How Long Does It Take to Launch an EV Branded Network?

Sep 26

Establishing a branded network from scratch requires more than enthusiasm—it takes planning, preparation, and patience.

This blog breaks down the typical startup timeline and shows how a white-label solution can reduce delays, simplify setup, and accelerate your path to revenue.

Local Factors Influence Your Timeline

Every EV network is different—and the time to launch depends on local conditions and regulations. The demand and business environment in a mature EV market like California, for example, is far more developed than in Alaska, where the number of charging ports has yet to reach triple figures.

We launched our first 1,000 stations over five years, but with today’s technology and programs, growth can be dramatically faster.

Based on our own experience and expertise, the most important timeline to focus on is the immediate present. As seen in our partnership with Skycharger, timing matters—and white-label solutions like EV Connect help you move faster.

Here’s a breakdown of typical phases and what to expect.

For a cost breakdown of running an EV charging station, click here.

1. Mobile App & Management Portal

While charging stations are visible to drivers, the software is your business’s command center. It controls smart charging, payments, access, maintenance, and more.

Complex platforms (such as fleet management) require secure data handling and regulatory compliance. Most new networks opt for a branded mobile app and management portal from an established provider to save time and reduce risk.

2. Charger Procurement

Think of this like choosing the pumps at a gas station—what fuel types and how many pumps will your customers need? This aspect will play a crucial role in your business plan and will determine the charger portfolio you'll present. Typically, drivers prefer rapid DCFC chargers for quick refueling.

Sourcing equipment, obtaining permits, and completing safe installation are critical steps.

3. Station Commissioning

With a white-label partner, station commissioning becomes one of the quickest steps. Provide the location, and we handle setup, testing, and deployment—delivering a ready-to-earn, fully optimized charging station.

4. Additional Factors to Consider

While the above timelines offer guidance, real-world scenarios may require adjustments for:

Utility upgrades
Infrastructure expansion
Software integrations
Maintenance agreements

Our case study on Dynamic EVC outlines how software and support contracts affect rollout speed and long-term revenue generation. Your timeline will also depend on available vendor options in your region.

To an extent, all EV charging businesses have a part to play in extending the national network and bringing charging solutions to underserved communities. For now, it’s unlikely you’ll simply be able to ‘plug in’ to an existing infrastructure.

How Fast Can You Launch with EV Connect?

If you're starting from zero today, you could be operating a fully branded EV charging network with the right partner. That’s the benefit of using a white-label platform like EV Connect: it reduces complexity, accelerates launch, and gives you the tools to scale fast in a booming market.

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.

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