chargebyte’s CCL MCS brings ISO 15118-20 over Ethernet to megawatt charging for heavy-duty EVs

Chargebyte is set to unveil its Charge Control L MCS (CCL MCS) at the upcoming ACT Expo in Las Vegas, a standalone charge controller designed specifically for heavy-duty electric vehicles equipped with Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology. The device manages the complete ISO 15118-20 communication and safety stack, facilitating high-power charging for trucks, buses, and heavy machinery. Early samples of the CCL MCS are now available for pre-order, signalling a significant step forward in the deployment of next-generation charging infrastructure for commercial EVs. The CCL MCS is engineered to fit within the low-voltage circuit between the MCS inlet and the vehicle, removing the need for additional electronic control units (ECUs). It utilises two NXP S32K146 processors and supports charging communication via 10BASE-T1S Ethernet, a single-pair automotive Ethernet standard specified for MCS. This represents a shift away from the traditional power line communication (PLC) methods used in Combined Charging System (CCS) implementations, offering lower latency and improved noise immunity—critical factors at megawatt power levels. The controller also features interfaces such as CAN-FD and CAN, native support for current shunts, and firmware updates via UDS. In addition to communication capabilities, the CCL MCS integrates a comprehensive suite of safety and control functions. These include dual high-voltage interlock protection, weld detection in HV switch control, full inlet management with locking and button control, temperature monitoring on both DC paths, and LED signalling. The unit boasts a robust IP6K9K protection rating and operates reliably across a wide temperature range from -40 °C to +85 °C, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments. Its compact design and thorough end-of-line testing underline its readiness for production use. Martin Kranzfelder, chargebyte’s Chief Product Officer, emphasised the strategic importance of the product, noting that the shift from PLC to Ethernet communication marks a new era in megawatt charging. By offering a rugged, fully integrated controller, chargebyte aims to simplify the adoption of MCS technology for OEMs and body builders, enabling them to focus on vehicle development rather than complex software stacks. The availability of customer-specific variants further highlights the company’s commitment to meeting diverse industry needs. The introduction of the CCL MCS could accelerate the rollout of high-power charging solutions for heavy-duty electric vehicles, addressing a critical bottleneck in the commercial EV sector. As the megawatt charging standard gains traction, products like chargebyte’s controller will be instrumental in ensuring interoperability, safety, and efficiency. The industry will be watching closely as the CCL MCS becomes available, potentially setting a new benchmark for electric truck and bus charging technology.