.
ACD has been installed in shaft
September 14, 2023
At last, the time has come – together with the project partner Schunk, the ACD has been installed in the prepared shaft and electrically connected on the test site of Fraunhofer IVI. Unfortunately, the sophisticated technology won't be visible in the end due to its underground installation.
Ground works completed in Dresden
April 23, 2023
The underbody contact system was installed inside a standard plastic shaft produced by company Langmatz. The existing shaft from a previous project was exchanged for the slightly bigger one needed for the MEGA-LADEN project. The ACD-U (Automated Charging Device Underbody) will be connected to the charging station via empty conduit pipes.
Cover story ATZelektronik, issue 3-4/2023
April 6, 2023
As part of the cover story titled “Megawatt charging technology for battery-electric vehicles”, issue 3-4/2023 of expert magazine ATZelektronik, Sven Klausner, Martin Gollbach and Matthias Breitkopf highlighted current developments in power electronics and energy transfer from charging stations to vehicles in the megawatt range.
Successful testing according to EN 124 – D400
October 27, 2022
The roadway cover and the contact system cover flaps were tested on site at company Langmatz according to the specifications of EN 124 – D400. The test was passed with flying colors. This is proof that the system is suited for use in commercial vehicle operations. The trial was aborted at 60 t to protect the compactor.
Copyright: Langmatz GmbH
Project meeting in Dinslaken on SBRS premises
October 25, 2022
During a milestone meeting at SBRS in Dinslaken, the newest improvements to the power electronics and power distribution systems were presented to the project team.
Contact system presented at InnoTrans 2022
September 24-27, 2022
A contact system prototype was presented to the general public at the booth of company Schunk at InnoTrans 2022.
Copyright: Schunk GmbH
Project meeting in Wettenberg on Schunk premises
May 31, 2022
The upcoming action steps were discussed with representatives of the DLR-Projektträger funding agency. The meeting was held in Wettenberg on the premises of company Schunk.
Contact system prototype completed
April 7, 2022
The first prototype of the underbody charging system has been completed at Fraunhofer IVI. The prototype will now be shipped to a test stand located at company Schunk, where it will undergo cycle testing, electrical testing and long-term testing.
Milestone meeting in Dresden at Fraunhofer IVI
October 27, 2021
During a milestone meeting, the project partners met with the Elektro-Mobil accompanying research team at Fraunhofer IVI in Dresden.
Copyright: Martin Gollbach, SBRS
MEGA-LADEN project kick-off
January 20, 2021
The kick-off event for the MEGA-LADEN project took place in Berlin on site at company MC Management.