News
FLEXMCS at Transport Research Arena (TRA) 2026
18–21 May 2026 · Budapest (Hungary)
FLEXMCS had a strong presence across all three days of TRA 2026, one of Europe’s largest transport research and innovation events. The project was showcased at two stands — the European Commission’s “Transport for Europe” stand (CINEA, B20/1) and the ALICE Innovation Village stand (Hall G, D14), where visitors could see the MCS satellite mock-up provided by JEMA Energy up close.
This TRA edition was full of dissemination opportunities for FLEXMCS.
More information on all the session are available here.
Deliverables Available Online
FLEXMCS has released a set of public deliverables offering insights into the development of megawatt charging systems for electric trucks.
These first two documents cover Business Needs & Mapping and Testing Methods & Metrics Definitions.
By making these results openly accessible, FLEXMCS aims to accelerate the rollout of megawatt charging systems across Europe.
FLEXMCS at the Green Mobility Exchange 2026
12 May 2026 · Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam (Netherlands)
FLEXMCS was represented at the Green Mobility Exchange 2026 in Amsterdam, organised by Cenex Nederland together with the City of Amsterdam to advance zero-emission mobility.
Partner ALICE joined a Seminar session on Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS), where Alice Scotti shared evidence on the key blockers logistics service providers face in electrifying long-haul transport resulted from the project stakeholder consultation activities. The session continued with a panel discussion together with BP Pulse and Voltempo that covered what needs to happen for MCS use to become mainstream.
FLEXMCS was also presented to all participants at the exhibition area, and a session specifically to share its updates was held together with the other AEVETO Cluster projects ZEFES, ESCALATE, MACBETH and NextETruck.
FLEXMCS at the ITS World Congress 2026
27 - 29 April 2026 · Istanbul (Türkiye)
FLEXMCS took part in the ITS World Congress 2026, represented by coordinator VUB and partner ALICE in Special Interest Session 43, “Recent advances in zero-emission trucks deployment and megawatt charging infrastructure development.”
Omar Hegazy (VUB) framed the transition toward fully battery-electric trucks and the role of flexible Megawatt Charging System (MCS) hubs in enabling it. Alice Scotti (ALICE) connected insights from FLEXMCS and its sister project MACBETH, sharing key takeaways from stakeholder engagement and outlining what is needed to make MCS deployment work in practice — from infrastructure readiness and operational integration to stakeholder alignment and standardisation.
The session brought together ZEFES, EMPOWER, ESCALATE, FLEXMCS and MACBETH from the AEVETO cluster to explore how vehicle innovation, charging infrastructure and stakeholder needs must evolve together to accelerate zero-emission long-haul logistics across Europe.
A clear message emerged: the transition to zero-emission freight is moving forward, and the real challenge now is scaling what is being learned from pilots into system-level deployment. Progress depends on ecosystems — vehicles, charging infrastructure, grid planning, logistics operations and policy evolving together — with real-world pilots providing the evidence and flexible solutions such as FLEXMCS and MACBETH improving efficiency and cutting costs. The technology is there; the next step is scale.
Thanks to ERTICO – ITS Europe for hosting, and to fellow speakers Yancho Todorov, Ahu Ece Hartavi Karci, Dragan Simic and all participants.
FLEXMCS at the ZEFES Stakeholder Symposium
25 February 2026 · ECS terminal, Zeebrugge (Belgium)
On 25 February 2026, FLEXMCS took part in the ZEFES Stakeholder Symposium at the ECS terminal in Zeebrugge. Hosted by Procter & Gamble in collaboration with ECS, the event brought together logistics operators, OEMs, infrastructure providers and policy stakeholders to explore Europe’s readiness for zero-emission heavy-duty transport at scale.
FLEXMCS partners VUB, ALICE, GRUBER Logistics, Hitachi Energy, DAF Trucks, TNO and Applus+ IDIADA attended to learn more about the ZEFES demonstrations, which showcased:
• Battery-electric and fuel-cell long-haul trucks operating across strategic TEN-T corridors
• Megawatt Charging System (MCS) infrastructure delivering charging power up to 1.2 MW
• Battery-electric vehicle configurations up to 64 tonnes GCW, supporting real commercial flows
• An electric European Modular System (EMS) for high-capacity transport
• A new battery-electric dolly enabling range extension and hybridisation of EMS combinations
• A digital platform for daily operation of zero-emission HDVs, integrating mission planning, infrastructure availability, payload constraints and fleet optimisation
These demonstrations showed tangible progress on the core barriers to electrified long-haul logistics: high-power charging, vehicle range and weight capability, operational integration and yard automation. FLEXMCS looks forward to expanding the knowledge and testing of MCS in long-haul operations throughout the project.
