Electric vehicle (EV) charging system

Abstract

An EV charging system 100 comprising: an EV charging cable 104 having a cable diameter, the cable extending between a source connection point 110 and an EV connection point 112; and a cable gully 114 extending along a gully axis for receiving the EV charging cable, the cable gully comprising: a channel that is open along a side; an exit opening through which the cable can exit the channel; and a closure means, defining an installation opening that extends along the length of the channel, the installation opening having a width that is at least as large as the cable diameter; wherein the charging system further comprises a cable attachment 130 defining a leading portion and a trailing portion, the cable attachment comprising a protrusion portion, wherein the cable gully comprises an access opening, the access opening having a footprint larger than the protrusion portion.

Description

Field of the Invention The invention relates to an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system, a cable attachment for use in an EV charging system, and to a method of installing a cable in a cable gully of an EV charging system. Background The transition to EVs represents a pivotal shift in the automotive industry towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. However, EV charging presents new challenges because the public charging network is significantly underdeveloped for supporting the transition to EVs and has not been designed with accessibility for people with disabilities in mind. In locations where owners of electric vehicles do not have off-street parking, it is necessary to run the EV charging cable from the electrical source charging point at the owner’s home (Figure 1a), across the pavement and to the electric vehicle parked on the street for coupling thereto (Figure 1b). To this end, the electrical cable has an electrical source connector for connection to the electrical source, and a vehicle connector for connection to the vehicle. However, left like this, EV charging cables can create trip hazards for pedestrians, and are at risk of being damaged. They also contribute to a cluttered streetscape, resulting in obstacles for wheelchair users and pushchairs. To help with this issue, EV cable gullies have been developed. An EV cable gully is a channel that is typically embedded within the pavement for enclosing the EV cable. Alternatively the gully may be placed on top of the pavement, with short ramps leading over the cable gully. A cable gully is usually arranged to extend between a house and the road and includes a first opening near the house and a second opening near the road / EV. In use, the EV cable extends from the electrical source at the owner’s home, through the EV cable gully and to the EV. To arrange the EV charging cable in the EV cable gully, a user must insert the cable through the top of the EV cable gully (Figure 1c). To this end, the channel of the EV cable gully is open along its upward-facing side, but includes a closure means for closing the channel. In the example of Figure 2a, 2b and 2c, the EV gully defines a groove that extends across the length of the channel, and is provided with brushes that extend across the groove to act as a cover for the groove. The user therefore must push the cable past the brushes (Figure 2d) to insert the EV cable into the EV cable gully (Figure 2e). In the example of Figure 3a, the gully is provided with a single-sided hinged coverthat must be opened by a user to access the channel therebelow. After, the user must push the cable through this opening (Figure 3b) and then close the cover back over so as to enclose the EV cable within the EV cable gully (Figure 3c). Arranging an EV charging cable in such EV cable gullies can be difficult for users with mobility issues, particularly since both bending and dexterity are required to handle move the EV cable and the EV cable gully. It is against this background that the invention has been devised. Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the invention resides in an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system comprising: an EV charging cable having a cable diameter, the cable extending between a source connection point configured for connection to an electrical source and an EV connection point configured for connection to an EV to charge the EV; and a cable gully extending along a gully axis, for receiving the EV charging cable when the cable extends between the electrical source and the EV, the cable gully comprising: a channel that is open along its upward-facing side; an exit opening through which the cable can exit the channel to extend towards the EV; and a closure means arranged or arrangeable in an installation configuration in which the closure means defines an installation opening that extends along the length of the channel and provides access thereto, the installation opening having a width that is at least as large as the cable diameter; wherein the charging system further comprises a cable attachment that is attached to the cable to define a leading portion of the cable between the cable attachment and the EV connection point, and a trailing portion of the cable between the cable attachment and the source connection point, the cable attachment comprising a protrusion portion having a diameter that is greater than the width of the installation opening; and wherein the cable gully comprises an access opening arranged at an opposite end of the channel to the exit opening, the access opening having a footprint that is larger than the protrusion portion of the cable attachment, such that the cable attachment can access the channel through the access opening and, with the closure means arranged in the installation configuration and the cable attachment located in the channel, the cable attachment can be drawn along the installation opening towards the exit opening with the protrusion portion remaining inside the channel, thereby drawing the trailing portion or leading portion of the cable through the channel to the exit opening. The cable attachment may comprise a body that defines the protrusion portion the body defining an inner channel for receiving the EV charging cable, the channel extending along a longitudinal axis between a first opening in the body and a second opening in the body. At least one of the first or second openings may have a diameter that is be larger than a diameter of the EV cable. For example, the opening that faces towards the electrical source may have a diameter that is larger than the EV cable. This allows the EV cable to bend in the vicinity of that opening. The body may be a toroidal body comprising at least two semi-toroidal sections that are releasably attachable together. The section may be attachable for example by screws or another suitable fastening. The cable attachment may comprise a securing means for securing the body to the charging cable. The securing means may comprise at least one grip configured to grip the EV cable to fix the body in position on the EV cable. The grip may comprise a protrusion configured to protrude from an inner surface of the body to contact the EV cable. The grip may define a circular opening having a diameter that may be substantially the same as the diameter of the cable. The outer surface of the protrusion portion may be at least partially spherical. The cable attachment may comprise a guide portion that may be arrangeable to protrude out of the installation opening of the closure means as the cable attachment is drawn along the installation opening. The guide portion may comprise a member having an outer