Interview with Miriam Azurmendi, responsible for heavy-duty charging systems
We review the main advances in heavy-duty electromobility through the expert eyes of Miriam Azurmendi, head of charging systems at Jema Energy. In this interview, we will explore technological innovations, sustainable solutions and future challenges in the sector.
What led us to develop this team?
The evolution of the market itself. We are facing transport with ever greater autonomy, more on-board energy and limited charging time. This is why technology is advancing at the same pace and offering new solutions in electromobility.
The European commitment has materialised in a common regulation with AFIR. This has led governments to commit to installing a network of charging points on the roads linking major European cities and to requiring a zero carbon footprint for heavy transport.
To this must be added the objective of electrifying industrial transport (mining, maritime, etc.) and the surrounding transport chain.
In short, Jema’s aim to offer new solutions in transport has led us to the development of a new standard such as MCS, just as we have been present in ASSURED and many other key projects in electromobility.
Tell us about how MCS is being developed and what applications it has
In this respect, Jema Energy is involved in the development of the MCS in the European CharIn working group.
Within the working group we distinguish three working levels depending on the power required: Level I (350 kW); Level II (1 MW) and Level III (4 MW). It is still a standard with three types of solution depending on the needs of the vehicle.
As I mentioned earlier, the needs for electrification of road transport, mainly trucks and coaches, require new power and charging times compared to urban buses.
Its use will vary depending on the location of the vehicle and the driver’s travel time. For example, it will require an MCS for fast loads on motorways or docks and a CCS hose for slower loads in rest areas.
Of the three levels you mentioned, which one do you think is most likely to be marketable?
Based on market performance, Level II is the most versatile. Level II is the most versatile for this moment in time when all possible options are needed such as connection by refrigerated CSS2 hose, MCS hose or uncooled CSS2 hose.
Depending on the intended use the customer will need one type or the other and Jema is able to provide a solution in both cases.
In addition, we have a dual outlet dispenser to increase the versatility of the charger to the maximum.
What does Jema contribute to the development of the MCS?
On the one hand, Jema’s experience and know-how in areas such as Renewables and BESS is transversal to the rest of the business areas. Jema provides experience in high power converters that are required for the development of the MCS and, on the other hand, it provides the link with the vehicle part and the knowledge of its interface.
