Structural Features of Outdoor Charging Stations

An outdoor floor-mounted charging pile is a fixed charging infrastructure designed for the safe and efficient delivery of electric power to electric vehicles (EVs) in open environments such as parking lots, residential complexes, commercial centers, and highway service areas. As EV usage continues to expand, these units serve as essential components of public and private charging networks.

A floor-mounted charging pile is typically anchored directly onto a concrete or reinforced base. The unit includes a metal or composite enclosure that houses electrical components such as circuit breakers, control systems, power modules, and communication interfaces. The structure is built to withstand outdoor conditions, offering protection from rain, dust, UV radiation, and physical impact.

An outdoor floor-mounted charging pile is a fixed electric vehicle charging station designed for installation in open areas like parking lots and residential complexes. It provides reliable power delivery, weather resistance, and user-friendly interfaces to support efficient and safe EV charging in various public and private settings.

The charging cable is either integrated with the pile or accessible through a connector port, allowing compatibility with various EV models. Some designs may also incorporate display screens, RFID readers, or QR codes for user authentication and billing.

Floor-mounted charging piles may support different charging modes based on their intended usage:

AC Charging: Suitable for long-duration parking, such as residential areas or office buildings. These units usually operate at lower power levels and are compatible with more EV models.

DC Fast Charging: Designed for quicker energy replenishment in commercial or transit-oriented locations. These systems require higher installation capacity and more advanced cooling or safety features.

The choice between AC and DC depends on the site’s infrastructure, user demand, and vehicle compatibility.

Many outdoor charging piles are equipped with communication modules for real-time data transmission. This enables features such as:

Remote Monitoring: Operators can check status, usage statistics, and fault alerts from a centralized platform.

User Authentication: Ensures secure access through smart cards, mobile apps, or vehicle identification.

Billing and Reporting: Energy consumption can be tracked and billed based on user accounts or time-based rates.

These functions support integration with larger charging networks and facilitate energy usage optimization.

Outdoor floor-mounted charging piles are widely used in:

Public Parking Areas: Providing EV users with access to charging in shopping centers, airports, and municipal zones.

Workplace Charging: Enabling employees to charge their vehicles during working hours.

Residential Communities: Supporting multi-user access in shared environments.

Transport Infrastructure: Installed at service stations, rest stops, and fleet depots for long-distance travel support.

Their visibility and accessibility make them suitable for high-traffic locations where frequent and unattended use is expected.

To ensure safe operation, charging piles are manufactured to comply with relevant electrical and environmental standards. Key safety features include:

Overcurrent and Short Circuit Protection

Ground Fault Detection

Temperature Monitoring

Emergency Stop Functionality

The enclosure typically meets ingress protection (IP) ratings, ensuring resistance against water and dust ingress.

Routine maintenance of a floor-mounted charging pile includes:

Checking cable wear and connector function

Inspecting enclosure seals and fasteners

Testing electrical components and communication modules

Cleaning displays and interfaces for user readability

Scheduled servicing extends the operational life and reduces the risk of unexpected failure.

Outdoor floor-mounted charging piles offer a practical and stable solution for expanding EV infrastructure. Their fixed design, multi-environment resilience, and functional capabilities make them well-suited for both private and public sector deployment.