diameter that is be larger than the cable. The guide portion may comprise a sheath that is be arranged to surround a portion of the cable. In other embodiments, the guide portion may protrude from an outer surface of the protrusion portion at a location that may be between the first and second openings on the protrusion portion. The guide portion may comprise an engagement means for engaging an accessory. The access opening of the cable gully may be arranged to be upward-facing when the cable gully is arranged with the channel facing upwards. The cable gully may comprise an access portion that defines the access opening, the access portion being arranged between the channel and the electrical source. In other embodiments, the access opening may be defined on the closure means. The closure means of the cable gully may comprise first and second elongate closure portions that are moveable between a closed configuration in which the closure portions are arranged adjacent to each other to close the channel, and the installation configuration in which a spacing may be defined between the closure portions, the spacing defining the installation opening. Each of the first and second closure portions may be supported by pivot members that are configured to allow the closure portions to pivot upwardly and outwardly between the closed configuration and the installation configuration. The cable gully may comprise one or more elastic members that are configured to urge to the first and second closure portions towards the closed configuration. The invention also extends to a cable attachment for use with an EV charging cable, the cable attachment comprising: i) a body comprising: a channel having first and second open ends for receiving the EV charging cable, the first open end defining an opening having a first diameter and the second open end having an opening defining a second diameter; and a protrusion portion at least partially surrounding the channel and having a footprint that may be larger than the first diameter and / or the second diameter; and ii) a securing means for securing the body to the EV charging cable. The first opening may be larger than the second opening. The securing means may comprise a grip that is arrangeable to grip the EV cable. The cable attachment may further comprise a guide portion for guiding a cable attached to the cable attachment along an installation opening in a cable gully, the guide portion comprising a member having a bearing surface. The invention extends further to a method of arranging a portion of an EV charging cable in an EV cable gully arranged in or on the ground, wherein the EV cable gully comprises a channel comprising an access opening and an exit opening, and wherein the gully comprises a closure means that is arranged or arrangeable to define an installation opening that extends between the access opening and the exit opening, the method comprising: providing an EV charging cable having a cable diameter, and having a cable attachment attached thereto to define a leading portion of the cable between the cable attachment and an EV connection point, and a trailing portion of the cable between the cable attachment and an electrical source connection point, the cable attachment comprising a protrusion portion having a diameter that may be greater than the width of the installation opening; and inserting the cable attachment into the channel of the cable gully through the access opening; drawing the cable attachment along the installation opening towards the exit opening of the cable gully, so that the cable attachment is drawn along the channel without passing through the installation opening; continuing to pull cable attachment until the cable attachment reaches the exit opening, thereby arranging the trailing end or leading end of the cable in the cable gully. Drawing the cable attachment along the installation opening may be effected by pulling the leading or trailing edge of the cable. In other embodiments, drawing the cable attachment may be effected by pulling the cable attachment using a tool connected to the cable attachment. For the avoidance of any doubt, embodiments of any of the aspects of the invention may comprise any of the features described in relation to any other aspect of the invention, unless such features are clearly not compatible. For example, features of the cable attachment described in relation to the system may also apply to the cable attachment alone, and to the method. Brief Description of the Drawings Figures 1 to 3 have already been described above by way of background. One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the remainder of the appended drawings, in which: Figures 4a and 4b are front and side view respectively of a cable attachment forming part of the invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cable attachment of Figures 4a and 4b; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the cable attachment of Figure 5; Figures 7a to 7e illustrate the process of installing a cable having the cable attachment of Figure 4 in a cable gully; Figures 8a and 8b are top and side views of a cable gully that is specially adapted for use with the cable attachment and cable; Figures 9a, and 9b, are front views of the cable gully of Figures 8a and 8b in use with a cable and cable attachment; Figures 10a, and 10b, are front views of the cable gully of Figures 8a and 8b in closed and installation configurations respectively; Figures 11a, and 11b, are front views of the cable gully of Figures 8a and 8b in use with a cable and cable attachment; Figures 12a to 12e are various views of the cable gully as a cable attachment and attached cable are inserted into an access opening of the cable gully; Figures 12a to 12e are various views of the cable gully as the cable attachment is drawn along an installation opening of the cable gully; Figures 14a and 14b are perspective views of the cable gully as a cable attachment and attached cable are inserted into an access opening of the cable gully; Figure 15a is a perspective view of the cable gully as the cable attachment is drawn along an installation opening of the cable gully, and Figure 15b is a perspective view of the cable gully as the cable attachment reaches an exit opening of the cable gully; Figures 15a and 15b, and 16a and 16b illustrate alternative cable gullies; Figures 17a and 17b are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the cable attachment; Figures 18a and 18b are perspective and partial enlarged views of a tool for engagement with the cable attachment of Figures 17a and 17b; Figures 19a, 19b and 19c are views of an alternative cable gully in use with the cable attachment of Figures 17a and 17b; and Figure 20 is a perspective view of another alternative cable gully in use with the cable attachment of Figures 17a and 17b. Detailed Description According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system 100. The EV charging system comprises an EV charging cable 104 having a cable diameter, the cable 104 extending between a source connection point 110 configured for connection to an electrical source 106 and an EV connection point 112 configured for connection to an EV 102 to charge the EV 102. The EV charging system 100 further comprises a cable gully 114 (such as in Figures 2a to 3b and 9a to 14d) extending along a gully axis G, for receiving the EV charging cable 104 when the cable 104 extends between the electrical source 106 and the EV 102. The cable gully 114 comprises a channel 116 that is open along its upward-facing side; an exit opening 122 through which the cable 104 can exit the channel 116 to extend towards