On 24-25 February 2025, project partners gathered in Helsinki, Finland, to officially kick off the MACBETH project, a groundbreaking initiative co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme. The project is part of the 2Zero Partnership and answers the call HORIZON-CL5-2022-D5-01, which focuses on accelerating the shift towards sustainable and smart mobility systems in Europe. MACBETH, short for “Multipoint megAwatt Charging for Battery Electric Truck Hubs”, aims to address the growing demand for efficient, scalable, and sustainable charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs), with a particular focus on Modular Charging Systems (MCS).

Shaping the Future of Charging Infrastructure

With the increasing adoption of EVs across Europe, the need for innovative charging solutions is more pressing than ever. MACBETH’s primary objective is to develop and demonstrate an adaptive charging ecosystem that integrates modular hardware and software solutions. By employing MCS, the project seeks to optimize charging efficiency, support a wide range of EV types, and contribute to the broader goals of the Green Deal.

The project consortium, which includes leading industry players, research institutions, and public authorities, will focus on three key aspects:

  • Developing interoperable and scalable charging technologies.
  • Enhancing user experience through intelligent charging systems.
  • Validating solutions in real-world scenarios to ensure market readiness.

Highlights from the Kick-Off Meeting

The kick-off meeting in Helsinki brought together over 20 participants, including technical experts, project managers, researchers and stakeholders from across the EU. Hosted by the lead coordinator, Yancho Todorov from VTT, the meeting featured a dynamic agenda covering project objectives, timelines, and partner responsibilities.

Day one focused on aligning expectations and discussing the technical work packages, with partners sharing insights into the innovative solutions they will bring to the project. Topics included modular hardware design, adaptive charging algorithms, and seamless integration with existing infrastructure. The consortium also discussed strategies for ensuring interoperability and compliance with European standards.

Day two emphasized planning the first steps of implementation, including site selection for pilot demonstrations, risk management strategies, and stakeholder engagement. Partners agreed on a detailed roadmap to ensure timely progress and effective collaboration.

Looking Ahead

Over the next four years, MACBETH will pilot its solutions at key demonstration sites across Europe, showcasing the potential of modular and adaptive charging systems. By addressing critical challenges in the EV ecosystem, the project aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility while supporting Europe’s climate ambitions.

ERTICO’s Involvement

ERTICO is at the forefront of technological innovation for greener and more sustainable mobility, addressing user needs, inclusivity, and societal challenges. ERTICO, a key partner in the MACBETH project, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success. ERTICO is responsible for the project’s Dissemination, Communication, and Exploitation, ensuring that project results are effectively shared with stakeholders and the wider community. Additionally, ERTICO acts as Innovation Manager, steering the project’s innovative components to align with industry needs and policy objectives. This new involvement complements ERTICO’s engagement in other EU initiatives under the 2Zero partnership, such as ZEV-UP, NextETRUCK, eCharge4Drivers, and LeMesurier.

Other ERTICO partners such as Chalmers University of Technology, and the project coordinator, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland collaborate to achieve project’s objectives and create impact.