Are EV Charging Stations Profitable?

Introducing electric vehicle (EV) charging to your business is more than just making the shift to more sustainable travel. It also opens up a potential revenue stream that can also be used to attract new customers. With demand for EV charging on the rise, many are asking if EV charging stations are profitable ventures. In this article, we’ll dive into the revenue-driving opportunities as well as the factors influencing their profitability.  

The Rising Demand of EV Charging Stations

The demand for EV charging stations and adequate infrastructure is on the rise, due to the remarkable growth in EV adoption. To date, there are 760,000 fully electric cars on UK roads and 490,000 plug-in hybrids, their uptake fuelled by technological advancements, government incentives and future legislations as well as environmental concerns. As more and more individuals, households and businesses invest in EVs as their mode of transport, the need for EV charging infrastructure will become evident. The installation of EV charging stations is therefore crucial to meet this demand.

The Opportunity 

With this growing demand for EV charging, installing EV charging stations at your site or business is a great way to generate recurring revenue through your charge points, but also attract new customers, improve brand loyalty and increase the amount of time and money spent at your location.

When it comes to generating revenue directly via your charging stations, the right business model is key. By setting charging fees for charging sessions, EV charge points can become a reliable revenue generator. 

How to Generate Recurring Revenue with EV Charging

Setting a charging fee for a customer to use a charge point is a great way to generate recurring revenue. There are various ways in which you can structure your pricing to ensure EV charging is a profitable venture for your site. However, all sites and businesses are different, so it may be that what works for one site, may not work for another.

To confidently understand and manage your energy consumption and pricing strategies, it’s recommended to have some sort of charge point management software or platform in place (You can read more about our eFaraday Management Platform here).

As the charging station owner, you can set and adjust charging fees at any time. Common charging fee models include a fixed session or connection fee, or a variable kWh rate, which allows you to define your markup on the energy used. 

It’s also important to note that your pricing should reflect the type of charge points used. Fast or rapid chargers are usually set at higher charging fees, as drivers are plugged in for less time, whereas slower AC chargers tend to be cheaper, as it can take up to 6 hours to charge a vehicle. 

Factors Influencing EV Charging Profitability

Setting up charging fees on your charging stations is a great way to drive revenue, but there are a few influencing factors that will impact profitability. 

Location

A charging station’s location can significantly impact its profitability. Locations that are in higher demand for charge points and classed as high-traffic areas, such as shopping centres, tourist destinations and urban areas, all offer great profitability potential. In addition, locations near motorways and service stations will provide a steady flow of customers. 

Charging Rates

Charging rates are a major factor that will influence the overall profitability of a charging station. Whichever pricing model a business chooses (e.g. a flat fee, per minute or kWh), it’s important to consider the competition, the cost of electricity, demand, as well as the local market. 

Charging Speeds

The charging speed of an EV charging station can influence its profitability as the faster it can charge an EV, the more EVs can use the charging station. Faster charging stations, therefore, reduce waiting times and have the potential to be more profitable. However, their upfront and ongoing costs tend to be more expensive. 

Usage Rates & Demand

EV charging stations with high demand will be able to generate more consistent revenue. Therefore factors such as population density, EV ownership rates and local ‘green’ initiatives will impact charging infrastructure in the area.

Initial & Operational Costs

For a charging station to be profitable, its revenue needs to exceed any initial or outgoing costs. The type and number of charging stations installed and the infrastructure work required, as well as ongoing operational expenses like maintenance, servicing and management software all need to be considered when determining pricing and profitability. 

Business Model

The chosen recurring-revenue business model for EV charging can affect profitability. Models can include pay-per-use charging, subscription-based memberships, partnerships with commercial establishments, or a combination of these approaches. Choosing the right model depends on the target market and customer preferences.

Government Incentives & Financial Support

Government incentives and support can significantly impact the profitability of EV charging stations. Many governments around the world offer grants, tax credits, and subsidies to encourage the installation of charging infrastructure. These incentives can help offset initial investment costs and increase profitability over time. 

In the UK, there are various grants to support the implementation of EV charging for businesses and workplaces, such as the EV Charge Point Grant and the Workplace Charging Scheme, which can save businesses up to 75% on their upfront costs of EV charging station, which will heavily impact their profitability. 

Additional Revenue Streams

EV charging stations can also provide additional revenue streams, separate from the implementation of charging fees, to enhance profitability. These may include advertising partnerships, collaborating with ride-sharing or taxi services, and offering premium services such as reserved parking or amenities at the charging stations.

Are EV Charging Stations Profitable? 

While the profitability of EV charging stations depends on various factors, the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and supportive government policies suggest a promising future for the EV charging industry. It’s predicted that there be up to 11 million electric and hybrid vehicles on UK roads by 2030.

It can therefore be said that with the right location, competitive pricing, charging speeds, and efficient utilisation, EV charging stations can be a profitable revenue stream. Additionally, exploring diverse business models and seizing additional revenue opportunities and making use of governmental schemes, can enhance the financial viability of charging stations.

EV Charging with eFaraday

At eFaraday we are committed to supporting businesses in finding the right EV charging solution for them, without the faff. We offer a seamless installation process and offer a tailored management platform that puts you in full control of your charge points, helping you create a profitable strategy that is future-proofed. 

To find out more or to get a free quote, call us on 0300 002 1154 or fill out this form, and one of the team will get back to you.