Megawatt charging test system targets next-gen EV development
Vector has rolled out its new vCTS.performance hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test system, designed to push electric-vehicle (EV) charging validation into the megawatt era. Developed with EA Elektro-Automatik, the platform enables charging-communication testing between EVs and EVSE with power levels up to 3.84 MW.
For eeNews Europe readers working across vehicle electrification, charging infrastructure, and power conversion, this announcement highlights a toolset that directly addresses emerging MCS requirements and the interoperability challenges ahead.
High-power testing for MCS and beyond
According to Vector, the vCTS.performance arrives as the industry moves rapidly toward Megawatt Charging System (MCS) deployment for heavy-duty and commercial EVs. Vector positions the system as a comprehensive and scalable HIL environment capable of ensuring conformity and interoperability between vehicles and charging stations.
Offering DC charging power scalable in 60 kW increments up to 3.84 MW, the system enables realistic load, endurance, and communication-stress testing under real-world conditions. This level of capability is critical as commercial-vehicle manufacturers and infrastructure providers prepare for significantly higher charging currents and shorter turnaround times.
Vector also underscores its multi-standard support. The vCTS.performance covers CCS, MCS, NACS, GB/T, and CHAdeMO, an important requirement for suppliers operating in global markets with diverging standardization paths.
Architecture, efficiency, and integration
At the system level, vCTS.performance emphasizes energy efficiency, featuring regenerative charging with more than 96% efficiency and feedback to the grid, an important consideration when dealing with megawatt-class test scenarios. The platform integrates seamlessly with Vector’s established software ecosystem, including the CANoe Test Package EV and EVSE, and plugs directly into vTESTstudio workflows for automated test development.
The hardware follows a modular architecture derived from Vector’s prior vCTS platform, extending that lineage from 30 kW DC capability into the megawatt range. The cassette-based design enables test engineers to adapt configurations quickly for different charging standards and test programs, supporting both development and compliance-oriented validation.
Focus on electromobility
The launch extends Vector’s electromobility-focused test solutions, complementing its existing vCTS communication-test system and broad toolchain for EV powertrain and charging development. With the move to megawatt-scale charging accelerating (particularly for commercial fleets) Vector’s new HIL system offers OEMs, suppliers, and infrastructure developers a path to verify next-generation charging communication at full power. More information
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