April 1, 2025
Accelerating EV Charging Expansion: The Advantages of Platform-Based Depots
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, the demand for a robust charging infrastructure is also growing. Traditional methods of building charging stations, especially in established sites, can be slow, costly, and disruptive. This creates delays in expanding the necessary charging networks. Platform-based designs for EV charging—like the DC-America platforms offered in partnership with Oldcastle Infrastructure—provide an innovative, faster, cost-effective, and scalable solution to meet the rising demand for charging stations.
Cost Efficiency and Faster Deployment
Platform-based designs bring significant savings in both cost and time. These prefabricated, standardized platforms eliminate the high costs typically associated with custom-built stations. They are flexible enough to fit various locations while meeting specific customer needs, offering a combination of affordability and adaptability. Standardizing platform sizes and manufacturing processes reduces material waste and lowers labor costs. This approach can reduce construction costs by up to 15% and cut installation time by as much as 50%, accelerating deployment and ensuring charging stations are installed where they’re most needed.
Simplified Engineering and Installation
Platform-based designs also streamline engineering and installation processes. Constructed with high-quality U.S.-made steel and featuring simplified electrical systems, these platforms reduce complexity. Most Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) uses similar designs, making wiring integration easier. The platforms include an enclosed raceway for electrical and communication cables and a single-point power connection, enhancing installation efficiency. This not only cuts labor costs but also speeds up the process, enabling stations to start operating sooner.
Reduced Site Work and Rapid Deployment
Traditional construction often requires extensive site preparation, including removing asphalt, pouring concrete, and laying conduit. Platform-based designs require minimal site preparation, significantly reducing installation time and costs. Additionally, they reduce material waste and environmental impact. Since these platforms are pre-manufactured and pre-commissioned in climate-controlled facilities, weather conditions are less likely to delay installation, making the process more reliable.
One of the key benefits of platform-based depots is their rapid deployment. Delivered as fully assembled units, these platforms only need to be offloaded, set in place, and anchored. This process can be completed within hours, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. The quick setup accelerates return on investment (ROI) and ensures that charging stations are operational almost immediately.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
In addition to being cost-effective and fast, platform-based depots are scalable and adaptable to future needs. These systems can easily be relocated, expanded, or upgraded as demand increases or as new technologies emerge. Operators can add new platforms to increase the number of chargers or upgrade existing ones to accommodate future advancements in charging technology. The modular design also allows for easy equipment replacement without requiring extensive demolition, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.
Moreover, platform-based depots offer ample customization options, including features such as lighting, cameras, and photovoltaic canopies, which enhance the user experience and further reduce construction time and costs. This flexibility ensures that charging stations remain efficient, functional, and adaptable for years to come.
A Critical Role in EV Infrastructure Expansion
As the EV market grows, platform-based depots will play a crucial role in expanding the charging infrastructure. These systems provide a cost-effective, efficient, and scalable solution that accelerates deployment while minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment. Innovations like the DC-America platform, in partnership with Oldcastle Infrastructure, are helping deliver faster ROI, shorter installation times, and long-term sustainability.
Platform-based EV charging depots are helping create a more accessible and efficient transportation network, ensuring that the growing needs of the electric vehicle market are met with speed, affordability, and future-proof flexibility.
We’re here to help with your EV charging projects across the US. Visit EV Charging Infrastructure Solutions Center to access a wealth of resources and discover our extensive and adaptable product range.
