Demand For EV Charging Stations An Opportunity For Helical Pier Installers
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure continues to expand across the United States, creating opportunities not only for electrical contractors and charging equipment providers but also for the contractors responsible for supporting that infrastructure from the ground up.
For qualified foundation contractors and helical pier installers, EV charging station projects can represent another potential application for their equipment, training and installation expertise.
EV chargers and their supporting structures require stable foundations designed for site conditions and project loads. In many applications, helical foundations offer an efficient alternative to traditional poured-concrete foundations, particularly when minimizing excavation, site disruption and installation time is important.
For contractors already installing helical piers, EV charging infrastructure represents another market where those skills may be put to work.
EV Charging Infrastructure Continues to Expand
As more electric vehicles enter service, additional charging infrastructure is needed at businesses, workplaces, multifamily properties, fleet facilities, travel locations and other public and private sites.
Research cited by the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that supporting projected EV adoption by 2030 could require approximately 1.07 million public Level 2 charging ports and 182,000 publicly accessible DC fast-charging ports, in addition to private charging infrastructure.
For contractors, the important takeaway isn’t simply the number of chargers being installed. Each new charging location requires supporting infrastructure—and that can include foundations for charging equipment, lighting, canopies, signage and related structures.
That creates an opportunity for helical pier contractors to expand their capabilities into a growing infrastructure market.
Where Are EV Charging Stations Being Installed?
EV charging is no longer limited to a few dedicated charging locations. Chargers can be incorporated into many types of properties, including:
- Retail centers and shopping areas
- Office and workplace parking lots
- Hotels and restaurants
- Multifamily developments
- Municipal properties
- Fleet and transportation facilities
- Highway and travel locations
- Commercial and industrial properties
- College and university campuses
- Parking garages and parking lots
Many of these projects take place on developed properties where minimizing excavation, debris, vibration and downtime can be especially important.
That’s where helical foundations can offer contractors and project teams some significant advantages.
Why Use Helical Piers for EV Charging Station Foundations?
Traditional poured-concrete foundations can require excavation, forming, concrete placement and curing before additional work can continue.
Helical foundations take a different approach.
Helical piles and anchors are mechanically advanced into the soil using hydraulic installation equipment. Depending on the system and application, this approach can reduce excavation and eliminate the waiting period associated with concrete curing.
For an active parking lot, retail property or other developed site, reducing disruption can be an important project consideration.
Benefits of helical foundations for EV charging infrastructure can include:
Faster installation: Helical foundations can be installed without waiting for poured concrete to cure before the foundation is ready for the next stage of construction.
Minimal excavation: Installation requires relatively little excavation compared with many conventional foundation methods.
No excavated spoils: Because soil does not need to be removed for a typical helical installation, contractors have less material to haul away or dispose of.
Immediate loading capability: Properly installed helical foundations can provide structural capacity immediately following installation.
Installation torque feedback: Contractors can monitor installation torque as the foundation advances, providing valuable information used in evaluating installation and capacity requirements.
Adaptability to varying soil conditions: Helical configurations can be selected based on project requirements and subsurface conditions.
Installation in developed areas: Compact installation equipment and limited excavation can make helical systems particularly useful for existing parking lots and commercial properties where access and disruption are concerns.
All-weather installation: Helical systems can be installed in a wide range of weather conditions, helping contractors reduce some of the scheduling limitations associated with conventional concrete work.
How Do Helical Foundations Support EV Charging Stations?
Every project is different, and the foundation system should be selected based on engineering requirements, structural loads, subsurface conditions and the equipment being supported.
In general, the process begins with understanding the project’s loads and soil conditions.
The appropriate helical foundation is then selected and mechanically advanced into the soil. During installation, torque is monitored as the foundation reaches the required depth and competent load-bearing soil.
Once the specified installation criteria are achieved and the foundation is properly terminated, the charging equipment or supporting structure can be connected to the foundation according to the project’s design.
The basic process can be summarized as:
Evaluate Site Conditions → Determine Foundation Requirements → Select the Helical System → Install and Monitor Torque → Verify Installation Requirements → Attach the Supporting Structure
This approach gives contractors valuable feedback during installation rather than relying solely on what was expected before work began.
What Happens When Soil Conditions Are Different Than Expected?
Subsurface conditions do not always match expectations.
One advantage of a helical foundation system is the ability to respond to changing conditions during installation.
Installation torque provides contractors with real-time information as the pier or anchor advances through the soil. If conditions vary from what was anticipated or the required installation criteria are not achieved, the foundation configuration can be reevaluated.
Depending on the project and engineering requirements, that could involve adjusting the installation depth, helix configuration or foundation selection.
ECP’s helical systems give trained contractors multiple options for addressing varying soil and load requirements while minimizing unnecessary material waste and project delays.
