i-charging launches MAX: 1.6 MW modular architecture for megawatt scale EV charging

0
152

i-charging, a recognised leader in EV charging infrastructure, has expanded its charging ecosystem with MAX, a 1.6 MW modular charging power unit engineered to solve a challenge facing infrastructure operators: building for tomorrow without locking into fixed decisions today. 

MAX addresses critical site constraints (limited space, grid capacity, and layout  flexibility) whilst integrating seamlessly with i-charging’s existing user interface portfolio to support installations ranging from mixed urban fleets to MW-scale  

public charging corridors. This new solution adapts as businesses evolve, without  requiring infrastructure replacement when operational needs change. 

Infrastructure challenge MAX addresses 

Traditional high power charging solutions require operators to make critical  decisions upfront: total power capacity, charging standards (CCS, NACS, GB/T,  MCS), number of outputs, and interface configurations. When fleet composition  changes, vehicle capabilities advance, or business models shift, traditional  infrastructure requires replacement or limits operational flexibility.

“In the past seven years we’ve been listening to operators describe this challenge”, said Pedro Silva, CEO of i-charging. “They need infrastructure today, but their  business will evolve. Fleet composition changes. New vehicle technologies will  emerge. MAX was designed around a simple principle: your infrastructure should  grow with your operation, not constrain it.” 

MAX provides minimal AC power distribution investment compared to a system  with 8 stand-alone units, each AC powered. And the patented dynamic allocation  delivers optimal use of the installed capacity eliminating the over dimensioning of  those stand-alone units. Besides, each output has access to the MAX power  conversion pool, so giving redundancy for each output.  

Right-sized infrastructure that scales 

MAX’s modular architecture enables operators to deploy exactly the capacity their  operation requires today and scale to 1.6 MW as demand grows. Power expands in  50 kW increments without replacing core systems, new outputs can be added,  different charging standards can be mixed, and user interface configurations can  be changed to match operational context. 

This modular approach enables operators to align infrastructure investment with  demand growth. 

Future-proof investment: MCS-ready, today 

As charging standards evolve, from CCS, NACS and GB/T for light and heavy-duty  fleets to emerging MCS for heavy commercial vehicles, operators face a dilemma:  invest in today’s requirements and risk obsolescence or overinvest in future-proof  capacity that sits underutilised. 

MAX’s modular architecture eliminates this choice. It supports CCS, NACS and GB/T connectors today whilst accommodating MCS integration as heavy-duty vehicles  adopt it. Operators can deploy mixed configurations serving vehicles via CCS  alongside heavy-duty trucks via MCS from a single power cabinet, with the  flexibility to adjust output configurations as fleet composition evolves. 

For public hub operators managing diverse vehicle types, this flexibility proves  essential. A single MAX installation can serve passenger vehicles, delivery vans, and electric trucks simultaneously, with the ability to reconfigure user interface types  and connector standards without replacing power infrastructure. Public transport 

operators can integrate pantograph charging systems for electric bus operations  within the same platform. 

Interface options to each operational context 

MAX’s modular architecture supports multiple user interface configurations to  match different operational requirements: 

For public charging hubs: MAX connects up to four blueberry units (each with two  outputs) featuring 32″ displays, automatic cable management, and intuitive  interfaces that reduce support requirements. 

For fleet depots: It is possible to use the e-flow control systems, managing up to  four satellites each, either blueberry or i-light, providing centralised management  with minimal equipment footprint. 

For heavy-duty operations: can deploy up to eight i-light units (CCS or MCS, one  output each) featuring 37″ transparent displays. The transparent display  technology, combined with up to 1.6 MW per MCS output, addresses the specific  requirements of commercial vehicle operations. 

Mixed configurations: supported within single installations. Public hubs serving  both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks can combine blueberry units with i light units. Fleet operators transitioning to heavier vehicles can add i-light outputs  to existing blueberry infrastructure without replacing the power unit. 

This flexibility means infrastructure investments support business evolution rather  than constraining operational decisions. 

Dynamic power allocation 

MAX incorporates i-charging’s patented dynamic power allocation technology, the  same innovation deployed in the company’s solutions serving 36 countries  worldwide. 

Rather than dedicating fixed power to each output, which creates bottlenecks  when some vehicles require maximum power whilst others charge slowly, MAX  distributes 1.6 MW intelligently across up to eight vehicles based on real-time  demand. 

Rather than dedicating fixed power to each output, MAX distributes 1.6 MW  intelligently across up to eight vehicles based on real-time demand. The system 

automatically adapts power distribution based on the number of vehicles charging  and individual vehicle charging capabilities, eliminating the need for manual  intervention. For fleet operators, the dynamic allocation enables faster vehicle  turnaround and maximised infrastructure utilisation. Public hub operators benefit  from improved customer experience and increased revenue per installed kilowatt. 

Proven technology, new scale 

MAX represents the evolution of technology i-charging has deployed successfully  worldwide: 

  • 36 countries across six continents 
  • 60+ customers and partners including major CPOs, utilities, and fleet  operators 

The solution builds on seven years of operational learning, incorporating lessons  from real-world deployments in diverse climatic conditions, regulatory  environments, and use cases. 

MAX was designed, engineered, and manufactured by i-charging, maintaining the  same quality standards that earned the company ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO  45001 certifications for quality management, environmental stewardship, and  occupational health and safety. 

Deployment timeline and early adopter programme 

First contracted deliveries of MAX are scheduled to begin in Q3 2026. i-charging is  currently working with early adopters to finalise deployment specifications and  secure installation slots. 

Information about deployment specifications and installation timelines is available  from i-charging at www.i-charging.tech/meetmax

Technical specifications summary 

Power and performance 

  • Maximum Power: 1.6 MW, scalable in 50 kW increments
  • Voltage: 1000 V 
  • Efficiency: 97% system efficiency 
  • Maximum Outputs: Up to 8 vehicles simultaneously 

Charging standards and capabilities 

  • Standards Supported: CCS, NACS, GB/T, MCS (when IEC standard is  published), pantograph 
  • Current Capabilities: Up to 800 A (CCS, liquid-cooled), up to 1500 A (MCS) Operating Temperature: -35 °C to +50 °C (-31 ºF to 122 ºF) 
  • Environmental Rating: IP55, IK10 
  • Connectivity: OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 
  • Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 manufacturing standards.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here