Infrastructure and devices
A high-performance charging solution starts with good infrastructure and solid devices. The quality of your cables, fuse boxes, underground cables and, of course, the charging stations themselves, determine not only the safety and durability of your installation, but also the ease of use and expandability. In this section we explain which choices are decisive, and how best to proceed with new or existing buildings.
Evolut-ion opts for reliable solutions that are compatible with other brands. We can usually integrate your existing equipment into our management systems.
Electrical infrastructure - the silent backbone
Connection and capacity
- Each charging station requires a certain power capacity (e.g., 11 or 22 kW).
- Your grid connection (3x230V or 3x400V + N) and available capacity (kVA) determine how many charging points you can power at the same time.
- Larger installations require an amplification through the grid operator (Fluvius, Sibelga, ORES), which requires time and budget.
Cabling
- Underground or wall mounting, depending on location.
- Use of correct wire cross-section and protection (typically 6 to 10 mm²).
- Distance between cabinet and load point affects voltage drop → correct sizing is crucial.
Grounding devices
- Required in accordance with AREI (General Regulations on Electrical Installations).
- Independent ground electrode + correct differential switches per circuit.
Smart fuse boxes
Equipped with modular automation (PLC, energy metering, load balancing).
Future-proof expandable, with access for maintenance.
Charging stations and their features
The charging station itself is the visible part of the system, but the technical quality is inside.
| Feature | Why important? |
|---|---|
| Housing | Metal (e.g., aluminum) = robust and vandal resistant |
| Socket or fixed cable | Socket is universal, fixed cable is user-friendly |
| Payload | 11 kW for hybrid, 22 kW for EV - matched to vehicle and grid |
| Smart or stupid | Smart poles communicate with management platform, report and regulate power |
| Linking with backend | For monitoring, reporting, user management, home reimbursement |
| OCPP compatible | Open protocol, provides freedom in software choice later |
Our preference is for durable poles with smart, open technology and industrial components from well-known European brands.
Earthworks and placement
Practical placement is often an underestimated factor in budget as well as reliability:
- Placement: avoid collision hazard, provide protection (bollards, concrete ties).
- Cabling under pavement: sometimes requires breaking open, new gutters or piercing foundations.
- Waterproofing and drainage: crucial for outdoor installations.
A good study in advance avoids surprises during implementation and allows phasing or expansion capacity to be correctly estimated.
Linking with other systems
Increasingly, charging infrastructure is being integrated into other building systems:
- Fire detection or access control: for safe shutdown in emergencies.
- Energy data: interfacing with building management system (BMS) or solar panels.
- Load management platform: centralized monitoring, user management, settlement.
Compatibility & future-proofing
A pitfall with some commercial solutions is vendor lock-in. Note:
- Use open standards such as OCPP and Modbus.
- Avoid brand-specific software that does not allow interfacing with other platforms.Provide expandable infrastructure (additional piping, reserved space in fuse box).
That way, your investment remains valuable even in 5 or 10 years, when charging needs have evolved.
Practical approach
At Evolut-ion, we tailor the technical approach to:
- Current and future vehicle fleet.
- The desired charging time and frequency of use.
- The building's electrical infrastructure.
- Possible expansion opportunities.
We guide your technical choices from analysis to completion, ensuring that your installation complies with all applicable regulations.