EV Infrastructure Protection: A Purpose-Designed Solution for Woolworths

Client: Woolworths New Zealand

Project Name: Commercial EV Charging Hub

Location: Penrose, Auckland

Solutions used: SlowStop Energy Absorbing Bollards (141mm dia), Heavy Duty Truck Wheel Stops

Challenge

As Woolworths New Zealand continues to expand its electric delivery-truck fleet, its Penrose eStore is now home to the company’s first purpose-built fast-charging hub designed specifically for home delivery operations.

With 15 dedicated 50kW fast-charging units installed across 15 charging bays, protecting this significant infrastructure from accidental vehicle impact was important to get right.

The protection system needed to work within a busy operational environment, where large delivery vehicles regularly reverse into charging positions and available space is limited.

It was clear this called for something more advanced than a standard steel bollard placed in front of each charging unit. So, Woolworths engaged Vanguard to develop a practical, fit-for-purpose vehicle impact protection solution.

Assessment

The solution needed to work with the way the site operates, rather than restrict it.

Vanguard worked with Woolworths to understand how trucks would interact with the charging infrastructure during everyday operations. Factors considered were vehicle movements, reversing paths, charger positions, available clearance and required parking positions.

The objective was to create a clear and repeatable parking position that would:

  • Allow delivery trucks to reverse far enough to safely connect to the chargers.
  • Prevent vehicles from getting close enough to impact the charging equipment.
  • Provide drivers with a clearly defined reversing and parking reference.
  • Protect the infrastructure without unnecessarily restricting operational space.

Solution

Working alongside the Woolworths team, Vanguard designed, supplied and installed a vehicle impact protection system tailored to the site’s requirements.

The solution for each individual charging space included:

The truck wheel stops are made from a much more dense and durable rubber than typical wheel stops, and are almost twice the weight. They are designed for repeated heavy vehicle impact, meaning they are guaranteed to last.

Similarly, SlowStop bollards are energy absorbing and impact resistant meaning they are designed to get to hit, flex and return to their original position. Because they absorb the impact energy, the bollard takes the impact preserving the concrete floor and reducing ongoing maintenance issues from repeated impacts.

By combining a positive wheel stop with strategically positioned impact-resistant bollards, the system provides both a clear stopping point for drivers and two layers of physical protection standing between vehicles and the charging equipment.

Outcome

The completed solution integrates into the day-to-day operation of the charging hub while helping protect Woolworths’ investment in its electric delivery infrastructure.

By considering the actual interaction between vehicles and equipment at the design stage, Vanguard was able to deliver a robust, purpose-designed solution that balances safety, protection and operational functionality.

We are proud to have played a part in this significant project with Woolworths New Zealand and to support the continued development of more sustainable commercial delivery infrastructure.