How to start an EV charging station business

The EV charging industry is growing quickly. More and more electric cars are hitting the road every day, but there aren’t enough charging stations to keep up. In fact, electric car sales grew three times faster than charging station installations in the EU between 2017 and 2023, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). This means there’s a serious gap between the number of electric vehicles (EV) on the road and the number of charging stations available to service those EVs. But with this gap comes a big opportunity for those looking to break into the industry. Whether you’re a business owner, landlord, or entrepreneur, now is the time to start your EV charging station business.

This guide walks you through the key steps to starting a charging station business—from choosing a business model to finding the right EV charging management software. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Choose the right business model

Starting an EV charging station business means deciding on a business model that fits your goals, location and customers. Whether you want to serve the public, support private fleets, or work with commercial properties, choosing the right model is key to long-term success. Below are four common options to consider.

Public charging stations

Public chargers work best in high-traffic areas like shopping centres, car parks and motorways, where drivers need convenient charging while on the go. Most operators use a pay-per-use model, generating revenue each time someone charges their vehicle. If you're considering public charging, vaylens provides the the tools to manage payments, pricing and remote monitoring.

Private fleet charging

Businesses with electric fleets—such as delivery companies, taxi services, or logistics firms—need dedicated charging stations. These setups provide reliable, cost-effective charging for company vehicles and often involve long-term contracts with businesses looking to streamline operations. For businesses with EV fleets, vaylens helps simplify charging schedules, track costs and optimise energy use.

Residential and community charging

Charging stations in apartment complexes, gated communities and residential areas provide convenient access for EV owners without home chargers. Operators can use a subscription model for regular users or a pay-per-use system for flexibility. Setting up EV charging in residential areas comes with unique needs that vaylens can help address with automated billing and access control.

Commercial partnerships

EV chargers in retail spaces, hotels and office buildings offer added value to customers and employees while creating a new revenue stream for property owners. Many businesses use a shared revenue model, where both the charging operator and the property owner benefit. Adding EV charging to retail spaces, hotels, or offices can bring extra value to customers and businesses alike. vaylens helps make it seamless with flexible payment options and real-time data insights.

2. Check for requirements, permits and compliance

Before launching your EV charging station business, you need to cover the legal and technical essentials. From site selection to regulatory approvals, getting this part right helps avoid costly delays so you can operate smoothly. The right location and a strong EV charging infrastructure will help attract drivers, while proper permits and compliance will keep your business running without interruptions.

Site selection and grid capacity

Choosing the right location is key to a successful charging station business. The ideal site isn’t just about convenience, it also needs the right power infrastructure. Here’s what to consider:

• High-traffic areas: Shopping centres, office parks, motorways and residential complexes attract frequent users.

• Grid capacity: Your site must have a reliable power supply to support multiple chargers without straining the grid.

• Future scalability: Choose locations that can handle more chargers in the future as demand grows.

• Accessibility: Easy entry, clear signage and 24/7 availability can make your site a go-to charging spot.

Permits and compliance

Getting the right permits and meeting EV charging commercial regulations will depend on where you set up. Since rules vary across Europe, here are the main areas to focus on:

• Licensing and approvals: Some locations require local planning permissions or electrical safety certifications before installing EV charging infrastructure.

• Grid connection agreements: You may need approval from local energy providers to connect high-powered chargers to the grid.

• Safety and environmental standards: Regulations ensure that stations meet fire safety, accessibility and sustainability requirements.

• EU compliance (AFIR): The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) sets minimum standards for public EV charging station business operators across the EU. If you’re in the UK, be sure to check the AFIR regulations relevant to your location to verify that you’re compliant.

To dive deeper into AFIR and how it impacts EV charging commercial business, check out this guide, where we break down key requirements, compliance strategies and what you need to know as an operator.

3. Set up your EV charging infrastructure

Building a successful EV charging station business starts with choosing the right equipment and planning for long-term growth. Your EV charging infrastructure needs to match your business goals, site location and customer demand. Below, we’ll cover the key factors to consider, from selecting the right chargers to ensuring smart connectivity and future expansion.

Types of EV chargers

Not all EV chargers work the same way. The right option depends on where your charging station business operates and who your customers are. Here’s a breakdown of the three main types:

• Level 1 chargers (slow): Some locations require local planning permissions or electrical safety certifications before installing EV charging infrastructure.

• Level 2 chargers (faster): You may need approval from local energy providers to connect high-powered chargers to the grid.

• DC Fast chargers (rapid charging): Regulations ensure that stations meet fire safety, accessibility and sustainability requirements.

Choosing the right chargers depends on who will be using them. If you're targeting daily commuters, Level 2 chargers work well. If you're setting up on a motorway or busy retail location, DC fast chargers may be worth the investment.

