Swedish firm Scania has demonstrated a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system for heavy commercial vehicles using the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), a move intended to integrate electric freight into the broader energy network.

The trial showed how battery-electric trucks can provide grid flexibility services, including peak shaving and energy storage, when parked. The demonstration reached power levels of up to 1000 A and 750 kW, allowing for bidirectional energy transfer between the vehicle and the depot infrastructure.

The system uses real-time communication between the truck, the charger, and energy management software. This allows fleet operators to dynamically control charging and discharging based on grid conditions and transport requirements. Scania claims this is one of the first successful V2G implementations using the MCS standard for heavy-duty transport.

“Electric trucks will not only consume electricity, they can also become an active resource in the energy system,” said Tobias Ejderhamn, Global Manager for Transformation at Scania. He noted that the technology allows fleet operators to shift from providing transport to offering energy flexibility.

The technology is expected to be deployed initially in depot environments where vehicles remain stationary for extended periods. Scania stated that the system supports both charging and discharging through a single interface, which could help optimise the use of local renewable energy such as solar power.