Helical Foundations vs. Poured Concrete for EV Charging Infrastructure
The appropriate foundation depends on the individual project, but understanding the differences can help contractors and project teams evaluate their options.
| Project Consideration | Helical Foundation | Poured Concrete Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation | Typically minimal | Excavation generally required |
| Concrete Cure Time | None | Cure time required |
| Excavated Spoils | Minimal to none | Soil typically must be removed |
| Loading | Can be immediate after proper installation | Dependent on concrete curing requirements |
| Installation Feedback | Torque can be monitored during installation | Primarily dependent on design and concrete placement |
| Developed Sites | Can minimize site disruption | Excavation, concrete trucks and curing may affect site access |
| Changing Soil Conditions | Configuration may be adaptable based on installation conditions | Changes may require additional excavation or redesign |
| Weather Considerations | Can be installed under a wide range of conditions | Weather and temperature can affect concrete placement and curing |
Neither foundation method is automatically right for every project. Loads, soil conditions, structural requirements, access and engineering specifications should determine the appropriate solution.
For suitable EV charging projects, however, helical foundations can provide an efficient option with significant installation advantages.
ECP Foundation Solutions for EV Charging Stations
Earth Contact Products manufactures foundation products for a wide range of commercial, industrial and infrastructure applications.
ECP’s Light Pole Support Anchors can be used for applications that include EV charging stations, lighting and other site infrastructure.
These systems are designed to provide contractors with an efficient foundation solution while reducing excavation and eliminating concrete cure time.
For projects requiring different capacities or configurations, ECP offers additional helical pier systems designed to accommodate a range of soil and structural conditions.
ECP’s steel foundation products are also Made in America, giving contractors access to domestically manufactured foundation solutions backed by ECP’s technical expertise and support.
Expand Your Company’s Capabilities With Helical Pier Training
EV charging infrastructure is one example of how helical foundation expertise can open doors to work beyond traditional residential foundation repair.
But successful installation requires more than owning the right equipment.
Contractors need to understand soil conditions, installation torque, loads, equipment selection, product configuration and proper installation procedures.
ECP provides helical pier training designed to give contractors practical knowledge they can apply in the field.
Training covers important topics related to helical foundation installation, helping contractors better understand both the products they install and the engineering principles behind them.
For members of the ECP contractor network, training and technical support can help contractors expand their capabilities and confidently pursue additional applications for helical foundation systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helical Piers for EV Charging Stations
Yes. Helical foundation systems can be used to support EV charging infrastructure when appropriate for the project’s loads, soil conditions and engineering requirements. ECP specifically identifies EV charging stations as an application for its Light Pole Support Anchors.
Helical foundations can reduce excavation and eliminate concrete cure time while providing immediate structural capacity following proper installation. These characteristics can be particularly beneficial at active parking lots, retail centers and other developed properties where minimizing disruption is important.
Installation time depends on the foundation configuration, soil conditions, equipment access and scope of the project. Unlike poured concrete foundations, however, helical foundations do not require a concrete curing period before providing load-bearing capacity.
Helical systems can be designed for a variety of subsurface conditions. The pier or anchor is advanced through the soil toward suitable load-bearing strata while installation torque is monitored. Final foundation selection and installation requirements should be based on site conditions, loads and project engineering.
Yes, helical foundations can be particularly useful on developed commercial sites. Their relatively small installation footprint, limited excavation and lack of excavated spoils can help minimize disruption to existing parking lots and surrounding operations.
Before installation, contractors must account for underground utilities, pavement conditions, equipment access, soil conditions and project-specific engineering requirements.
ECP’s Light Pole Support Anchors specifically include EV charging stations among their potential applications. Other ECP helical products may also be appropriate depending on the loads, soil conditions and engineering requirements of a particular project.
Contractors should work with ECP and the project’s engineering professionals to determine the appropriate product and configuration.
Yes. ECP offers professional training covering helical foundation systems and installation. Training helps contractors understand subjects such as soil conditions, installation equipment, torque, loads and proper installation practices.
Turn EV Charging Infrastructure Into Another Opportunity for Your Business
The expansion of EV charging infrastructure creates opportunities throughout the construction industry—including for qualified helical foundation contractors.
For contractors already installing helical systems, EV charging stations can represent another way to put existing equipment, training and expertise to work. For companies considering entering the helical foundation market, applications such as EV charging infrastructure demonstrate just how versatile these systems can be.
The opportunity goes beyond installing a single type of foundation. Developing expertise in helical systems can position contractors to pursue work across commercial, municipal and infrastructure markets.
ECP provides American-made helical foundation products, contractor training and technical support to help foundation professionals take on demanding projects with confidence.
Contact ECP to learn more about helical foundation solutions for EV charging infrastructure or how becoming part of the ECP contractor network can help expand your company’s capabilities.