Outdoor EV chargers have to withstand a wide range of weather conditions, from heavy rain in the Netherlands to extreme heat in southern Spain. IK10 enclosures, combined with IP65/IP66 ratings, provide a double shield against physical and environmental damage. For example, an IP65-rated IK10 enclosure ensures that a charger remains dust-tight and resistant to water jets, making it ideal for coastal or high-rainfall areas.
This durability is critical for commercial applications, such as pantograph chargers for electric buses, which are exposed to the elements at bus stops. By preventing corrosion or water ingress, IK10 enclosures extend the life of chargers, ensuring consistent performance for fleet operators.
Physical damage to an EV charger can expose internal wiring or electronics, creating electrical hazards for users and technicians. IK10 enclosures prevent such risks by maintaining structural integrity under impact, ensuring compliance with safety standards such as UL 2231 (US) and EN 61851 (EU) for EV charging equipment. For example, a vandal-resistant enclosure will prevent a cracked enclosure from exposing a 400V DC circuit, protecting users in public spaces.
In addition, IK10 enclosures often include anti-theft features such as secure mounting systems that deter tampering and protect valuable components such as charging cables, which are a common target for theft due to their copper content.
The initial cost of an IK10 enclosure (typically €200-€1,000 more than standard enclosures) is offset by significant savings over time. By reducing the need for repairs or replacements, these enclosures reduce maintenance costs, which can account for 20-30% of a public charger’s lifetime costs, according to BloombergNEF. For companies operating large charging hubs, such as those for electric vans, this means an improved return on investment (ROI).
In addition, IK10 enclosures minimise downtime, ensuring that chargers remain operational for users. For a fleet of electric buses requiring 150kW depot chargers, even a single day of downtime can disrupt schedules and incur costs, making durability a critical factor.
The EU commercial vehicle sector is undergoing a major transformation, with electric buses leading the way. In Q1 2025, markets such as Germany and Sweden saw strong growth in electric bus registrations, driven by urban decarbonisation policies and the EU’s Clean Vehicles Directive, which mandates zero-emission public transport fleets. This surge is driving demand for high-power commercial chargers, such as 150-600kW DC stations, which require robust protection to operate reliably in high-traffic environments.
Electric buses rely on depot charging (overnight, 50-150 kW) and opportunity charging (fast, 300-600 kW) at bus stops. These chargers, often installed in exposed urban locations, are prime candidates for IK10 enclosures. For example, a pantograph charger in a busy transport hub needs to withstand pedestrian traffic, vehicle impacts and potential vandalism. An IK10 enclosure ensures that the charger remains functional, supporting uninterrupted service for buses with ranges of 200-300km.
Electric vans used for last-mile delivery and trucks increasingly used for regional freight transport are driving demand for distributed charging networks. The EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) requires a 150kW charger every 60km along TEN-T highways by 2025, many of which will be in public or semi-public locations. IK10 enclosures are essential for these chargers to protect against accidental impacts (e.g. from trucks manoeuvring in confined spaces) and ensure reliability for fleet operators.
For example, a 50kW DC charger in a logistics depot serving electric vans can benefit from an IK10 enclosure to prevent damage from forklifts or delivery vehicles, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring uptime for time-sensitive operations.
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At this ACT Expo, Joint Tech will unveil its latest advanced commercial Level 2 charging solution, designed to enhance the user experience. Meanwhile,powered by new technology, our commercial chargers effectively address multiple challenges encountered in real-world applications.
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