FLEXMCS at the RTR Conference 2026
10–12 February 2026 · ´Brussels (Belgium)
FLEXMCS took part in the 2026 RTR Conference as part of the AEVETO cluster booth, alongside sister projects EMPOWER, ZEFES, MACBETH, ESCALATE, NextETRUCK, H2Haul and RealHyFC.
Across the conference, project coordinator Omar Hegazy with Ashleigh Hruz (VUB), Federico Cartasegna (IVECO) and Alice Scotti (ALICE) engaged with the community of 2Zero Partnership projects, driving discussion on the transition to electric heavy-duty vehicles on long-haul routes.
FLEXMCS holds its first General Assembly in Arnhem
5–6 February 2026 · CleanTech Park, Arnhem (Netherlands)
FLEXMCS held its first project General Assembly at CleanTech Park in Arnhem, bringing all partners together to align on the roadmap for megawatt-scale charging hubs for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.
Day 1 focused on sharing insights from the project’s initial work and aligning on next steps, including in-person discussions on MCS design and hub layout. Partners toured the ElaadNL test lab and watched a live test of the MCS demo by Applus+ IDIADA — the consortium’s first test with a Megawatt Charging System (MCS) simulator. The next step is deployment at the Bosch site in Karlsruhe.
Day 2 was dedicated to workshops and in-depth technical discussions on the FLEXMCS tools currently under development. Partners split into groups to explore the Open Framework Architecture (Applus+ IDIADA), the Bosch hub reservation system, the geographical planning tool (Ricardo), and the predictive-maintenance assessment tool (VUB).
A great start, full of collaboration, constructive discussion and shared momentum for the months ahead.
FLEXMCS, A Year in Review
As FLEXMCS wraps up its first year, we highlight the consortium’s progress in 2025.
FLEXMCS Launch & Early activities
The project officially launched in January with a kick-off meeting at the VUB in Brussels.
Surveys have been conducted among the main MCS ecosystem stakeholders to understand their needs and challenges.
The requirements for the project tools and services as well as for the actual MCS hub have been defined by all partners.
The MCS IT architecture concept has been developed to enable these tools and services.
First tools, software and hardware development activities have been launched, looking ahead to the demo site implementation in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Stakeholder Engagement & Workshops
FLEXMCS hosted a workshop on high-power charging systems for heavy-duty vehicles which brought together actors from all sides of the field like CPOs, OEMs, and research institutions.
With ALICE, 2Zero, and the AEVETO cluster the “Charging ahead: Overcoming barriers for scalable Megawatt Charging Solutions in Europe” webinar brought European experts together to discuss decarbonizing heavy-duty road transport and overcoming the operational challenges of long-haul logistics.
FLEXMCS launched a stakeholder survey to collect inputs on the business needs and requirements related to the deployment of MCS.
Presence at Key Events
The 2nd European Truck Charging Symposium, Berlin
Transport & Logistics Fair, Munich
ALICE Logistics Innovation Summit 2025
FLEXMCS at the ALICE Logistics Innovation Summit 2025
Brussels, 24 October 2025
The FLEXMCS project participated in the ALICE Logistics Innovation Summit in Brussels, highlighting Europe’s progress toward zero-emission freight electrification.
At the exhibition, the FLEXMCS stand engaged stakeholders from logistics, industry, and policymaking communities, presenting how the project is advancing the deployment of megawatt charging systems (MCS) for heavy-duty electric trucks.
Our project was also featured in Session 2A, hosted by Alice Scotti (ALICE), “The Backbone of the Transition – Powering Corridors for Zero-Emission Trucks,” where it contributed to the closing pitch. The project outlined its core objectives:
Demonstrate high-power charging hubs for heavy-duty vehicles in real logistics operations,
Develop interoperable, scalable solutions connecting vehicles, grid and operators,
Provide concrete guidelines for corridor deployment across Europe.
By supporting the development of a connected, megawatt-ready charging ecosystem for battery-electric heavy-duty vehicles (BE-HDVs), FLEXMCS contributes to Europe’s AFIR and zero-emission freight targets.
Call for Papers: Special Issue on Next-Generation Electric Vehicles
We are proud to share that our coordinator, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), is guest editing a new Special Issue in Energies on “Next-Generation Electric Vehicles: Advances in Powertrains and Charging Systems."
VUB welcomes original research, review papers, and case studies. For a list of key areas of interest, and further information, please visit MDPI.
Deadline for submissions: 15 January 2026
AEVETO Cluster interactive session at the MCS Symposium
On October 1st ALICE is organizing an interactive workshop session on charging scenarios at the 2nd European Truck Charging Symposium 2025.