the EV 102; and a closure means for at least partially closing the upward-facing side 124 of the channel 116. The closure means is arrangeable in an installation configuration to define an installation opening 128 that extends along the length of the channel 116 and provides access thereto, the installation opening 128 having a width that is at least as large as the cable diameter. The charging system 100 further comprises a cable attachment 130 (shown in Figures 4a to 6) a cable attachment 130 for an EV charging cable 104 with cable diameter in accordance with the invention, that is attached to the cable 104 to define a leading portion 132 of the cable 104 between the cable attachment 130 and the EV connection point 112, and a trailing portion 134 of the cable 104 between the cable attachment 130 and the source connection point 110, the cable attachment 130 comprising a protrusion portion 138 having a diameter that is greater than the width of the installation opening 128. The charging system 100 further comprises a cable attachment 130 (shown in Figures 4a to 6). The cable attachment 130 is attached to the cable 104 to define a leading portion 132 of the cable 104 between the cable attachment 130 and the EV connection point 112, and a trailing portion 134 of the cable 104 between the cable attachment 130 and the source connection point 110. The cable attachment 130 comprises a protrusion portion 138 having a diameter that is greater than the width of the installation opening 128. The cable gully 114 comprises an access opening 120 arranged at an opposite end of the channel 116 to the exit opening 122, the access opening 120 having a footprint that is larger than the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130, such that the cable attachment 130 can access the channel 116 through the access opening 120 and, with the closure means arranged in the installation configuration and the cable attachment 130 located in the channel 116, a leading portion 132 of the cable 104 can be drawn along the installation opening 128 towards the exit opening 122 with the cable attachment 130 remaining inside the channel 116, thereby drawing the trailing portion134 of the cable 104 through the channel 116 to the exit opening 122. Figures 7a to 7e will now be described which explain how the cable attachment 130 assists a user with mobility issues with inserting the EV cable 104 into the EV cable gully 114 of Figures 2a to 2e. The cable gully 114 shown in Figures 2a to 2e is embedded within a pavement and extends along a gully axis G between the user’s home and the electric vehicle 102 to be charged. The cable gully 114 has a first or access opening at the home end of the cable gully 114 (i.e., proximal to the user’s home and its source connection point 110) and a second or exit opening 122 at the vehicle end (i.e., proximal to the user’s parked electric vehicle 102 and its EV connection point 112) opposite the home end of the cable gully 114. The EV cable gully 114 also comprises a channel 116 extending along the gully axis G for receiving the EV charging cable 104, and the channel 116 is open along its upward-facing side 124 defining an installation opening 128 that extends along the length of the channel 116 (between the access opening 120 and the exit opening 122), thereby providing access to the channel 116. The access opening 120, the exit opening 122 and the channel 116 all have a footprint that is larger than the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130. Preferably, the installation opening 128 has a width that is at least as large as the cable diameter and the diameter of the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 is greater than the width of the installation opening 128. Firstly, and as shown in Figure 7A, the user provides the EV charging cable 104 exemplified in the form of a home charging cable 104. In particular, the user may retrieve the EV charging cable 104 from a reel at the user’s home where it may be already electrically coupled to the source connection point 110. Then the user provides the cable attachment 130 and couples the cable attachment 130 to the EV charging cable 104, preferably at the vehicle end of the EV charging cable 104 adjacent to the charging connector (which connects to the EV connection point 112 on the vehicle 102 for charging). Then the user, while holding a leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104, inserts the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 into the access opening 120 (i.e., at the home end) of the EV cable gully 114 using e.g., their foot (Figure 7b) or an accessory 160 such as a long tool (Figure 7c). An accessory 160 may be necessary for some people e.g. those without use of their feet. In this way, the cable attachment 130 enters into the channel 116 of the EV gully 114 through the access opening 120. Then, the user pulls on the leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104 (see Figure 7d). Because of the shape of protrusion portion 138, it cannot pass through the installation opening 128 and is retained within the channel 116. Hence, as the user pulls, the cable attachment 130 is drawn along the channel 116 while user stays in a standing position. Hence, by simply pulling the cable 104 across the pavement, the rest of the cable 104 follows the cable attachment 130 inside the cable gully 114. In other words, with the cable attachment 130 located in the channel 116, a leading portion 132 of the cable 104 is drawn along the installation opening 128 towards the exit opening 122 with the cable attachment 130 remaining inside the channel 116, thereby drawing the trailing portion134 of the cable 104 through the channel 116 to the exit opening 122. Finaly, the user can connect (or plug) the charging connector (in)to the vehicle 102, thereby electrically coupling the source connection point 110 to the electric vehicle 102 (Figure 7e). In this position therefore, the EV cable 104 extends from the source connection point 110 at the owner’s home, through the EV cable gully 114 and to the EV connection point 112 on the EV 102 for charging. Hence, the cable attachment 130 allows a user to arrange an EV charging cable 104 within the cable gully 114 without the user needing to bend down. The cable attachment 130 is particularly useful for people with mobility issues who may find it very difficult to bend down and arrange an EV charging cable 104 along the length of EV charging gully 114 from above in the conventional manner. Furthermore, the cable attachment 130 also protects the cable 104 from wear by limiting direct engagement between the EV charging cable 104 and the EV cable gully 114. Finally, the cable attachment 130 is advantageous because it is compatible with (and can be retrofitted to) existing EV charging cables 104 and can be used with EV cable gullies 14 of the prior art. Now more details about the cable attachment 130 will be provided, with reference to Figures 4a and 4b. The cable attachment 130 - or “bead” - can be fitted around (and hence retro-fitted to) any EV charging cable 104. When arranged in this way, the protrusion portion 138 - assists a user in arranging the cable 104 within a cable gully 114 and the user can do this without having to bend. Furthermore, the cable attachment 130 protects the cable 104 from wear and tear during this process, as will be explained below. To this end, the cable attachment 130 comprises a toroidal body 140 extending around a longitudinal axis L. The body 140 defines the protrusion or “bulb” portion 138 described above, as well as a sheath (or “shaft”) 156 and a flared portion that also surround a portion of the