EV Utility vs Retention Socket Foundations
Expanding the NAL universal EV foundation portfolio
Not every EV infrastructure project requires the same foundation approach.
Some projects demand the full flexibility and heritage of NAL retention socket systems. Others need a faster, more cost-effective solution that still delivers performance.
EV Utility has been developed to meet that need.
By introducing EV Utility, NAL now offers a broader EV infrastructure portfolio than ever before. In turn, specifiers and contractors can select the optimal solution based on their project requirements, installation constraints, and long-term infrastructure strategy.
Here’s a closer look at how the new EV Utility foundation compares to the universal EV foundation based on our NAL retention socket.
Built to complement, not replace
EV Utility now sits alongside NAL’s established retention socket foundation range. These products provide two engineered approaches to universal EV foundations:
Maximum flexibility, longevity, demountable infrastructure, shallow depth option available, reduced surface-level footprint.
Simplified installation, standardised design, cost-efficient deployments at scale.
While both solutions are designed to make EV rollouts more efficient, each is optimised for different project priorities.
The differences: product design
Retention socket foundations
Retention socket foundations use the industry-approved NAL retention socket system, allowing charge units to be removed, replaced, or upgraded without disturbing the surrounding civils.
The socket foundation supports all levels of charging dispensers through 3 unique solutions:
- Level 1 – 76-115mm duckfoot bend retention sockets
- Level 2 – 168mm shallow foundation sockets
- Level 3 – 219-273mm featuring STAKKAbox™ Modula chamber base
Installation of the charger is carried out by installing the appropriate manufacturer's adapter plate into the retention socket, easily accessing the required utility cables and securing the charger to the adapter plate.
Overall, you get:
- A premium foundation, designed for longevity
- A reduced, visual footprint, preserving site aesthetics
- Shallow depth installation available for level 2 chargers
EV Utility
EV Utility uses simplified components: a lightweight STAKKAbox™ Utility chamber, combined with a bespoke steel adaptor plate. This universal design offers the flexibility and consistency to suit multiple site layouts and accept charger configurations from all OEMs.
EV Utility supports levels 2-3 charging through 3 defining chamber dimensions:
- Level 1 - 450²
- Level 2 - 450²/ 600²
- Level 3- 600² /800²
Its larger footprint (compared to the reduced-retention socket approach) comes with the added benefit of an increased clear opening. This allows for greater access to the duct network, while supporting the larger bending radius of cables required for level 2/3 chargers – in turn simplifying cable pulling.
Overall, you get:
- Faster, safer, and more cost-effective EV charger installations
- Standardised foundation designs, for simpler specification and on-site delivery
- A rapid solution with reduced components and repeatable installations
Support for both central and off-set cable entry
The similarities: reduced civils for your EV infrastructure project
With either solution – our new EV Utility or the heritage NAL retention socket – you’re still unlocking many of the same core benefits. Both options:
- Are quickly and easily installed without additional plant or HIAB
- Offer simplified cabling installation
- Allow civils work to be completed prior to charge unit installation
- Provide futureproofing with interchangeable adapter plates
- Can flex around multiple site layouts and OEMs
So, how do you know which solution is right for you?
Applications: EV Utility vs retention socket
Every EV project will be different, and we’re happy to advise based on your custom requirements. As a general guide, though, our foundations now cover both premium and standard needs.
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Retention socket foundations provide a premium option, particularly suited to:
- Sites where maintaining a surrounding aesthetic is important
- On-street/residential street chargers
- Locations with installation depth limitations (level 2)
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Meanwhile, EV Utility is a highly versatile solution that’s best suited for:
- Standardised EV deployments at scale
- Large-scale hubs (such as forecourts, service stations etc)
- Cost-sensitive projects with rapid rollout requirements
A broader EV foundation offering
By expanding the EV foundation portfolio, NAL now provides greater flexibility across EV infrastructure projects.
Whether the priority is maximum flexibility or simplified deployment, we offer a foundation solution engineered to meet the requirement.
Get in touch to discuss how we can support your EV infrastructure project using one of these two approaches – both with the same NAL standard.
