From July 9 to 10, 2025, the time has come again: the 9th international VDI conference “Antriebsstranglösungen für Nutzfahrzeuge” and the 25th edition of “Dritev” – one of the most important industry get-togethers for electric drive technology – will open their doors in Baden-Baden. Leading players in the commercial vehicle industry, OEMs and suppliers to the electromobility sector will use this opportunity to exchange views on the latest developments, technologies and trends in powertrain solutions. The presentations at the conference, which will focus on the electrification of utility vehicles, will include OEM strategies for an emission-free future as well as challenges relating to charging infrastructure and ultra-fast charging of electric trucks.
Solutions for electric utility vehicles
The electrification of the commercial vehicle sector is a decisive lever on the road to climate-neutral mobility. Although light and heavy-duty utility vehicles only make up a comparatively small proportion of registered vehicles, they contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions in the transport sector. In order to achieve the climate and sustainability targets in the transport sector, the electrification of the powertrain of these vehicle classes is necessary and is already in full swing. For the next generation of vehicles, ever larger batteries are required for greater range and shorter charging cycles. These requirements can be realized with the right mix at the charging interface – both on the vehicle and infrastructure side.
High Power Charging – tailor-made CCS vehicle charging inlets for electric utility vehicles
At the accompanying poster exhibition, our colleagues Rik Stellbrink, Global Product Manager at Phoenix Contact E-Mobility GmbH and Lukas Brieger, Area Sales Manager at Phoenix Contact Deutschland GmbH, will explain how CCS charging interfaces in utility vehicles can be designed and used for different applications. With the help of a simulation program, a heating profile – depending on the charging profile of the electric utility vehicle – is generated at the charging interface. As a result, the HPC-capable charging interface can be selected to suit the respective application.
Charging infrastructure as a fast technology for the fast charging of electric utility vehicles
The charging infrastructure also plays a central role in the success of the electrification of the commercial vehicle sector. The ultra-fast charging of heavy utility vehicles such as electric trucks and buses requires a powerful charging infrastructure. In order to achieve charging currents of the required magnitude, the use of cooled charging cables at the DC charging stations is a prerequisite. Phoenix Contact is one of the pioneers of fast charging technology and has made a significant contribution to the development and establishment of the Combined Charging System (CCS). In addition to the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), which is being developed specifically for future high-performance applications for electric utility vehicles, it is clear that the CCS system is far from having reached the end of its possibilities.
Since the adoption of the charging standard in 2014, the maximum possible charging power that can be realized with the CCS standard has been continuously increased. Thanks to technological developments such as innovative cooling approaches, optimized cable structures and intelligent real-time temperature monitoring, these previously possible power limits can be significantly increased again to 800 kW permanently and even to 1,000 kW in boost mode. This puts the already established Combined Charging System (CCS) in the same performance class as the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) in the first expansion stage and offers a future-proof solution for fast charging heavy electric utility vehicles.
These charging powers make it possible to charge the batteries of electric trucks or buses efficiently and safely during legally prescribed break times – a decisive advantage for the economical operation of electric fleets.
Why it's worth visiting the VDI conference – powertrain solutions for electric utility vehicles
The requirements for modern commercial vehicle drives are diverse and complex. The VDI symposium “Powertrain solutions for utility vehicles” not only offers in-depth insights into current developments and practical solutions, but also a valuable platform for exchanging ideas with experts from industry and research. Anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the development of electric commercial vehicle drives will find the know-how and valuable contacts here.
Take the opportunity to network and engage in intensive dialog with our experts on site:
- Rik Stellbrink, Global Product Manager, Phoenix Contact E-Mobility GmbH
- Lukas Brieger, Area Sales Manager Charging Inlets, Phoenix Contact Deutschland GmbH
Visit Phoenix Contact at the VDI symposium – powertrain solutions for utility vehicles 2025. We look forward to the exchange.
VDI Congress – Powertrain solutions for electric utility vehicles
When: June 9 – 10, 2025
Where: Congress Center in Baden-Baden, Germany
Location: Poster exhibition