EV cable 104. The sheath 156 is arranged between the protrusion and flared portions. In other words, the sheath 156 extends away from the protrusion portion 138 along the longitudinal axis and into the flared portion. The cable attachment 130 also defines an inner channel 142 that extends along the longitudinal axis for receiving the EV charging cable 104. The inner channel 142 extends through each of the protrusion portion 138 (where it defines the protrusion channel), the sheath 156 (where it defines the sheath channel) and the flared portion (where it defines the flared channel). The cable 104 is securely arranged within the inner channel 142 of the cable attachment 130 in use. While the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 facilitates insertion of the cable 104 into an EV cable gully 114, the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130 is provided to engage with the installation opening 128 of the EV cable gully 114 and hence reduces friction between cable 104 and the EV cable gully 114 at those locations. This reduces the strength required to pull the cable 104 through the EV cable gully 114 and wear and tear of the EV charging cable 104. The flared portion advantageously prevents the sheath 156 from slipping into the cable gully 114 from above. Each of the flared and protrusions portions extend more outwardly than the sheath 156 on all sides of the toroidal body 140. The outer surface of the protrusion portion 138 is at least partially spherical, while the outer surfaces of the sheath 156 and of the flared portion are substantially cylindrical. The protrusion portion 138 is preferably arranged around a part of the EV charging cable 104 that is closer to the home end of the EV charging cable 104 while the flared portion is arranged around a part of the EV charging cable 104 that is closer to the vehicle end of the EV charging cable 104. In this way, it is the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130 that engages with the EV charging cable gully 114 as the EV cable 104 is pulled through the channel 116. In this way, the sheath 156 defines a guide portion that is arrangeable to protrude out of the installation opening 128 as the cable 104 is drawn through the installation opening 128. The cable attachment 130 is preferably fitted around an EV cable 104 approximately 1 to 1.5m from the charging connector at the far vehicle end of the cable 104. This arrangement is best because it means a user cam pull the EV cable 104 through the EV charging gully 114 in a standing position. As shown in Figure 5, the toroidal body 140 has an approximately uniform thickness along its entire length, i.e., from the protrusion portion 138, along the sheath 156 and to the flared portion. As such, the protrusion and flared channels are wider than the sheath channel. Since the protrusion portion 138 is at least partially spherical, the protrusion portion 138 defines an at least partially spherical protrusion channel therewithin. Meanwhile, since the sheath 156 and the flared portion are approximately cylindrical, the sheath 156 and flared portion define approximately cylindrical sheath and flared channels therewithin. The protrusion portion 138 has a first or home end and a second or vehicle end and the protrusion channel extends therebetween. The protrusion portion 138 defines a first opening 144 at the home end of the protrusion channel and a second opening 146 at the vehicle end of the protrusion channel. The first opening 144 preferably has a diameter that is larger than the second opening. The wider opening at the home end of the cable attachment 130 advantageously allows the cable 104 to bend e.g., approximately 45 degrees within the protrusion channel there. The first opening 144 at the home end of the cable attachment 130 preferably has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the EV cable 104, while the second opening 146 at the vehicle end of the cable attachment 130 preferably has substantially the same diameter as the EV cable 104. The firstand second openings may be circular. The flared portion also has a first (or home) end and a second (or vehicle) end and the flared channel extends therebetween. The flared portion defines a first opening at the home end of the flared channel and a second opening at the vehicle end of the flared channel. The first opening and the second opening preferably each have substantially the same diameter as the EV cable 104. The first and second openings may be circular. The sheath 156 extends along the longitudinal axis between the second opening 146 at the vehicle end of the protrusion channel and the first opening at the home end of the flared portion. Hence, the sheath channel preferably has substantially the same diameter as the EV charging cable 104. The cable attachment 130 is provided with a securing means to assist in securing or clamping the cable attachment 130 to the EV charging cable 104. In Figures 5 and 6, the securing means comprises a plurality of grips 148 extending inward from the body 140 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) to grip the EV cable 104 to fix the body 140 in position on the EV cable 104. Each grip 148 comprises a protrusion 150 configured to protrude from an inner surface of the body 140 to contact the EV cable 104. Each protrusion 180 defines a circular opening 152 having a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the EV cable 104 for gripping the EV charging cable 104. The plurality of grips 148 comprises a first sheath grip 148a, a second sheath grip 148b, and a first protrusion grip 148c, a second protrusion grip 148d and a third protrusion grip 148e, although other configurations may be used. The first and second sheath grips 148a, 148b extend from the sheath and towards the cable 104 through the sheath channel. The first sheath grip 148a is arranged towards the home end of the cable attachment 130 while the second sheath grip 148b is arranged towards the vehicle end of the cable attachment 130. Meanwhile, the first protrusion grip 148c, the second protrusion grip 148d and the third protrusion grip 148e extend from the protrusion portion 138 and towards the cable 104 through the protrusion channel. The first protrusion grip 148c is arranged towards the home end of the cable attachment 130 (i.e., near the first opening 144 of the protrusion portion 138), the second protrusion grip 148d is arranged towards the vehicle end of the cable attachment 130 (i.e., near the second opening 146 of the protrusion portion 138), and the third protrusion grip 148e is arranged therebetween. The third sheath grip 148e preferably extends from the widest part of the protrusion portion 138. Furthermore, the sheath 156 (and the second opening 146 of the protrusion portion 138 and the first and second openings of the flared portion) may also facilitate gripping of the pipe. As best shown in Figure 6, the toroidal body 140 is made up of two half-toroidal sections (e.g., half-toruses) 140a, 140b that releasably fix together on opposite sides of the EV cable 104 to secure the EV cable 104 therebetween. Fixing means such as screws at opposite ends of the cable attachment 130 can be used to releasably secure the two halves together. The two halves may be formed out of e.g. polymer sheets. In other embodiments, the toroidal body 140 comprises three or more semi-toroidal sections 140 that are releasably attachable together around the EV cable 104. Preferably, the protrusion portion 138 has a wider diameter than the installation opening 128 of the EV cable gully 114. In this way, the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 cannot be passed through the