Empowering Change: How to Start an Electric Vehicle Charging Station – A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve decided to join the electric vehicle revolution and start your very own charging station. Congratulations! Not only are you taking a step towards a greener future, but you’re also tapping into a growing market with endless potential.

But where do you start? How do you navigate the world of electric vehicle charging stations and make your mark? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of starting an electric vehicle charging station, from planning and installation to marketing and maintenance. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to empower change with your very own charging station.

EVs are gaining popularity day by day hence, it is important to have charging stations as well. Let’s understand the need to start EV charging stations.

Need for Setting Up EV Charging Station in India

The craze for electric vehicles on Indian roads is growing day by day. Electric vehicles are low-cost alternatives to diesel and petrol vehicles and are also cleaner and quieter. These vehicles don’t require fuel consumption; they have electric batteries.

So, to run efficiently, these batteries need to be charged occasionally. There are electric vehicle charging stations like fuel pumps in India. However, the government of India is focusing on creating more electric vehicle charging stations.

To empower electrical vehicle use, the government of India has announced that anybody in India can set up EV charging stations as long as they comply with the primary standard. There is no need for a particular licence to set up EV charging stations.

As per the infrastructure regulation released by the government of India, there should be EV charging stations every 3 Km in cities and every 25 km on both sides of the road. Further, there should be EV charging stations every 100 kilometres on highways.

Currently, we are not even close to the requirement; that’s why the government is pushing individuals and entities to invest in EV charge point installers.

But before setting up a EV charging station it is important that you understand the customer need. Let’s see how.

Understanding the Needs of the Customers

Before designing the perfect customer experience, it is essential for EV charging station manufacturers to understand the needs of their customers. By doing so, manufacturers can create products that offer a more personalized experience, which can go a long way in enhancing customer satisfaction.

• One way of understanding customer needs is by conducting surveys that aim to provide insights into their requirements.
• Another way is through analyzing customer reviews and feedback to identify areas that need improvement.

Once you know what customer needs you need to understand the basics of EV charger like its working.

How Does an EV Charger Work?

Electric vehicles need electricity to recharge. An equipment is inserted into an electric vehicle to charge it, known as an electric charger. It is also known as electric vehicle supply equipment(EVSE). Generally, the purpose of a charging station is to be equipped with sufficient electric charge points and an electric source or grid to charge the electric vehicle.

Based on usage and working, the electric vehicle charger is classified into two types: AC charger and DC charger. Usually, the AC charger provides a limited energy source to electric vehicles, so they are slow in charging. Such electric vehicle charging set-up can be built at home, offices, etc.

On the other hand, DC chargers, due to their higher energy transfer, are quick in charging. However, to charge electric vehicles at a fast rate, these charging stations require more power, requiring a dedicated or separate electric connection.

Once you know the mechanism you should understand the types of EV charging stations available so that you know which one would be ideal for you.

Types of EV Charging Stations

There are three types of charging stations based on the types of chargers. Below, we have listed them.

Level 1 or Slow Charging Station

This is the most basic electric vehicle charging station with a slow charging speed. This charger uses 120V from the AC power source; it can be utilised in homes and offices. Creating a charging station at home using this charger is effortless as it does not require any dedicated power source. It usually takes 8 to 12 hours for an EV to charge using this charging station.

Level 2 or Standard Charging Station

Another type of EV charging station is Level 2 or standard charging station, which requires 240V from an AC power source. It generally requires 4 to 6 hours for an electric vehicle to charge. Not just this, this kind of charging station is compatible with all kinds of EVs. Due to the moderate time required to charge a vehicle, it is employed in parking spaces of residential or commercial buildings.

Level 3 or Rapid Charging Station

Lastly, we have level 3 or rapid charging stations that charge electric vehicles 80% using 480 V from a DC power source in just 20 to 30 minutes. These electric charging stations can only be installed in public places like petrol and diesel pumps. However, it is not compatible with all kinds of electric vehicles.

Let’s move into understanding the steps involved in starting a EV charging station.

How to Open an Electric Car Charging Station in India

Before doing an electric charging station installation, you must have many things in check. Starting an EV charging station is a complex process; a proper procedure needs to be followed to make it a successful business. Here are Step-by-Step guides on how to open an electric car charging station in India.

