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MAN has developed a portable charging system, the Smart Charging Cube, to help hauliers deploy electric trucks without waiting for costly or delayed infrastructure upgrades.
For many hauliers, the push towards electric HGVs met with a simple problem: the infrastructure isn’t ready. Public charging is limited, grid upgrades are slow, and installing high-powered chargers at a depot can be prohibitively expensive, especially for small and medium-sized fleets. In response, MAN Truck & Bus, together with AW Automotive, a German charging technology specialist, has launched a mobile charging solution that can be deployed quickly, with no earthworks or major installation required.
The Smart Charging Cube, now available across Europe, including the UK, is a containerised battery-based unit offering up to four CCS charging points with a total output of 400 kW. It includes battery storage of between 500 and 1,100 kWh and can also power an external MCS charger for megawatt-level charging up to 1,000 kW.
Designed for use at depots, logistics centres or temporary worksites, the Cube connects to the local grid with a current of 32 A to 630 A, depending on availability. According to MAN, installation typically takes anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on site conditions and whether it needs to be integrated with the operator’s own solar or other on-site generation.
AW Automotive is responsible for both installation and ongoing service. The Cube is available for purchase, lease or rental, allowing operators to scale their investment according to need.
Although developed by MAN, the Cube is compatible with other OEMs’ vehicles, as well as older MAN models such as the eTGM. Electricity must be supplied by the customer, but the unit can run on renewable energy generated on-site. Advanced functions like peak shaving, bidirectional charging, and dynamic load management are built in.
The system includes its own digital interface for remote access, scheduling and performance monitoring. It can also be integrated into existing depot energy infrastructure or fleet telematics systems, depending on the customer’s setup. Multiple Cubes can be combined to serve larger operations.
In terms of compliance, MAN confirmed to Freight Carbon Zero that the unit meets all relevant safety regulations and includes thermal management and emergency shutdown features. In most cases, no local permitting is required beyond notifying the grid operator, though this may vary by location.