opening of the EV cable gully 114 and hence pulled out of the EV cable gully 114 during insertion of EV charging cable 104. To assist with insertion of the cable attachment 130 (and hence EV cable 104) into an EV cable gully 114 (either a conventional one or one of the gullies described below), the EV cable gully 114 may be provided with a access portion 162 as shown in Figures 8a and 8b. In these figures, the access portion 162 is shown attached to the prior art EV cable gully 114 shown in Figures 2a to 2e, but it may also be used with other EV cable gullies 14, 114 such as the one shown in Figures 3a to 3c or the ones shown in Figures 9a to 16b. The access portion 162 can be manufactured together with an EV cable gully 114 or else an already-manufactured EV cable gully 114 can be retrofitted with the access portion 162. The access portion 162 is arranged at the home end of the EV cable gully 114 and is configured to receive the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 and direct it into the access opening 120 of the channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114, i.e., at the home side of the pavement. To this end, the access portion 162 defines a protrusion trough or ramp whose cross-section corresponds with the cross-section of the protrusion portion 138. The protrusion trough has a first opening at the top of the access portion 162 for receiving the protrusion portion 138 from above and a second opening adjacent to the home end opening of the channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114. The protrusion trough curves downward and towards the home end opening of the channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114 as it extends between the first and second openings of the access portion 162. The access portion 162 also defines a cable 104 trough or ramp whose cross-section corresponds with the cross-section of the EV cable 104. At the top of the access portion 162, the cable 104 trough defines a first upper opening at the home side of the access portion 162 for receiving the portion 134 of the EV charging cable 104 trailing the cable attachment 130 and a second upper opening at the vehicle side of the access portion 162 (i.e., adjacent to the closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114) for receiving the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130. The cable 104 trough extends downward from the first and second upper openings and into the protrusion trough below. At the home end of the access portion 162, the cable 104 trough extends downward from the first upper opening and bends vehicle-ward into the protrusion trough. In this way, the cable 104 trough can direct the portion 134 of the EV charging cable 104 trailing behind the cable attachment 130 into channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114 as the cable attachment 130 passes through the protrusion trough and along the EV cable gully 114. Hence, while the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 can pass through the protrusion trough, it cannot pass through the cable trough, which is reserved for the sheath 156 and the portion 134 of the EV charging cable 104 trailing behind. In this way, the protrusion trough allows the cable attachment 130 to be easily arranged within the channel 116 of the EV charging gully 114. Figures 9a and 9b show a new EV cable gully 114 that is for use with the cable attachment 130 described above. The EV charging gully 114 comprises a closure means for at least partially closing the upward-facing side 124 of the channel 116 of the EV charging gully 114. The closure means is arrangeable in an installation (or open) configuration in which the closure means defines the installation opening 128 in the upward-facing side 124 of the channel 116 (as shown in Figure 9b) and in a closed configuration in which the closure means closes the upward-facing side 124 of the channel 116 (as shown in Figure 9a) In more detail, the EV cable gully 114 comprises a first side portion and a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and the first and second side portions define the gully channel 116 therebetween. The EV cable gully 114 further comprises an upper portion defining the upward-facing side 126 and extending between the first and second side portions of the channel 116 at the top of the first and second side portions, and a lower portion extending between the first and second side portions of the channel 116 at the bottom of the first and second side portions. All of these portions of the EV cable gully 114 are elongate and rectangular, thereby defining an elongate and cuboid channel 116 therein. The upper portion defines the closure means described above. To this end, the upper portion comprises a first closure portion 126a that is movably coupled to the first side portion and a second closure portion 126b moveably coupled to the second side portion. The first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are elongate since they extend along the entire length of the EV cable gully 114. In the closed configuration, the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are arranged side by side or adjacent to each other, thereby closing the channel 116 and forming a flat upper boundary of the EV cable gully 114 (see Figure 9a). During opening, the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b swing outward in opposite directions, gradually pivoting away from one another into the installation configuration. This movement creates a spacing between the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b. Eventually, the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b reach the fully-open installation configuration (after which they can pivot no more), and the spacing defines the installation opening 128 therebetween (see Figure 9b). In the installation configuration, the cross-section of the installation opening 128 is greater than the cross-section of the EV charging cable 104, but less than the cross-section of the projection portion of the cable attachment 130. In this way, the cable 104 (and even the sheath 156 and flared portion) can pass through the installation opening 128 when the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are in the installation configuration, but the protrusion portion 138 cannot pass through and can only enter and exit the EV cable gully 114 from either of the access and exit openings 120,122. Preferably, the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are urged or biased towards the closed configuration, and are only moved into the installation configuration when the projection portion of the cable attachment 130 is pushed upward and towards the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b by the user. To this end, the EV charging gully 114 is provided with first and second engaging portions attached to, and moveable with, the underside of the respective first and second closure portions 126a, 126b. The first and second engaging positions engage with first and second urging portions arranged on the lower portion of the channel 116 to urge the first and second engaging portions (and hence the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b) into the closed configuration. Furthermore, in the closed configuration, the first and second engaging positions define an archshaped upper boundary within the channel 116 of the EV charging gully 114. After the cable attachment 130 is inserted into the home end of the channel 116 of the EV charging and the user begins to pull the cable attachment 130 upward and towards the vehicle 102, the cable attachment 130 engages with the first and second engaging