Step 1: Do Market research

Step The first electric vehicle charging station requirement is conducting thorough market research. Opening an electric vehicle station without knowing your target consumer base and usage wastes money and time. Market research lets you understand what kind of electric vehicle charging stations you need and where to open them.

Step 2: Select Location

Step Once the market research is done, the second **Step is to select the location. It is important to choose the right location since the charging station’s success and failure will depend on it. If you have an Electric Vehicle charging station in a remote or less-traffic area, it will be less successful. Go with a location close to the highway or readily accessible to consumers.

Step 3: Inform Local DISCOM Authorities

Step Once your location is final, reaching out to the local DISCOM in your area is essential. These local authorities provide permits to install distribution systems to get an electricity connection for your charging station. However, there is no particular licence to start electric vehicle stations, but charging station owners need EV-specific electricity connections. For that, they need to have proper documentation and licence.

Step 4: Electric Vehicle Equipment

Step After obtaining the licence from local authorities, the next **Step is to purchase the electric vehicle charging station equipment. Various companies offer electric vehicle charging equipment like software, hardware and more. While buying the charging station equipment, it is best to cross-check the warranty, cost, safety standards, customer support and more.

Step 5: Installation and Testing

Step Once the equipment is purchased, it is time to install and test it. The charging point operator from the company will visit the location and carry out the installation process. Once the installation is complete, the operator will also do the on-site testing to check if the equipment works properly. It’s essential to ensure the charging station is compatible with all kinds of EVs, its speed and more in the testing phase.

Step 6: Set Electric Vehicle Charging Fees

Step Once the charging station is up and all set to run, the owner will decide the charging fees for the vehicle. It should not be decided hastily. The charging station owner must include the operating cost, other expenses, and profit in the charging fees.

Step 7: Market the Charging Station

Step After setting up the charging fees, now is the time to market the charging station. Advertisements and promotions are essential to make your electric vehicle charging station noticed by your target market. Invest in digital marketing strategies to get your EV charging station under the “electric vehicle station near me” SERP results on the search engine.

Step 8: Regular Maintenance

to ensure the proper functioning of electric vehicle charging stations, it is essential to do regular maintenance. Carry out regular maintenance to check if all the equipment is working correctly. If they are not, then reach out to the charging point operator to get it fixed.

But if you are investing in an EV charging station, is it a beneficial investment? Let’s see.

Benefits of Investing in an EV Charger Franchise:

Rising Demand for EV Charging Infrastructure: As governments worldwide implement policies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, the demand for charging infrastructure is skyrocketing. By investing in an EV charger franchise, you can tap into this growing market and provide a valuable service to EV owners in your area. 

Sustainability: EV chargers contribute to building a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions and promoting using renewable energy sources. Starting an EV charger franchise allows you to actively participate in the green revolution and drive positive change within your community.

Revenue Generation: The EV charging business can be highly profitable. EV owners require regular charging and are willing to pay for the convenience and reliability of charging stations. Setting up an EV charger franchise can generate a steady revenue stream through charging fees, membership programs, and partnerships with local businesses.

Long-Term Revenue Potential: As the adoption of EVs continues to rise, the demand for charging stations is expected to grow steadily. This can translate into a long-term revenue stream for your franchise, as EV owners will need reliable places to charge their vehicles.

Future-Proofing: With the global shift toward cleaner energy and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, investing in EV charging infrastructure aligns with long-term trends. This positions your franchise to be relevant and in demand in the years to come.

FAQ: How To Start An Electric Charging Station

Can I charge the EV at home?

With level 1 charging or a Type 1 AC charger, EVs can be charged at home easily. However, the speed of charging would be slow.

Is EV charging free in India?

If you charge EVs at home, then it will add to your electricity bill. Further, if you charge EVs at a public charging station, you must pay the decided cost set by the owner.

Is setting up EV charging stations profitable in India?

Setting up EV charging stations in India is a profitable business that requires investment of ₹10-₹30 lakh and can earn revenue of ₹4- ₹5 lakh per month based on your services.

Conclusion

Setting up an EV charging station is profitable in India since the demand for EV vehicles is growing. Currently, there are only a limited number of charging stations in India. With more and more EV charging stations available to consumers, the demand for EV vehicles will also increase.