Addressing the regulatory and real-world danger issues of Electric Vehicle (EV) cables crossing pathways, ACO Water Management has launched the new Electric Vehicle Power Channel to provide housebuilders with a safe and discreet system for EV cable routing.

Designed as a dedicated EV cross-pavement channel, the system provides a safe and practical way to route charging cables across pavements, addressing growing safety concerns about trailing cables in residential streets.

EV adoption continues to rise and many homeowners without driveways are relying on on-street charging, often running cables across pavements. This is prohibited under the Highways Act 1980, with these restrictions in place to reduce trip hazards. To avoid this issue, ACO has engineered a solution that delivers safety and reliable EV charging.

ACO’s EV Power Channel has been developed to sit neatly within the pavement, avoiding loose cables while maintaining a tidy aesthetic that blends in seamlessly with the kerb. The system has been designed specifically for pedestrian and vehicular requirements, featuring robust C 250 end units at the kerb line, and a B 125 channel system. The press-fit cover is made from light, flexible, and durable recycled tyres, making cable install quick and easy.

Manufactured from ACO’s traditional polymer concrete with galvanised steel edge rails, the EV Power Channel combines strength with corrosion resistance and is engineered for durability in public pavement environments.

Unlike some systems, which typically rely on single-piece constructions, ACO’s channel features replaceable covers allowing for easier, longer-term maintenance, reducing costs for councils and owners.

ACO’s channel design makes maintenance fully accessible. Debris removal is easy, and there is no need for complex or expensive maintenance agreements. The covers also have no value to thieves, as well as no movable hinge parts at risk of damage from debris.

Trials are currently underway in partnership with local authorities, supported by central government funding for EV infrastructure.

These installations have allowed the creation of comprehensive instructions and a step-by-step video, supporting council installation teams and contractors to ensure high-quality, compliant installations.

Michelle Osborne, Product Manager – Civils at ACO Water Management, said: “Home charging remains significantly cheaper than public charging, so enabling safe on-street solutions is critical as EV uptake increases. However, trailing cables across pavements creates obvious safety and accessibility issues, and as such, authorities are moving towards channel systems to address this.

“Our EV Power Channel has been developed to meet this demand, providing a simple, reliable alternative. ACO’s long-standing expertise in channel systems and our established distribution and technical support network perfectly position us to support councils and highways teams as they look for solutions.”

ACO’s established presence in the channel market provides reassurance around long-term supply, technical guidance and product continuity.

For more information, please visit: EV Power Channel