positions, thereby moving the firstand second closure portions 126a, 126b against the urging of first and second urging portions and outwards and upwards above the pavement surface and into the installation configuration (shown in Figure 9b). The first and second side portions define first and second stops either side ofthe first and second closure portions 126a, 126b to prevent the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b from opening beyond a certain point. When the cable attachment 130 is no longer applying an upward force on the first and second engaging positions (e.g., when it is removed from the channel 116 at the vehicle end ofthe EV charging gully 114), the first and second urging portions urge the first and second engaging portions (and hence the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b) back into the closed configuration. As shown in Figure 10a and 10b, this EV cable gully 114 is preferably embedded within the ground (e.g., within a pavement) such that the closure portions 126a, 126b ofthe channel 116 forms a continuation ofthe ground when the EV cable gully 114 is in the closed configuration (Figure 10a) and only slightly extends above the ground when the EV cable gully 114 is in the installation configuration (Figure 10b). In this way, the EV cable gully 114 does not constitute a trip hazard to pedestrians regardless of which position it is in (i.e., during installation ofthe EV cable 104 into the gully 114 or at all other times). Unlike those of the prior art, this EV cable gully 114 is openable from within (in particular when the cable attachment 130 is received within the channel 116 and pulled upwards by a user). Due to the arrangement, it’s very difficult to open the closure portions 126a, 126b from above. Furthermore, the engaging portions and the urging portions are arranged in such a way that the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are self-closing, and the whole mechanism can be a simple sprung polymer (e.g. PVC) extrusion, i.e., without the need for additional materials, adhesives, or complex manual assembly of the product. This design also allows for higher weightbearing on the opening section of the channel 116 compared to EV cable gullies 14 of the prior art. As shown in Figure 11a, at the home open end of the EV cable gully 114, the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are preferably shaped with 45 degree notches that open outward into the first opening. These notches are advantageous since they facilitate opening of the closure portions 126a, 126b by the cable attachment 130 (as shown in Figure 11b). As best seen here, it is the shaft portion of the cable attachment 130 that engages with the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b, thereby reducing friction with the EV charging cable 104. Figures 12a to 14d show the above-described EV cable gully 114 used with the access portion 162 of Figures 8a and 8b. Figures 12a to 12e show the cable attachment 130 connected to the cable 104 and arranged within the access portion 162. In particular, the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 is arranged within the protrusion trough of the access portion 162. The portion 134 of the EV charging cable 104 trailing the cable attachment 130 extends through the cable trough and out of the first upper opening to the source connection point 110 at the user’s home, while the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130 extends through the cable trough and out of the second upper opening, with the flared portion arranged just above the closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114. Figures 13a to 13e show the cable attachment 130 connected to the cable 104 after the user has pulled the leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104 upwards and towards the vehicle 102. In doing so, the protrusion portion 138 is moved upwards and towards the vehicle 102, thereby opening the closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114 to define the installation opening 128. As the user continues to pull the leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104 upwards and towards the vehicle 102, the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130 moves along the installation opening 128 and the protrusion portion 138 moves through the channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114, thereby pulling the EV cable 104 within the cable gully 114. Figures 14a to 14d show the movement of the cable attachment 130 and cable 104 through the access portion 162 and EV cable gully 114 from another angle. In Figure 14a, the cable attachment 130 is arranged in the access portion 162. In Figure 14b, the user pulls the leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104 upwards and towards the vehicle 102. In Figure 14c, the protrusion portion 138 enters the EV cable 104 gully 114, the closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114 are opened and the protrusion portion 138 moves through the EV cable gully 114. In Figure 14d, the protrusion portion 138 exits the vehicle end of the EV cable gully 114, and the EV charging cable 104 is completely arranged within the EV cable gully 114. The closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114 return to the closed configuration, enclosing the EV charging cable 104 within the EV cable gully 114. Figures 15a and 15b show an alternative embodiment of the EV cable gully 114. In this embodiment, the closure portions 126a, 126b do not return to the closed configuration under the urging of urging portions (i.e., it is not a sprung arrangement), but instead close under their own weight. Figures 16a and 16b show a further alternative embodiment of the EV cable gully 114. In this embodiment, the channel 116 includes fixed closure portions that are fixed in place just below the moveable first and second exit opening 122s. The fixed closure portions define a groove therebetween that extends along the length of the EV cable gully 114. The groove has a crosssection that is less than the cross-section of the protrusion portion 138 and so it is the fixed closure portions portion that retain the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 within the EV cable gully 114 in this embodiment, and it is the sheath 156 and flared portions of the cable attachment 130 that act upon the moveable first and second closure portions 126a, 126b to pivot them upwards and into the installation configuration. Although specific embodiments have been described above, it would be apparent to the skilled person that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. As such, the appended claims intend to cover any such embodiments. Further, it would be apparent to the skilled person that many features described in relation to particular embodiments are combinable and envisaged for combination with features described in relation to other embodiments. Figures 16a and 16b show a further alternative embodiment of the EV cable gully. In this embodiment, the channel includes a fixed closure portions that are fixed in place just below the moveable first and second closure portions. The fixed closure portions define a groove therebetween that extends along the length of the EV cable gully. The groove has a cross-section that is less than the cross-section of the protrusion portion and so it is the fixed closure portions portion that retain the protrusion portion of the cable attachment within the EV cable gully in this embodiment, and it is the sheath and flared portions of the cable attachment that act upon the first and second closure portions to pivot them upwards and into the installation