How can wheel stops protect your EV charging stations?

Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels in the transportation sector.

Discover the use of wheel stops to safeguard EV charging infrastructure. We will discuss wheel stop materials, benefits, designs, installation processes, and maintenance considerations.

The goal is to evaluate wheel stops as an effective means of physically securing charging points and addressing barriers hindering broader EV market growth.

What is an EV charging station wheel stop?

A wheel stop is a durable curb or barrier placed to prevent vehicle access and absorb vehicle impact. Wheel stops are commonly used to mark parking spaces and prevent vehicles from rolling over the curb or hitting other objects.

Wheel stops can also be used to protect EV charging infrastructure from accidental or intentional damage by vehicles. They are made of various materials, such as concrete, recycled rubber, steel, or aluminium, which have different properties and advantages.

Wheel stops are anchored to the pavement with bolts, pins, or chains, which provide stability and security.

Concrete wheel stops

Concrete wheel stops are the most traditional and widely used type of wheel stops, as they are strong and resistant to weather and impact. They are suitable for permanent installations, as they are difficult to remove or relocate.

However, concrete wheel stops can be heavy and bulky, which can make them challenging to transport and install. They can also crack or chip over time, which can affect their appearance and performance.

Recycled rubber wheel stops

Recycled rubber wheel stops are made of recycled tires, which makes them eco-friendly and cost-effective.

They are suitable for temporary or movable installations, as they are easy to transport and install. They can also be customized in various colours and sizes, to suit different preferences and needs.

However, recycled rubber wheel stops can be susceptible to fading and tearing, which can affect their appearance and durability. They can also be less stable and secure than concrete wheel stops, as they can be bent or broken by strong forces.

Steel and aluminium wheel stops

Steel and aluminium wheel stops are made of metal materials, which give them lightness and flexibility.

They are suitable for flexible or emergency installations, as they can be taken out or lowered when needed. They can also allow emergency vehicle access, which can be crucial in case of fire or other emergencies.

However, steel and aluminium wheel stops can be more expensive and complex than other types of wheel stops, as they require additional mechanisms and maintenance. They can also be prone to corrosion and rust, which can affect their appearance and durability.

Protection benefits of wheel stops

Wheel stops offer several protection benefits for EV charging infrastructure.

First, they clearly designate parking spaces and charging station zones, which can help drivers find the right space and avoid obstructing traffic.

They can also comply with regulations and codes, such as ADA standards and fire codes, which can prevent injuries or damages to users or third parties.

Second, they absorb shocks and damage from accidental brushes or intentional incidents, which can damage the charging equipment and cables.

Wheel stops are made of durable materials, such as concrete, recycled rubber, steel, or aluminium, which can withstand impact and weather.

They also create a physical barrier between the charging infrastructure and the surrounding vehicles or pedestrians, which can prevent collisions or mishaps.

Third, they secure charging cables and power transfer connections on-site, which can prevent unauthorized use or theft of the charging service.

Wheel stops can be locked or opened with a key, a card, or a code, which can restrict access to authorized users only. They can also secure the charging cables and hardware, which can prevent tripping or entanglement hazards.

Wheel stop designs

Wheel stops have various designs that can suit different landscapes and preferences.

First, they have rectangular, circular, or angular shapes, which can fit different spaces and layouts. Rectangular wheel stops are the most common and standard shape, as they are easy to install and use.

Circular wheel stops are more compact and discreet, as they have a smaller footprint and a smoother appearance. Angular wheel stops are more distinctive and stylish, as they have a sharper and more modern look.

Second, they have high-visibility paint schemes, which can aid navigation and accessibility. High-visibility paint schemes can be applied to the surface of the wheel stops, or they can be embedded in the material.

They can also come in various colours, such as yellow, white, or blue, to match the colour of the charging infrastructure or the surroundings.

Third, they have drainage holes, which can prevent water from collecting on surfaces.

Drainage holes can be drilled or moulded into the wheel stops, which can allow water to drain away from the wheel stops and the charging infrastructure. This can prevent flooding or freezing hazards, as well as corrosion or rust.

Installation methods

Installation methods vary depending on the type of wheel stop and the site conditions.

First, surface mounts with anchoring bolts are the simplest and quickest method for installing wheel stops over asphalt. Surface mounts with anchoring bolts are suitable for temporary or movable installations, as they can be relocated or removed as needed.

Surface mounts

To install surface-mounted wheel stops, the site must be levelled and cleaned, and a baseplate must be attached to the wheel stop.

Then, the wheel stop must be positioned on the surface and secured with bolts through the baseplate. The installation process can be quick and simple, and it may not require professional assistance or equipment.

Below-ground installations

Second, below-ground installations with secure concrete footings are the most stable and durable method for installing wheel stops over any surface.

Below-ground installations with secure concrete footings are suitable for permanent installations, as they are difficult to remove or relocate.

To install below-ground wheel stops, the site must be excavated to a certain depth, and a concrete footing must be poured and cured.

Then, the wheel stop must be inserted into the footing and secured with bolts or grout. The installation process can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, and it may require professional assistance and equipment.

Adjustable or stackable models

Third, adjustable or stackable models are the most versatile and flexible method for installing wheel stops over any surface.

Adjustable or stackable models are suitable for flexible or emergency installations, as they can be adjusted or stacked to fit minimum space requirements.

To install adjustable or stackable wheel stops, the site must be levelled and cleaned, and a baseplate must be attached to the wheel stop.

Then, the wheel stop must be positioned on the surface and adjusted or stacked to the desired height or width. The installation process can be moderate and straightforward, and it may require some professional assistance or equipment.

Maintenance and durability

Maintenance and durability are important factors to consider when choosing wheel stops for EV charging points. Wheel stops should be able to withstand repeated impacts and exposure to the elements, and they should also be easy to repair or replace if needed.

Wheel stops made of concrete, recycled rubber, steel, or aluminium have different maintenance and durability characteristics, which can affect their performance and lifespan.

Concrete wheel stops

Concrete wheel stops are durable and long-lasting, especially when installed indoors, as they are protected from exposure to the elements.

However, concrete wheel stops can crack or chip over time, especially when installed outdoors and exposed to the sun, rain, snow, and other natural elements.

Concrete wheel stops can also be difficult to repair or replace, as they require excavating and pouring new concrete. Concrete wheel stops may also need regular cleaning and painting to maintain their appearance and visibility.

Recycled rubber wheel stops

Recycled rubber wheel stops are corrosion and ultraviolet-resistant, which extend their product lifetimes. They can also absorb impact and maintain their shape and function over repeat hits.

Recycled rubber wheel stops are easy to repair or replace, as they can be removed and reinstalled with simple tools. Recycled rubber wheel stops may also need occasional cleaning and painting to maintain their appearance and visibility.

Steel wheel stops

Steel wheel stops are corrosion and ultraviolet-resistant, which extend their product lifetimes. They can also withstand impact and resist bending or breaking over repeat hits.

Steel wheel stops are easy to repair or replace, as they can be removed and reinstalled with simple tools. Steel wheel stops may also need regular cleaning and painting to maintain their appearance and visibility.

Aluminium wheel stops

Aluminium wheel stops are corrosion and ultraviolet-resistant, which extend their product lifetimes. They can also withstand impact and resist bending or breaking over repeat hits.

Aluminium wheel stops are easy to repair or replace, as they can be removed and reinstalled with simple tools. Aluminium wheel stops may also need occasional cleaning and painting to maintain their appearance and visibility.

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