The SPIRIT-E research project, involving MAN Truck & Bus and Traton R&D, has successfully demonstrated bidirectional charging capabilities for electric trucks. Led by the Technical University of Munich, the initiative tested these functions at a logistics depot in Regensburg, Germany, between August 2023 and October 2026.
Engineers utilized the MAN eTGX electric truck, which features 480 kWh of usable energy, alongside charging systems from SBRS. The setup employed the ISO 15118-20 communication standard to enable power transfer at rates up to 350 kW. The vehicle successfully fed energy back into the depot network and the public grid, while also charging other vehicles.
The project simulated energy trading scenarios using PowerBot software and the Equigy platform to manage electricity sales during peak price periods. Researchers noted that the economic viability of this technology depends on variables such as battery capacity, annual mileage, and grid connection capacity.
According to the project findings, bidirectional charging is most effective for trucks with annual mileage below 100,000 km. Projections indicate that users could achieve average energy-cost savings of approximately 10%, with potential savings reaching up to 20% under optimal conditions.
MAN Truck & Bus is currently working to integrate bidirectional charging into its series production models. The company is also developing a consulting framework to assist customers in optimizing the use of their electric trucks as mobile energy storage systems.
