LEIPZIG, GERMANY — chargebyte GmbH has announced the launch of the Charge Control L MCS (CCL MCS), a pioneering stand-alone charge controller designed specifically for the Megawatt Charging System (MCS). Making its debut at the ACT Expo 2026 in Las Vegas (May 4–7), the new controller is engineered to enable high-speed DC charging for electric trucks, buses, and heavy-duty commercial machinery.
The CCL MCS acts as a dedicated Electronic Control Unit (ECU) positioned in the low-voltage path between the vehicle inlet and the vehicle. It manages the entire charging communication and safety logic, ensuring full compliance with the ISO 15118-20 standard.
Transitioning from PLC to Ethernet
A key innovation of the CCL MCS is its implementation of 10BASE-T1S Ethernet for charging communication. This marks a significant departure from the Powerline Communication (PLC) approach traditionally used in CCS systems.
By moving to Ethernet, chargebyte provides the stable, low-latency link required to safely manage megawatt-scale power. This shift ensures that heavy-duty OEMs can maintain reliable communication even at the extreme energy levels demanded by long-haul electric transport.
Built for the Toughest Environments
Heavy-duty e-mobility often operates in punishing conditions. To address this, the CCL MCS is built to a rugged IP6K9K protection rating and supports an industrial operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.
The unit is a fully integrated “inlet controller” that eliminates the need for additional ECUs by managing:
- Safety Logic: Dual HV interlock and HV switch control with weld detection.
- Monitoring: Temperature sensing on both DC paths and LED control.
- Hardware Interface: Native support for Isabellenhütte current shunts (IVT-S, IVT-3).
“With the Megawatt Charging System, charging communication moves to a new layer—away from PLC, towards Ethernet,” said Martin Kranzfelder, CPO Products at chargebyte GmbH. “Our brand new CCL MCS makes MCS deployable today, enabling OEMs and body builders to stay ahead in the e-truck market.”
Ready for Series Integration
Unlike typical evaluation boards, the CCL MCS is a series-ready ECU built around dual NXP S32K146 processors. It supports CAN-FD and vehicle CAN (500 kbit/s) interfaces and allows for seamless firmware updates via Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS).
The compact Cinch housing (153 × 146 × 56 mm) makes it easy for OEMs and body builders to integrate the controller into existing architectures without implementing their own complex ISO 15118-20 stacks.
Global Presence at ACT Expo
Attendees at the ACT Expo can find chargebyte at Booth 3570 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. With over 25 years of experience and 2.5 million units delivered worldwide, chargebyte continues to bridge the gap between sustainable mobility and intelligent infrastructure.
First samples of the CCL MCS are now open for pre-order, providing a direct path for commercial vehicle manufacturers to adopt megawatt charging capabilities immediately.
