Briefs: Projects Begin for E-Trucks, Solar, and Infrastructure

Mercedes-Benz, PowerBank Corporation, Radial Power, and Pantheon Electric are starting projects in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and power infrastructure.

News Jan 29, 2026

Electric trucks, vehicle charging, renewable energy, and electrical infrastructure are essential to meeting the power and decarbonization goals of the next decade, and several companies are positioning themselves to build on the opportunities.

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz is testing the limits of the Megawatt Charging System with long-haul electric trucks. In North America, PowerBank is developing a 5 MW solar-storage project in New York, while Radial Power has secured funding to build community solar projects across the U.S. To prepare for worldwide electrification, four companies have merged to form Pantheon Electric, which aims to develop solutions for data centers, renewable energy, and industrial power.

Solar energy, electrical infrastructure, and EV trucks are advancing

Long-Haul Electric Trucks Put MW Charging to the Test

Mercedes-Benz is evaluating its Megawatt Charging System (MCS) by sending two battery-electric eActros 600 heavy-duty trucks along a 2,400 km trip from Germany to Sweden.

Mercedes-Benz is testing for endurance. The route will run from the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, to its destination in Sweden. The trucks will charge at both public and private truck-designated MCS stations.

Mercedes-Benz stated that the trial is an opportunity to evaluate the MCS system under real-world conditions.

The eActros test trucks. Image used courtesy of Daimler Trucks

Heavy-duty trucks are responsible for over 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from highway transport in the European Union. The EU’s goal is to reach climate neutrality by 2050.

PowerBank Leases 5 MW Hybrid Solar + Storage in New York

PowerBank Corporation has signed a lease agreement for a 5 MW AC hybrid solar-plus-battery energy storage project in New York.

The NY-Sapbush project will contribute to regional grid stability and will operate under a community solar program, allowing users to subscribe and earn credits on their electric bills.

The project is undergoing preliminary screening for grid interconnection. Once approved, PowerBank will transition NY/Sapbush into the final permitting and construction financing phases.

One of PowerBank’s community solar project developments in New York. Image used courtesy of PowerBank

PowerBank has completed over 100 MW in projects in North America, mainly in Ontario and New York, with more than 1 GW in development.

Radial Power Receives $355M in Funding for Community Solar Projects

Radial Power, an energyRe affiliate, has secured $355 million in tax equity and debt financing from Goldman Sachs and private equity firm Lotus Infrastructure Partners for community solar projects across the U.S.

The portfolio includes 106 projects totaling about 214 MW of distributed solar power. Most projects will be operational by the end of 2026.

Radial Power develops renewable and distributed energy solutions, including solar, battery energy storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure for businesses with large commercial and real estate portfolios.

4 Power Companies Merge To Form Pantheon Electric

The merger of four power industry companies has created Pantheon Electric, an electrical infrastructure platform operating under the mission of “Power What’s Next.”

International Wire Group, EMS Elektro Metall Schwanenmühule, Hussey Copper, and Special Corde will operate as Pantheon Electric, targeting power solutions for data centers and AI computing, e-mobility, renewable energy, industrial automation, and aerospace and defense.