Solving underground power challenges in EV charging

The electric vehicle charging sector in France is experiencing rapid growth, which is placing new demands on infrastructure design and adaptability. A particularly critical issue lies in managing the underground power system, now larger and more complex due to the rising power output of modern charging equipment.

Fibrelite’s GRP composite trench covers are a lightweight yet heavy-duty solution rising to meet the evolving needs of this high-voltage transformation.

As the power of individual chargers increases, the diameter and stiffness of corresponding underground cables is also expanding. These cables are not only difficult to maneuver into traditional ducts, but the intense heat and electromagnetic disturbances generated by the current they carry demands greater separation between them when buried.

Burying such infrastructure in inaccessible ducts would make future inspections or upgrades nearly impossible.

Fibrelite trench covers for these installations offer a combination of mechanical performance, operational flexibility, and smart design. These covers are engineered (bespoke where required) to be both robust and lightweight, enabling quick removal for visual or thermal inspection while still standing up to the demanding loads of high-traffic environments.

Fibrelite covers are independently tested to BSI load bearing standards (commonly B125 or D400 for forecourts, though higher load ratings are available). This allows technicians to use thermal cameras to detect hotspots or potential failures in buried power lines before a breakdown occurs, supporting a predictive maintenance strategy instead of a reactive one.

An additional standout feature is security. Fibrelite offers various securing mechanisms, such as fixing bolts, special bolt heads, and the rotolock system to deter unauthorized entry. This combination of technical performance, access convenience, and security makes it a go-to choice for EV charging infrastructure projects where uptime and safety are non-negotiable.

As the e-mobility revolution continues to expand, smart infrastructure choices like Fibrelite’s trench covers are proving essential in powering tomorrow’s charging networks.

For more information, visit www.fibrelite.com