Electric car users are accustomed to charging their vehicles in a variety of settings, from public stations to home setups, and even occasionally at a friend’s place.
Public infrastructure typically provides sufficient parking space in front of charging stations, though sometimes you might need to bring your own cable—a completely absurd requirement, but it is what it is. However, near residential areas, things can get a bit more complicated.
Don’t Leave Your Charging Cable Lying Around!
The issue of cables strewn about on the ground is set to become increasingly common as electric vehicles become more widespread. The idea is to enable charging just about anywhere. In Nordic countries, they’ve even started hooking up to street lamps:
It’s a clever solution because the infrastructure is already in place, and it avoids the need to install dedicated stations at every parking spot. This tactic is likely to spread, especially in underground parking lots where a simple electrical outlet might suffice. However, when living in an apartment building, the idea of running a cable out of a window across the sidewalk might not seem entirely foolish, although it remains completely illegal:
For example, if someone trips over it, you could be held responsible. Generally, city councils prohibit this practice, though I’ve never actually heard of anyone being fined for it. But imagine the chaos if everyone started dangling cables from their windows!
A Flat Cable to Solve the Problem!
Companies like Ghost have developed a completely flat cable designed for this kind of situation:
Approved for handling high AC powers (up to 22 kW), it allows people to walk or even drive over it without causing damage. It’s broader than a typical cable but totally flat, which also makes it easier to coil. However, it might take up more space because it can’t be easily twisted on its edge.
Then there’s the question of legality. In theory, this flat cable isn’t any more legal than a traditional one, but it could inspire municipalities to rethink the rules. After all, why not relax the legislation a bit when the car is parked right in front of one’s home? In France and Switzerland, given the rigidity of our elected officials, it’s unlikely that such changes will be approved.
When I tested the latest 6-seater ID.Buzz, we rented a small apartment in a vacation residence. As you might know, parking spaces are usually close to accommodations but rarely offer charging stations. A cable like this, with sufficient length, could potentially allow for charging in these private spaces without obstructing the path too much. Even when a charging station is in front of the house or in the garage, the cable can still be quite a nuisance, but this ultra-flat model could prevent tripping and allow for bikes or strollers to pass over without any harm.