EV Charging Station Franchise in India: A Simple and Practical Guide

If you’ve been following the EV boom in India, you’ve likely noticed how charging stations are appearing in all kinds of places—from highways and malls to tech parks, hotels, and residential blocks. What many people don’t realise is that a large number of these charging points are actually operated by private franchise owners, not just big companies.

So, if you're thinking about entering the EV business, a franchise model is one of the easiest ways to get started. Let’s break down how the business works, what you should consider, and what it takes to build a profitable setup.

Understanding the Business Model

An EV charging franchise is very different from traditional franchise businesses like restaurants or retail outlets. It’s essentially an infrastructure-driven operation. Once your chargers are installed and active, revenue comes in quietly and consistently without needing constant involvement.

In India, charging stations typically operate on three models:

1. A pay-per-use model, where customers pay for each session and you earn a share.
2. A revenue-sharing model with a charge point operator (CPO), where you provide the space and electricity while the CPO manages installation and operations.
3. A fully owned station, where you invest in the chargers and keep most of the revenue, but also take on the risk.

The model you choose will depend on your budget, the strength of your location, and how hands-on you want to be.

Choosing the Right Location

Your location will play the biggest role in determining your success. EV users value convenience, so places where people naturally spend time or where vehicle movement is high tend to perform best. Highways, malls, hotels, restaurants, gated communities, office complexes, fleet hubs, and large townships are all promising spots.

Beyond traffic, the two things that matter most are a properly designed parking layout and a reliable electricity supply.

AC or DC: Picking the Right Charger

Many first-time investors are unsure whether to start with AC or DC chargers. The difference is simple. AC chargers are more affordable and ideal for locations where users spend more time, such as malls, offices, and residential buildings. Options like 7.4 kW or 22 kW are commonly used.

DC chargers, on the other hand, are much faster but cost significantly more. They are best suited for highways, commercial areas, and fleet-heavy locations. Chargers in the 30 kW to 60 kW range generally work well.

Brands like Plugzmart, Delta, ExiCom and Magenta manufacture chargers built specifically for Indian conditions, including high temperatures and voltage fluctuations.

Understanding the Investment

Your investment will fall under four key areas: hardware, installation, power load upgrades, and software. Hardware costs depend on whether you choose AC or DC chargers. Installation includes cabling, breakers, civil work, and mounting. Some locations may also require additional sanctioned load, which can vary from state to state.

The final component is the CMS (Charging Management System). Without a CMS, a charger is essentially unusable. It tracks your energy consumption, payments, uptime, and revenue. Companies like Plugzmart often include a CMS as part of their offering, which makes management easier.

Why a Reliable Technology Partner Matters

In this business, reliability is everything. A charger that breaks down often or fails during peak summer can ruin customer trust. Many franchise owners prefer working with Indian manufacturers because of easier service, faster support, and better availability of spare parts.

Plugzmart, for instance, offers ARAI-certified chargers, strong uptime, OCPP-ready software, and local after-sales service. Choosing the right partner saves you from long downtime and maintenance issues.

Getting Your Software and Payments Right

A robust CMS is the backbone of your charging station. It should allow you to set tariffs, collect digital payments, monitor energy usage, view live charging sessions, receive alert notifications, and control user access. With a good CMS, you can manage your entire station from your phone or laptop without visiting the site frequently.

Government Support and Policies

EV infrastructure is strongly supported by central and state governments. Depending on where you set up your station, you may get subsidies, tax benefits, simplified permissions, and EV-friendly building rules. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi NCR are some of the leading states in terms of EV policies and adoption.

How Much Can You Earn?

Returns depend heavily on your location, the type of charger you choose, and the daily usage. In most good locations, revenue comes from charging fees, idle fees, fleet partnerships, subscription plans, and parking charges. While the first few months may be slow, usage typically increases steadily as more EVs enter the market.

A single charger can earn anywhere between ₹15,000 and ₹60,000 per month, with DC chargers and highway locations seeing the highest returns. Since operations are automated, manpower costs are almost zero.

Final Thoughts

If you select the right location, pair it with dependable hardware, and run it on a strong CMS platform, an EV charging franchise can become a stable and long-term business. As EV adoption grows across India, the demand for reliable charging stations will only increase.

If you’re unsure whether your location is suitable or what charger configuration works best for your site, Plugzmart can help you understand the numbers clearly and realistically.

Success in this business is all about planning smartly from day one.

FAQs

How long does installation take?

AC chargers usually take 1–3 days to install, while DC chargers can take 7–15 days due to additional approvals and civil work.

Can a charging station run on solar?

Yes, especially for AC chargers. Solar reduces electricity costs but increases the initial investment. DC chargers generally require a mix of solar and grid power.

What is the expected monthly income from a charging station?

Depending on the location, you can earn ₹15,000 to ₹60,000 per charger per month, with higher earnings in commercial and highway areas.