Help shape real-world charging scenarios for Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) across 3 charging locations: Private Depots, Semi-Public Stations and Public Stations, and charging strategies: Emergency/Opportunity Charging, Planned En-Route Charging, and Overnight Charging.
More information and registration here.
FLEXMCS at the 2nd European Truck Charging Symposium
FLEXMCS will be present and host a parallel session together with the AEVETO Cluster projects at the 2nd European Truck Charging Symposium (30 September - 1 October 2025, Berlin, Germany).
More information and registration here.
Meet us there and stay tuned!
Webinar report - Overcoming barriers for scalable Megawatt Charging Solutions in Europe
On 30 May 2025, ALICE, together with the AEVETO Cluster and the 2Zero Partnership, ALICE hosted a high-level webinar titled “Charging ahead: Overcoming barriers for scalable Megawatt Charging Solutions in Europe.” The session focused on the critical role of Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) in decarbonising heavy-duty road transport and overcoming the operational challenges of long-haul logistics and the 2 main R&I projects working on the subject: FLEXMCS and MACBETH.
The transition to zero-emission freight transport is gaining momentum, but to fully decarbonise heavy-duty road transport, a reliable and scalable charging infrastructure is essential. This was the central theme of ALICE’s webinar on MCS, which brought together European experts to explore practical pathways toward implementation.
A key enabler of long-haul electrification
MCS technology promises to charge up to 80% of a battery electric truck within 30 minutes - but is it perceived as a game changer by the logistics industry?
The webinar started with the following question: “In your opinion, how important are Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) or high-power charging for the successful electrification of road transport?”
Most of the audience (48%) answered that yes, MCS play a significant role, but other factors (e.g. battery tech, policy, grid integration) are equally or more influential. Moreover, the second choice (30%) was that MCS are critical to enabling flexible, scalable, and efficient charging infrastructure.
These answers reflect that uncertainty around high-power and Megawatt chargers, as the lack of reliable, fast charging infrastructure is seen as one of the major barriers hindering full electrification of long-haul heavy-duty transport.
Insights from European policy and funding for infrastructure and R&I
Rein Jüriado (European Commission) outlined policy frameworks supporting HDV charging infrastructure, including the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), and the Clean Transport Corridor Initiative. He emphasised the importance of coordinated deployment and funding allocation to unlock the full potential of MCS.
Lucie Beaumel (EGVIAfor2Zero) provided an overview of the 2Zero Partnership’s ongoing research and innovation activities. The partnership backs a portfolio of projects aimed at advancing battery electric vehicle (BEV) technologies and integrating them into the logistics sector.
Project spotlights: FLEXMCS and MACBETH
Omar Hegazy (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) presented the FLEXMCS project, which is collecting stakeholder insights to shape pilot activities and assess user expectations for MCS deployment. This includes technical testing, digital tool development, and policy recommendations.
Yancho Todorov (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland) introduced MACBETH, which focuses on booking and queuing systems to enhance charger availability. The project seeks to mitigate the risks truck operators face in transitioning to battery electric trucks (BETs) by ensuring infrastructure reliability and operational predictability.
Stakeholder dialogue and interactive exchange
Alice Scotti (ALICE) facilitated a dynamic discussion on pain points and stakeholder needs for the exploitation of MCS. Key topics included:
· Reliability of booking systems and real-time charger availability
· Ensuring interoperability and compatibility across MCS infrastructure
· Financial risks and operational concerns for fleet operators
· The need for clear standards, permitting processes, and coordinated rollout
Participants also shared national experiences (e.g. the MegaCharge project in Norway) and expressed interest in deeper collaboration through future workshops. ALICE and its partners will follow up with surveys, bilateral interviews, and co-creation sessions to refine recommendations and accelerate deployment.
Looking ahead – participate in next steps
In his closing remarks, Fernando Liesa (ALICE) reiterated the urgency of building a robust ecosystem around road transport electrification and strongly recommended stakeholders to gain knowledge and competence on how to run road transport operations with electric vehicles. More and more, electric trucks will be gaining competitiveness to diesel and those ones mastering operations with electric trucks will have an important competitive advantage. Fernando encouraged participants to complete the FLEXMCS survey and engage in follow-up activities. The insights gathered will directly feed into policy dialogues and upcoming pilot implementations.
Webinar key takeaways - Overcoming barriers for scalable Megawatt Charging Solutions in Europe
𝟯𝟬 May 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, hosted by ALICE, AEVETO Cluster, and the 2Zero Partnership
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) remains the most limiting factor. In previous and current stakeholder engagement efforts, TCO and operational model misalignment (e.g. range, downtime, payload) consistently emerged as top concerns for logistics operators. Without compensating factors like electricity price competitiveness and operational incentives, adoption is slow.
