How Do I Plan An EV Charging Station?
Still don’t know how to plan an EV charging station? As the EV market reaches a tipping point, the need for increased EV charger access is driving a boom in the EV charging market. Starting an EV charger business or adding EV charging services to an existing business can be a lucrative opportunity in this rapidly growing market, while also contributing to a greener future. This guide outlines what you need, from selecting a business model to choosing the right software and hardware, to ensure success in your first 100 days and beyond.
1. Identifying Your EV Charger Business Model and Starting with One Vertical
Before buying hardware and software, decide on a business model that generates sustainable profit. Determine how your business will generate revenue: owning and operating EV charging stations and charging per kWh or providing turnkey services to local businesses. The choice will depend on installation opportunities and partnership options. Start with one vertical to establish a strong foundation for future expansion.
Most EV charger businesses will fall into one of four categories:
Charging Networks: Own and operate their own chargers, and gain density in a region to serve customers.
Turnkey Installers: Bring hardware, software, installation, and permitting expertise directly to businesses.
Service Providers: Offer ongoing maintenance, financing programs, or even run the ongoing operation of charging stations for clients.
Consultants: Advise businesses on which chargers and software to pick and how many to install.
Starting Small: Targeting a Single Vertical Market
Target a single vertical market to reduce operating costs and maximize profits. Consider partnerships with apartment buildings, condos, commercial real estate buildings, hotels and resorts, retail locations, restaurants, or businesses in smaller cities. Starting small allows your business to focus on the best ways to reduce costs and maximize profits. We’ve written an article about how to make money on electric charging stations: Click here to read.
During the first 100 days, your EV charger business will offer significant learning opportunities, such as gathering data on energy consumption, peak usage times, and operating costs. Starting with one vertical allows for focused learning and growth within your chosen business model. As you gain more experience, you can expand into other types of businesses or locations.
After choosing a business model, investigate EV software and hardware that meets your needs.
2. Choosing the Right EV Charging Station Management Software
Select a charging station management system (CSMS) to operate your network, recommend to customers, or resell. The CSMS determines which charging hardware is supported and how drivers interface with your network. Seek a hardware-agnostic solution like Getevgas for maximum flexibility and the ability to work with any hardware solution. Ensure the CSMS is secure and PCI-compliant for grid access and payment information.
If necessary, hardware can be selected first with the help of experts like Getevgas. Contact Getevgas for end-to-end EV infrastructure solutions or hardware manufacturer recommendations.
3. Choosing Compatible Hardware for Your EV Charger Business
Select hardware compatible with your chosen CSMS, considering various manufacturers and hardware types that adhere to the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). Choose hardware that fits your business model and budget.
Keep in mind the three different charging levels that determine charging speed and electric output. All EVs can use Level 1 and 2 chargers, but some vehicles may not be compatible with the output of Level 3 chargers.
Understanding Different Levels of EV Charging and Hardware Providers
Level 1 chargers add around 5 miles of range per hour, Level 2 chargers provide up to 20 miles of range per hour, and Level 3 chargers can provide 40 to 200 miles or more of range in just ten minutes of charging. Leading OCPP-compliant hardware providers in North America include ABB, Delta Electronics, Eaton, EVBox, Siemens, Tritium, and Zerova.
Partner with Getevgas for Your EV Charging Business
Maximize performance and build a long-term partnership with Getevgas to plan an EV charging station.
Our industry-leading back-end software powers fleets, charging networks, and charging sites for major brands like Hilton, Mobile, and Ford. Our full-stack EV charging network solution is designed to make managing multiple locations, processing data, and scaling up easy and painless. Trust Getevgas to simplify your EV charging business.