EV Charger Foundations
When it comes to installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, contractors face a choice between traditional wet pour concrete foundations and innovative modular systems like the Charge-M8 EV Kube.
Here we examine why contractors may choose either solution and the implications this has on EV charger installation projects, costs, and deployment timelines.
EV Charger Foundations
When it comes to installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, contractors face a choice between traditional wet pour concrete foundations and innovative modular systems like the Charge-M8 EV Kube.
Here we examine why contractors may choose either solution and the implications this has on EV charger installation projects, costs, and deployment timelines.
Traditional Concrete EV Charger Foundations
The most common installation method remains the wet pour concrete foundation – a technique contractors have relied upon for decades.
Whilst proven and familiar, this approach introduces challenges that frequently cause delays and escalate project costs.
The concrete curing period necessitates multiple site visits, with installations extending between 7 and 28 days depending on weather conditions. Winter installations face particular difficulties, as low temperatures prevent proper curing and compromise structural integrity.
The process requires palletised delivery, forklift access, concrete mixer trucks, and specialist contractors – making installations in constrained urban locations, car parks, or remote sites particularly challenging.
Additional risks include animal interference during curing, accidental damage to uncured concrete, and inconsistent dimensions from wooden shuttering.
Charge-M8 EV Kube: Composite, Modular and Environmentally Friendly EV Foundation
Modular EV Charger Foundations
The alternative to traditional methods is a modular foundation system that eliminates wet concrete entirely.
The Charge-M8 EV Kube is engineered for same-day installation. Contractors excavate the required depth, position the modular base, and connect the charging equipment – all within a single site visit.
The flat-pack design enables courier delivery directly to sites, removing the need for cranes or forklifts. Components are designed for manual handling, allowing installation without heavy lifting equipment.
Modular foundations deliver consistent, predictable installations regardless of weather. The non-conductive composite construction provides electrical safety benefits crucial for high-power charging infrastructure, whilst the mounting system adapts to different charger models as technology evolves.
Environmental considerations increasingly influence foundation selection. Modular systems use significantly less material than concrete bases, eliminate cement-related CO₂ emissions, and support circular economy principles through recyclable composite materials.
Cost Comparison
Traditional concrete costs comprise materials, formwork, concrete supply, curing time, and multiple contractor visits. Projects must budget for weather delays and extended site occupation.
Modular foundation costs include the system itself plus single-visit installation labour.
Whilst initial costs may appear comparable, the total project cost shifts when factoring in elimination of multi-day occupation, removal of weather delays, reduced labour hours, and immediate commissioning enabling faster revenue generation.
For multi-site rollouts, these advantages compound significantly.
Overview
With comparable upfront costs, the choice between foundation types balances familiarity against performance.
Contractors choosing modular foundations like the Charge-M8 EV Kube gain three decisive advantages:
Manual installation without heavy equipment – flat-pack delivery and sub-20kg components enable single-person assembly, eliminating cranes, forklifts, and specialist plant
Rapid deployment with universal compatibility – same-day installation works with industry-standard charging posts, payment terminals, and AC/DC equipment across multiple sites simultaneously
Durable, sustainable materials – non-conductive, corrosion-resistant composites deliver decades of performance whilst eliminating concrete’s environmental impact
As the UK’s EV charging network expands to meet 2030 targets, the infrastructure enabling rapid, reliable deployment will prove as critical as the chargers themselves.