Grid readiness and permitting timelines are still major bottlenecks. High-power charging infrastructure requires substantial grid upgrades and faces delays due to fragmented permitting frameworks across regions and countries.
Public-private funding is ramping up through EU programmes like AFIF and AFIR. The European Commission is actively supporting infrastructure deployment through regulatory targets (AFIR), corridor initiatives, and financing schemes like AFIF (€1.3B already allocated, with new calls scheduled for 11 June 2025 and 4 March 2026). The Clean Transport Corridor Initiative was presented focusing mainly on supporting investment in new infrastructure where it is most needed.
The 2Zero Partnership is aligning innovation across projects. With 125 members and €615M in funding, 2Zero is fostering synergies across HDV, urban logistics and charging R&I. Projects like FLEXMCS and MACBETH are among 9 funded initiatives specifically targeting MCS deployment challenges.
FLEXMCS and MACBETH are developing and testing practical solutions. From user-centric booking platforms and route planning tools, to site layout optimization and location planning software, both projects are using pilot sites (e.g. Karlsruhe, Belgium) to validate technologies in real-world conditions.
Stakeholder engagement is central to both projects. Through surveys, interviews and co-creation workshops, ALICE and partners are gathering multi-stakeholder input on pain points such as booking reliability, interoperability, policy gaps and investment risk.
Building operational knowledge will drive competitive advantage. As electric trucks approach parity with diesel, those able to master their deployment and operations will be ahead. Participants were encouraged to complete the open survey to join the follow-up FLEXMCS workshop on 8 July 2025.
Stakeholder survey
Charging into the future: Stakeholder perspectives on the deployment of Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) – FLEXMCS survey
FLEXMCS has launched a survey to collect input on the business needs and requirements related to the deployment of Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) and on current needs, challenges, and operational experiences from a multi-stakeholder point of view.
If you represent below stakeholders please complete our survey!
Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) / Fleet Owner
Charging Point Operator (CPO)
Secure parking owner
Logistic site owner or operator (e.g. distribution center, warehouse, terminal)
Truck manufacturer & OEM
Distribution System Operator (DSO)
Transmission System Operator (TSO)
Charging infrastructure supplier
Policymaker and Government body
National/EU Industry Associations
FLEXMCS at TLF Munich
2–5 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 2025, 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 & 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐧 Messe, 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐡
FLEXMCS will be showcasing some of its innovations during the Transport & Logistics Fair in Munich from 2 to 5 June 2025 at the ALICE booth (Hall A, Stand 400). Visit the booth if you are curious about the project!
Webinar (30 May, 10.00-11.30): Charging ahead - 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲
𝟯𝟬 May 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱,𝟭𝟬:𝟬𝟬–𝟭𝟭:𝟯𝟬 𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗧, online
Hosted by ALICE in collaboration with the AEVETO Cluster and the 2Zero Partnership, this session will provide an in-depth exploration of the charging infrastructure, regulations, and real-world insights driving the advancement of ultra-fast charging for long-haul trucks.
Join us for a comprehensive overview of key European initiatives supporting the testing and deployment of MCS technology and innovative tools in real-world long-haul logistics. The session features a presentation on the FLEXMCS project by Prof. Dr. Omar Hegazy, followed by an interactive discussion with leading industry experts.
Stakeholder Collaboration in Action
Stakeholder Collaboration in Action: Shaping the Future of Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS)
FLEXMCS brought together a diverse group of partners for an engaging workshop on high-power charging systems for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) on 13 February 2025.
This interactive session included charge point operators (CPOs), distribution system operators (DSOs), logistics providers, OEMs, hardware manufacturers, technology developers, and research institutions, all working together to define the future of megawatt charging infrastructure.
Key Insights from the Workshop
Optimizing Charging Hub Layouts – Partners shared ideas on how charging stations can best serve different operational needs, ensuring flexibility and efficiency.
Factors Influencing Charging Point Selection – Beyond energy costs, stakeholders explored how factors like charging speed, location, and accessibility impact decision-making.
Balancing HDV & Light Vehicle Charging – Strategies were discussed to prioritize charging allocations, maximizing utilization and economic sustainability.
Are you a stakeholder in the MCS ecosystem?
We invite you to join our Stakeholders Group and help shape the tools, models, and strategies that will drive sustainable transportation.
Get in touch with Project: info@flexmcs.eu
Sign up
FLEXMCS Officially Launched!
On 14 and 15 January 2025, the Kick-off Meeting of FLEXMCS took place at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Highlights from the Kick-off Meeting
Partner Introductions – Each partner presented their expertise and role, fostering a collaborative foundation for the project.
Workshops – Interactive sessions aligned objectives across work packages, ensuring synergies and a shared vision.
Lab Tour – Participants explored the VUB lab facilities.