Smart charging and connectivity

Smart chargers take EV charging commercial operations to the next level. With remote monitoring, automated billing and real-time usage tracking, smart charging creates a seamless experience for both operators and drivers. Key benefits include:

• Better energy management: Smart chargers adjust power distribution based on demand, reducing strain on the grid.

• Remote monitoring and maintenance: Track charger status, fix issues remotely and schedule maintenance before problems arise.

• Seamless payment and access control: Integrate with EV charging management software to offer flexible payment options and track user sessions.

Smart EV charging infrastructure not only improves efficiency but also helps businesses maximise revenue and reduce downtime.

Scalability and future expansion

Your charging station business should be built for today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth. As EV adoption rises, demand for charging stations will increase. Future-proofing your EV charging infrastructure now can save you time and costs later.

• Plan for more chargers: Check your electrical setup to verify it can handle future upgrades.

• Choose expandable software: Use EV charging management software that scales with your network.

• Stay compliant: Regulations evolve, so make sure your infrastructure meets EU standards for long-term success.

With the right approach, you can set up a charging station business that grows with demand and remains competitive in a fast-changing market.

The cost of starting an EV charging station business  

If you’re wondering how much it costs to set up an EV charging business, there isn’t really a straightforward answer. This is because the cost depends on several factors including location, infrastructure needs, business size and more.  

• Geography: Permitting fees, government incentives and regulatory requirements vary depending on the country and region you’re in. Some areas offer grants that reduce costs while other require approvals that can add to expenses.  

• Grid capacity: If your site lacks sufficient power, upgrades like transformers or additional electrical work may be necessary, which will increase your upfront costs.  

• Operation size: A small setup with a few Level 2 chargers will cost significantly less than a high-traffic charging hub that has multiple DC fast chargers. So, the size of your operation will have a huge impact on the upfront cost.  

Because the cost varies so widely, it’s a good idea to do a feasibility study and look at funding options to help you develop a financial strategy that aligns with your goals.

4. Pick the right EV charging management software

Running a successful EV charging station business requires installing chargers and managing them efficiently. The right EV charging management software helps you monitor, control and optimise your operations to create a seamless experience for both you and your customers.

Features and benefits

A good EV charging management software makes operations smoother and helps maximise revenue. Here are some key features to prioritise when looking for software:  

• Real-time monitoring: Keep track of station performance, availability and energy usage remotely.

• User access control: Set permissions for public or private use and offer RFID, app-based, or card access.

• Automated billing and payments: Ensure smooth transactions with flexible pricing, pay-per-use and subscription options.

• Data insights and reporting: Analyse usage trends, peak charging times and customer behaviour to optimise revenue.

With the right software, you can reduce downtime and improve customer experience while making the data-driven decisions you need to grow your business.

Choosing the right software

Not all EV charging commercial software is the same, so choosing the right one depends on your business needs. A key decision is whether to use a cloud-based or on-premise solution. Cloud-based platforms offer remote access, automatic updates and lower maintenance, while on-premise solutions provide more control but require more resources.

Scalability is also crucial. As your network expands, your software should support more chargers and locations without disruption. Integration matters too—your platform should work smoothly with payment systems, energy providers and fleet management tools to simplify operations.

If you’re looking for a reliable solution, vaylens offers a powerful, flexible platform to manage your charging network with ease.  

5. Set up billing and payment options

A smooth and reliable payment system is essential for running a successful EV charging station business. Whether you offer public or private charging, customers expect a seamless payment experience that fits their needs. Choosing the right billing and payment options will help keep your operations efficient while maximising revenue.

Payment methods

There are several ways to charge customers for using your EV charging infrastructure, each with its own benefits:

• Mobile apps: Let drivers locate stations, start charging and pay instantly from their phone.

• RFID cards: Offer a quick tap-and-go option, ideal for fleet operators and frequent users.

• Direct payments: Accept contactless cards or QR code payments for one-time users who don’t want to sign up.

• Subscriptions: Provide unlimited or discounted charging for a monthly fee, perfect for residential and workplace charging.

Each method suits different charging station business models. Mobile apps and RFID cards help with tracking and loyalty, direct payments offer flexibility and subscriptions generate predictable revenue. Many operators choose a mix of payment options to meet different customer needs.

Integrated billing solutions  

Managing payments across multiple chargers and locations can get complicated without the right system. This is where EV charging management software makes a difference. A good billing solution simplifies pricing management, automates invoicing and provides clear transaction records for both operators and users. vaylens’ billing system makes transaction simple by supporting multiple payment methods, flexible pricing and real-time tracking. If you’d like to learn more about monetising your EV charging station business, check out this guide on monetisation strategies.

6. Launch and grow your EV charging station business

Starting an EV charging station business is a smart investment in a growing industry. By choosing the right business model, securing permits, setting up EV charging infrastructure and selecting reliable EV charging management software, you can build a successful and scalable operation.

With demand rising and government incentives available, now is the time to act. A well-planned charging station business not only generates revenue but also supports the shift to sustainable transport.