Modular street charging is an approach to deploying on-street EV charging infrastructure that uses modular, serviceable building blocks—both at the charger level (replaceable components) and at the street network level (repeatable layouts). The goal is to make curbside charging easier to scale, faster to maintain, and simpler to upgrade without repeated civil works.
Why modular street charging matters
On-street environments are costly to modify and difficult to service. Modularity helps by:
– Enabling quick replacement of key parts (controller, metering, sockets, comms) to improve uptime
– Reducing street disruption and repair time, lowering MTTR
– Allowing phased rollout: start small, expand by repeating the same “street module.”
– Supporting technology upgrades (connectivity, billing compliance, authentication) over time
– Improving lifecycle cost and reducing stranded assets in changing regulatory environments
What is modular in street charging
Modularity is typically applied across two layers:
Charger modularity (inside the unit)
– Communication module (LTE/Ethernet, SIM, antennas)
– Controller / control PCB and firmware platform
– Metering module (often MID metering for public billing)
– User interface (RFID, QR/NFC, LEDs, display)
– Socket or cable assembly (Type 2 outlet, shutters, seals)
– Protection elements designed for service access (RCD, surge protection)
Street network modularity (how it’s deployed)
– Repeatable bay designs with standardized signage, markings, bollards, and cable management
– Standard cabinet/post combinations (for example, one cabinet feeding multiple sockets)
– Pre-defined electrical and civil templates (ducting routes, foundations, feeder sizing)
– Reserved capacity for expansion (spare ducts, panel space, connection allowances)
Common modular street charging configurations
– Lamp-post charging with modular control and socket assemblies
– Pedestal curbside chargers in repeatable bay layouts
– Kerbside power cabinets feeding multiple charge points along a street segment
– Clustered curbside bays near destinations (retail, mixed-use, municipal parking)
Design considerations for modular curbside deployments
A successful modular street charging program typically prioritizes:
– Outdoor durability: suitable IP ratings and high IK impact protection
– Safety: trip-hazard control, clear EV bay marking, accessible reach ranges
– Service access: front-access maintenance to reduce road closures and permit time
– Connectivity resilience: LTE reliability, remote diagnostics, and strong monitoring
– Power control: load management to stay within feeder limits and reduce upgrade cost
– Payment readiness: support for ad-hoc payment expectations and clear pricing display
Operational benefits
– Faster repairs through swap-based maintenance and standardized spare modules
– Lower O&M cost per charger in large municipal networks
– Easier training and consistent commissioning across repeatable street modules
– Better network performance monitoring via CPMS and consistent data models
– Simplified upgrades as regulations evolve (metering, payment access, security)
Challenges and limitations
– Higher upfront design effort to standardize street modules and approvals
– Permitting and traffic management still required for many interventions
– Compatibility management across module revisions and firmware versions
– Public enforcement issues (ICEing, bay misuse) can reduce availability without clear rules
– Grid constraints can still limit expansion without capacity planning
Related glossary terms
Curbside charging
Lamp-post chargers
Kerbside power cabinets
Public accessibility charging
Maintenance access planning
Mean Time To Repair (MTTR)
Uptime
Load management
MID metering
OCPP