configuration. Figures 16a illustrates another embodiment of the cable attachment, which is similar to the cable attachment described above, except that the guide portion is arranged differently. In this embodiment, the guide portion does not define a sheath that accommodates the cable, but instead is provided as a member 154 that protrudes away from the surface of the protrusion portion at a location that is between the first and second openings defined in the body. In this way, the member protrudes in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the inner channel. The member comprises a shaft that is substantially cylindrical, having an outer surface that defines a bearing surface. In use, the shaft extends out of the channel of the cable gully through the installation opening. The shaft may thereby hold the closure member of the cable gully in the installation configuration, particularly if used in combination with the cable gully of Figures 12 and 13. The diameter of the shaft may be selected to be larger than the diameter of an EV charging cable, so that the shaft causes the closure means to define and installation opening that is wider than the width of the cable. This avoids the cable being gripped by the closure means during installation, thereby reducing wear on the cable. At its upper end, the member may be provided with a flange having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the shaft. The flange prevents the guide portion passing downward through the installation opening into the channel, thereby ensuring that the guide portion remains inside the installation opening. An upper surface of the flange can also act as an impact surface that can be used to push the cable attachment into the access opening of the cable gully. As shown in Figure 16b, the member may comprise a first member portion that is connected to the protrusion portion, and a second member portion that is attachable to the first member portion. The first member portion may comprise a male member and the second member portion may comprise a female member. The first member portion may comprise a shaft with an engagement means 158 at an end of the shaft - in this case, the engagement feature takes the form of a flange that is elongated in one direction. The second member portion may comprise a collar defining an internal recess for receiving the first member portion. A base of the recess may comprise a corresponding engagement feature - in this case the corresponding engagement feature is a locking recess configured to accommodate the flange in a twist-to-lock fit. An outer diameter of the second member portion defines the outer diameter of the member. At an upper end of the collar, the second member portion may comprise a flange that defines the flange of the guide portion. The engagement means of the first member portion may also be used to engage an accessory, for example an installation tool. Figures 17a and 17b illustrate such an installation tool, attached to the cable attachment. The tool comprises a handle, an elongate extension member, and an engagement member, disposed at the end of the extension member. The engagement member takes a form that is substantially the same as that of the second member portion described above. The engagement member can be engaged with the first member portion in a twist-to-lock motion, using the handle to twist the tool. The tool can then be used to manoeuvre the cable attachment, and hence the cable, as needed, from a position that is convenient for the user (e.g. from a sitting or standing position). For example, the cable attachment can be pushed into the access opening of the cable gully, and it can be drawn along the channel to install the cable. Figures 18a-c and 19 a-b illustrate alternative cable gullies that can be used with the cable attachment and cable. The cable gully of Figures 18a to 18c is for use with a tethered charger. This cable gulley includes an access portion located adjacent to the channel. The access portion defines the access opening, and also includes a cable tether, arranged such that the access opening is located between the cable tether and the channel. The cable tether comprises a supplementary channel, to which the access opening provides access, and a supplementary closure that closes the supplementary channel. The trailing portion of the cable is accommodated in the supplementary channel, and the supplementary closure is arranged to close the channel, thereby locking the trailing portion of the cable into the cable gully. The cable can then be pulled through the supplementary channel as needed to install the cable in the channel, and / or to store the cable when not in use, while keeping the trailing end of the cable secure in the supplementary channel. In the cable gully of Figure 19, the access opening is integrated into the closure means. The closure means comprises first and second elongate closure members in the form of plates. IN a closed configuration, the plates meet each other at closure edges. The plates are configured to move apart, so that the closure edges move away from each other to define the installation opening therebetween. At an end of the cable gully that will be adjacent to the electrical source, each plate is provided with a recess that interrupts the closure edge. The recesses are aligned. The recesses act to widen the installation opening in the vicinity of the recesses, thereby defining the access opening when the closure means are arranged in the installation configuration. To install a cable in the cable gully of Figure 19, the user pushes the cable attachment into the recesses. The round shape of the cable attachment forces the closure members apart, widening the access opening until the cable attachment can pass through into the channel. The closure members then close around the guide member, with the closure member in the 5 installation configuration, so that the cable can be installed in the manner already described above. Although specific embodiments have been described above, it would be apparent to the skilled person that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and 10 scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. As such, the appended claims intend to cover any such embodiments. Further, it would be apparent to the skilled person that many features described in relation to particular embodiments are combinable and envisaged for combination with features described in relation to other embodiments. 15 List of Reference Numbers 2 Electric vehicle (EV) 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 100 104 106 110 112 102 114 G L 116 120 122 EV charging cable Electrical source House / home Electrical source connector Vehicle connector EV cable gully Channel of EV cable gully Pavement / ground First / home opening of EV cable gully Second / vehicle opening of EV cable gully Upward-facing side of EV cable gully Closure means Groove / opening Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system EV charging cable Electrical source source connection point EV connection point EV / vehicle Cable gully Gully axis Longitudinal axis Channel of cable gully Cable gully access opening Cable gully exit opening 126b Cable gully closure portions Upward-facing side of EV cable gully Installation opening Cable attachment Leading portion of EV charging cable Trailing portion of EV charging cable Protrusion portion Cable attachment body Cable attachment inner channel First opening of protrusion portion Second opening of protrusion portion b Semi-toroidal sections Grip Grip protrusion Circular opening of grip Member Sheath Engagement means Accessory Access portion

