How to Start an EV Charging Business
To start an EV charging business, research local market demand, regulations, and incentives, then secure funding through loans, grants, or investors and select high-traffic locations like retail areas or highways.
Partner with reliable charger manufacturers to install equipment, ensuring compliance with electrical and safety standards, and integrate payment systems for seamless operations. Market your stations via EV apps, social media, and partnerships, while offering competitive pricing and amenities to attract users and build revenue.
So, let’s plug into a few ways adding an EV charging station to your business can enhance brand recognition and electrify your revenue.
Why Do You Need a Public EV Charging Station?
EV charging stations attract a wider demographic to your business and shows your commitment to sustainability, aligning you with eco-conscious consumers. Additionally, EV charging stations can lead to longer visits and repeat customers. And because you can enhance your brand by tapping into an expanding customer market that prefers businesses that embrace green practices.
Here’s something we all know—more traffic is good for business. So get those EV drivers in your parking spaces.
Incentives & Funding For Public EV Charging Stations
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)
With $5 billion in federal funding available for EV charging systems, the Department of Transportation (DoT) stepped in with guidelines around who could apply for funding. Funding applicants must meet the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure standard, designed to promote interconnected EV infrastructure along federal highways, but any system that uses Title 23 federal funds must meet it no matter its location. NEVI covers topics such as eligible charger types, payment processing, cybersecurity, data privacy, and labor rules.
Learn more about EV Connect’s NEVI-approved charging platform to run your business
30% Federal Tax Credit
The 30C federal tax credit covers 30% of EV charging station and installation costs, including building permit fees, upgrades to hardware, and electrician’s fees. The credit is capped at $100,000 per charger for businesses.
State and Utility Charging Rebate Programs & Incentives
Take advantage of over $5 billion in active federal & state government and local utility incentive programs supporting EV charging for businesses. Visit our Incentives page to learn more.
For example, the Fast Charge California Project is a $55 million incentive program launched by the California Energy Commission to expand the state’s DC fast charging infrastructure. Incentives cover up to 100% of approved project costs, including $55,000 per charging port for 150–274.99 kW rated DC fast chargers and $100,000 per port for 275 kW+ rated DC fast chargers.
How Much Revenue Can You Earn by Starting An EV Charging Business?
For Level 2 chargers, expect $6,000–$18,000 in yearly revenue per unit at moderate utilization. For DC fast chargers, revenue can reach $36,000–$144,000 annually per unit with higher demand. Earnings will vary based on local electricity rates and charger utilization.
Typical Revenue from EV Charging Stations
Note: Actual figures vary by location, utilization, and additional revenue streams (e.g., idle fees or retail uplifts). Net profit assumes 10–30% margins after costs. Start with a site assessment for your garage to refine estimates.
Are EV Charging Stations Profitable?
Yes, not only are EV charging stations profitable, but they also add to your businesses. Federal and state tax incentives combined with local utility rebates reduce the net cost of investing in EV charging stations. Payments from customers who recharge at your stations will help you recoup your investment. And you’re likely to see increased revenue thanks to added foot traffic to your business while customers charge their vehicles.
Learn more about EV charging station profitability on this EV Connect blog: Are EV Charging Stations Profitable?
How Do You Attract EV Drivers to Your Business?
To attract EV drivers to your business, focus on visibility, promotion, and convenience:
Signage Best Practices: Use bright, large, illuminated signs with universal EV symbols placed at street level and entrances for easy spotting from afar. Include details like charger types and pricing to set clear expectations.
Marketing: List your chargers on popular apps like PlugShare, EV Connect, or Google Maps, and promote them via social media posts, email newsletters, and partnerships with EV communities or local events. Offer incentives like discounts for users who charge and shop.
24/7 Public Access: Ensure chargers are available around the clock with well-lit, secure parking spots open to the public, and highlight this in all marketing materials to appeal to drivers needing off-hours options, like night travelers or shift workers.
How Do You Increase Revenue with an EV Charging Station?
To increase revenue with an EV charging station, focus on strategic implementation and operations:
Deployment and Management: Install chargers in high-traffic, visible locations like retail centers or workplaces for maximum exposure. Use cloud-based management software to monitor usage, remotely control access, and integrate with payment systems for seamless operations and data-driven decisions.
Pricing: Offer tiered rates that are competitive yet profitable—start low to build volume, then introduce dynamic pricing during peak hours or premium options like faster charging. Include membership models or bundled deals with nearby businesses for recurring revenue.
Uptime and Maintenance: Aim for 99%+ uptime by scheduling regular preventive maintenance, using durable hardware, and partnering with reliable service providers. Quick response to issues via alerts minimizes lost revenue and builds user trust.
Utilization: Boost usage through marketing on EV apps and social media, offering incentives like free charging with purchases, and analyzing data to optimize hours or add more stations. Partner with ride-sharing services or fleets for consistent demand.
Just remember—choosing the right EV charging solution for your business requires unparalleled expertise and customer service to ensure you are not only making the right decision but are also generating the profits you’re seeking.
By working with professionals who personally tailor your EV charging business to your franchise, you can attract more customers and plug into a newly energized generation of EV drivers.
About EV Connect
EV Connect is the comprehensive EV charging platform for companies of all sizes to build, run, and scale their EV charging business. Trusted by CPOs, OEMs, fleets, utilities, and more.
With our industry leading API and white label plans, integrate EV charging into your app and create custom charging solutions that fit your brand perfectly.
Contact us today and find out why EV Connect is the #1 EV charging platform to run your business!