Bollard chargers are EV charging stations that consist of a short, freestanding post (bollard-style) installed on a concrete base or foundation. They are commonly used in outdoor parking areas where wall mounting is not possible and the charger needs to be positioned near parking bays, with strong physical protection and clean cable routing.
What Are Bollard Chargers?
A bollard charger is a pedestal-type EV charger that stands independently, typically placed at the head of one or more parking bays. The term “bollard” often implies a compact, robust form factor and may include:
– A freestanding charger housing mounted on a base plate or foundation
– Integrated cable management (hooks, holsters, retractors depending on model)
– Optional sockets or tethered cables (AC)
– Optional impact protection features, or installation near protective bollards
– Outdoor-rated enclosure with defined IP and IK protection levels
Bollard chargers are commonly used for AC destination charging such as workplaces, hotels, retail sites, and municipal parking.
Why Bollard Chargers Matter in EV Infrastructure
Bollard chargers make EV charging possible in open parking environments without nearby walls or suitable structures. They help site owners:
– Place chargers exactly where vehicles park, improving usability
– Expand charging in outdoor lots and island parking rows
– Reduce wall penetrations and interior cable routing complexity
– Standardize installations across multi-site rollouts
– Improve durability when paired with correct impact protection and site layout
They are especially useful where multiple bays need charging access and where trenching routes can be planned efficiently.
How Bollard Chargers Are Installed
A typical bollard charger installation includes:
– Civil works for a foundation or base (concrete plinth or anchor bolts)
– Underground conduit/ducting to bring power and communications to the base
– Earthing/grounding and protective devices in the upstream distribution board
– Mounting the charger to the base plate and sealing cable entries
– Commissioning (testing protection, connectivity, and OCPP/back-end connection)
Bollard chargers are often planned with additional charger provision by installing spare conduits for future expansion.
Common Use Cases
– Workplace parking and business parks
– Hotels and destination charging at leisure sites
– Retail car parks and supermarkets
– Municipal curb-adjacent lots and public destination locations
– Fleet depots where chargers must be positioned between bays
– Residential complexes with outdoor parking areas
Key Benefits of Bollard Chargers
– Flexible placement without requiring wall mounting
– Suitable for outdoor environments and island parking rows
– Clean and scalable installation layout for multiple bays
– Easier access for maintenance compared to wall-mounted units in tight spaces
– Can support dual-outlet configurations to serve more vehicles per unit
– Better protection options through placement and physical barriers
Limitations to Consider
– Requires civil work and trenching, which can increase installation cost
– Higher exposure to impact, vandalism, and weather if not protected
– Cable reach and routing must be designed to avoid trip hazards
– Foundation quality and drainage affect long-term stability and corrosion risk
– May require bollards or wheel stops to prevent vehicle collision damage
Related Glossary Terms
Pedestal Mounting
Charging Station Installation
Cable Management System
Ingress Protection (IP Rating)
IK Rating (Impact Protection)
Charging Bay Markings
Site Design Standards
Additional Charger Provision
Accessibility Requirements
OCPP