Proviridis, a French clean energy infrastructure company has developed a novel underground charging solution for electric trucks, addressing space constraints in logistics depots.
Working with Finnish charging manufacturer Kempower, Proviridis has created an underground configuration for DC fast-charging equipment that preserves existing parking space at truck depots. The innovation was trialled at Proviridis’ multi-energy truck station in Saint Quentin Fallavier, southeastern France.
The solution involves positioning Kempower’s Control Unit underground, connected to a 600kW Power Unit installed above ground. This approach offers multiple advantages, including space conservation and protection of charging hardware from potential damage.
The charging infrastructure allows for dynamic power allocation across up to eight chargers and is compatible with both overground and dock-based charging configurations. This flexibility enables bespoke installations tailored to different site requirements.
Cédric Moret, Kempower’s Head of Sales for the French market, commented: “Many fleet operators are committed to more sustainable operations, but they require solutions that maintain the capacity and normal functioning of their locations in order to protect their business.”
Traditionally, charging equipment can reduce truck parking capacity by up to 20%. The new underground solution aims to mitigate this challenge, potentially improving operational efficiency for logistics companies.
Olivier Verdu, Technical Director at Proviridis, highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation: “We have a long history of investing in innovations like integrating battery storage vehicle charging at our multi-energy stations and are proud to have pioneered this new solution using Kempower technology.”
The Kempower Control Unit, designed to function across various temperatures and conditions with minimal ventilation, appears particularly suited to this underground charging approach. Proviridis plans to roll out the solution across France, exclusively using Kempower’s fast-charging equipment.
The innovation could potentially extend beyond truck charging, with possible applications in e-bus depot infrastructures facing similar space constraints.
