Ground mounting is the installation method in which EV charging equipment is fixed to the ground using a dedicated support structure—most commonly a pedestal, bollard, or mounting post — anchored into concrete or a foundation system. Ground mounting is widely used for outdoor parking areas where wall mounting is not feasible or where chargers must be centrally positioned between parking bays.
What Is Ground Mounting?
In EV charging projects, ground mounting typically means:
– Installing a charger on a pedestal or stand bolted to a concrete base
– Mounting a charger to a bollard-style structure that also provides impact protection
– Fixing equipment to a ground frame designed for single or dual parking bays
– Routing power and communications through underground conduits to the mounting point
Ground mounting is common for AC charging at workplaces, retail car parks, hospitality sites, residential developments, and public destination charging.
Why Ground Mounting Matters in EV Infrastructure
Ground mounting determines both the physical usability and the long-term durability of a charging site. A well-designed ground mount improves:
– Accessibility and cable reach to parking bays
– Protection against vehicle impact and vandalism
– Weather resistance and mechanical stability over years of operation
– Clean cable routing and reduced trip hazards
– Maintenance access for service teams
For multi-charger deployments, ground mounting also helps standardize installation and replicate layouts across sites.
Typical Ground Mounting Options
Common configurations include:
– Single pedestal for one charge point in one parking bay
– Dual-sided pedestal for two charge points serving two adjacent bays
– Back-to-back mounting for installations between bays or lanes
– Bollard + charger setups combining mount and impact protection
– Canopy or curbside solutions where space, drainage, or accessibility constraints apply
Choice depends on parking layout, cable length, user flow, and local installation practices.
Foundation and Civil Works Requirements
Ground-mounted chargers usually require civil works to ensure stability and compliance:
– Concrete foundation or plinth sized for local soil and frost conditions
– Anchor bolts or base plate mounting with defined bolt patterns
– Underground conduit and ducting for power and data cables
– Drainage planning to avoid standing water around the base
– Grounding and equipotential bonding as required by electrical codes
– Parking bay marking and signage for safe user guidance
Correct foundation design is especially important in climates with freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads.
Key Installation Considerations
Ground mounting design affects safety, compliance, and user experience:
– Mounting height and reach to meet accessibility requirements
– Protection from vehicle strike using bollards or reinforced pedestals
– Cable management to reduce wear and prevent trip hazards
– IP-rated sealing of cable entries and base penetrations
– Thermal considerations for enclosures exposed to direct sun
– Service access for electrical panels, metering, and connectors
For networked chargers, reliable connectivity (Ethernet, cellular, or Wi-Fi) is also part of the ground-mounted site design.
Benefits and Limitations
Key benefits:
– Works in open parking areas without suitable walls
– Flexible placement to optimize bay coverage and cable reach
– Scales well for multi-bay deployments and public sites
– Can integrate protective features like bollards and cable management
Limitations to consider:
– Requires civil works and foundations, increasing installation time and cost
– Underground cable routing may be constrained by existing utilities
– Poor drainage or incorrect sealing can increase fault risk over time
– Must be planned carefully to avoid blocking pedestrian paths and vehicle movement
Related Glossary Terms
Pedestal Mount
Concrete Plinth
Concrete Foundations
Bollard Protection
Cable Management
Equipotential Bonding
Ingress Protection (IP Rating)
Commissioning Documentation
Parking Bay Layout
Site Survey