Claims

1. An Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system comprising:an EV charging cable having a cable diameter, the cable extending between a source connection point configured for connection to an electrical source and an EV connection point configured for connection to an EV to charge the EV; anda cable gully extending along a gully axis, for receiving the EV charging cable when the cable extends between the electrical source and the EV, the cable gully comprising:a channel that is open along its upward-facing side;an exit opening through which the cable can exit the channel to extend towards the EV; anda closure means arranged or arrangeable in an installation configuration in which the closure means defines an installation opening that extends along the length of the channel and provides access thereto, the installation opening having a width that is at least as large as the cable diameter;wherein the charging system further comprises a cable attachment that is attached to the cable to define a leading portion of the cable between the cable attachment and the EV connection point, and a trailing portion of the cable between the cable attachment and the source connection point, the cable attachment comprising a protrusion portion having a diameter that is greater than the width of the installation opening; andwherein the cable gully comprises an access opening arranged at an opposite end of the channel to the exit opening, the access opening having a footprint that is larger than the protrusion portion of the cable attachment, such that the cable attachment can access the channel through the access opening and, with the closure means arranged in the installation configuration and the cable attachment located in the channel, the cable attachment can be drawn along the installation opening towards the exit opening with the protrusion portion remaining inside the channel, thereby drawing the trailing portion or leading portion of the cable through the channel to the exit opening.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the cable attachment comprises a body that defines the protrusion portion the body defining an inner channel for receiving the EV charging cable, the channel extending along a longitudinal axis between a first opening in the body and a second opening in the body.

3. The system of Claim 2, wherein at least one of the first or second openings has a diameterthat is larger than a diameter of the EV cable.

4. The system of Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the body is a toroidal body comprising at least two semi-toroidal sections that are releasably attachable together.

5. The system of any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the cable attachment comprises a securing means for securing the body to the charging cable.

6. The system of any of Claims 2 to 5 wherein the securing means comprises at least one grip configured to grip the EV cable to fix the body in position on the EV cable.7.' The system of Claim 6, wherein the grip comprises a protrusion configured to protrude from an inner surface of the body to contact the EV cable.

8. The system of Claim 7, wherein the grip defines a circular opening having a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the cable.

9. The system of any preceding claim wherein the outer surface of the protrusion portion is at least partially spherical.

10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the cable attachment comprises a guide portion that is arrangeable to protrude out of the installation opening of the closure means as the cable is drawn along the installation opening.

11. The system of Claim 10, wherein the guide portion comprises a member having an outer diameter that is larger than the cable.

12. The system of Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the guide portion comprises a sheath that is arranged to surround a portion of the cable.

13. The system of Claim 10 or Claim 11 when dependent on Claim 2, wherein the guide portion protrudes from an outer surface of the protrusion portion at a location that is between the first and second openings on the protrusion portion.

14. The system of Claim 13, wherein the guide portion comprises an engagement means for engaging an accessory.

15. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the access opening of the cable gully is arranged to be upward-facing when the cable gulley is arranged with the channel facing upwards.

16. The system of Claim 15, wherein the cable gully comprises an access portion that defines the access opening, the access portion being arranged between the channel and the electrical source.

17. The system of Claim 15, wherein the access opening is defined on the closure means.

18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the closure means of the cable gullycomprises first and second elongate closure portions that are moveable between a closed configuration in which the closure portions are arranged adjacent to each other to close the channel, and the installation configuration in which a spacing is defined between the closure portions, the spacing defining the installation opening.

19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second closure portions are support by pivot members configured to allow the closure portions to pivot upwardly and outwardly between the closed configuration and the installation configuration.

20. The system of any preceding claim, comprising one or more elastic members configured to urge to the first and second closure portions towards the closed configuration.

21. A cable attachment for us with an EV charging cable, the cable attachment comprising: a body comprising:a channel having first and second open ends for receiving the EV charging cable, the first open end defining an opening having a first diameter and the second open end having an opening defining a second diameter; anda protrusion portion at least partially surrounding the channel and having a footprint that is larger than the first diameter and / or the second diameter; and a securing means for securing the body to the EV charging cable.

22. The cable attachment of Claim 21, wherein first opening is larger than the second opening.

23. The cable attachment of Claim 22, wherein the securing means comprises a grip that is arrangeable to grip the EV cable.

24. The cable attachment of any of Claims 21 to 23, wherein the cable attachment further comprises a guide for guiding the cable attachment along an installation opening in a cable gully, the guide comprising a member having a bearing surface.

25. A method of arranging a portion of an EV charging cable in an EV cable gully arranged in or on the ground, wherein the EV cable gully comprises a channel comprising an access opening and an exit opening, and wherein the gully comprises a closure means that is arranged or arrangeable to define an installation opening that extends between the access opening and the exit opening, the method comprising:providing an EV charging cable having a cable diameter, and having a cable attachment attached thereto to define a leading portion of the cable between the cable attachment and an EV connection point, and a trailing portion of the cable between the cable attachment and an electrical source connection point, the cable attachment comprising a protrusion portion having a diameter that is greater than the width of the installation opening; andinserting the cable attachment into the channel of the cable gully through the access opening;drawing the cable attachment along the installation opening towards the exit opening of the cable gully, so that the cable attachment is drawn along the channel without passing through the installation opening;continuing to draw the cable attachment along the installation opening until the cable attachment reaches the exit opening, thereby arranging the trailing end or leading end of the cable in the cable gully.27

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