Independent University Study: Evaluating the Structural Performance of EV Kube Modular EV Charger Foundation

Study Overview

Prior to the commercial launch of EV Kube, Charge-M8 collaborated with researchers from the University of Manchester School of Engineering to independently assess the structural stability and real-world performance of the system.

Charge-M8 researched wind-tunnel facilities across the UK and, through the Greater Manchester Growth Hub Innovation Scheme, established a working relationship with the University of Manchester team.

Central Research Question

To evaluate this, two independent engineering studies were undertaken to analyse the structural performance and practical advantages of the EV Kube modular foundation system.

Methodology

Two complementary engineering studies were designed to cover both analytical load assessment and advanced simulation-based validation:

Mechanical engineering analysis evaluated critical real-world loading scenarios, including:

• Wind loading acting on charger posts and equipment
• Structural response of the EV Kube foundation system
• Potential vehicle impact scenarios in public car parks
• Stability performance under different backfill methods and soil conditions

The analysis compared overturning loads generated by wind and impact forces against the resisting moment provided by the EV Kube foundation system, validating the system's mechanical integrity across a range of demanding scenarios.

The second study extended the analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model the precise interaction between wind and installed charging infrastructure. Researchers simulated airflow around EV charger stations under varying wind speeds and approach angles using advanced turbulence modelling.

Key areas of investigation included:

• Realistic atmospheric wind profiles and boundary layer behaviour
• Aerodynamic forces acting on the charger structure
• Wake behaviour and vortex shedding behind the charger body
• Surface pressure distribution across the equipment

These simulations enabled critical wind scenarios to be identified and the analytical calculations from Study 1 to be independently validated.

Key Findings from Independent University Testing

• EV Kube withstands wind speeds equivalent to a severe tropical storm, achieving a structural safety factor of nearly 2.0
• Structural stability validated across all tested wind speeds, angles, and turbulence conditions
• Foundation system resisting moment exceeds overturning loads generated by both wind and vehicle impact scenarios
• Performance confirmed across multiple backfill methods and soil conditions
• Results validated using industry-leading CFD analysis by the University of Manchester

What This Means for Installers & Infrastructure Developers

For installers and infrastructure developers, foundation systems directly affect:

• Installation time and programme certainty
• Total project cost and groundworks requirements
• Health & safety risk on site
• Environmental impact and site disruption

Traditional concrete foundations typically require heavy plant, wet-pour processes, cure times, and significant surface disruption. The University of Manchester findings support what the industry is already discovering in the field: EV Kube removes these barriers without compromising structural integrity.

Because the system is modular and lightweight, installers consistently benefit from:

• Faster deployment, no concrete cure times
• Reduced groundworks, minimal excavation required
• Lower transport and logistics costs
• Simplified installation across a wide range of ground conditions

From the Charge-M8 Team

Continuous Product Development

Charge-M8 is not resting on the results of this research. A third stage of testing is planned for later this year, using a full-scale wind tunnel facility, large enough to physically accommodate the product, moving beyond CFD modelling to real-world scaled testing. This ongoing programme of independent validation reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a modular EV charging foundation can deliver.

Summary

Independent analysis with the University of Manchester confirms that EV Kube is:

• Structurally stable under demanding real-world wind and impact loads
• Fast to install with no concrete or wet-pour processes required
• Lightweight to transport, reducing logistics cost and carbon footprint
• Durable and corrosion-resistant across a range of environments
• Independently validated by a leading UK research university

All without the environmental impact and operational complexity of traditional concrete bases.

Learn More

Discover how EV Kube can reduce installation time and total project cost for your EV charging infrastructure.