Introduction: why now is a good time
Eâmobility is no longer a trend; it is a real part of everyday transport infrastructure. More drivers choose EVs, and companies and public institutions need proven, scalable charging solutions. For property owners, operators, and investors, this is the moment to build an advantage before the market becomes saturated.
EV market potential and growth pace
Corporate fleet growth, accelerating urban electrification, and rising EV sales drive steady demand for infrastructure. This translates into:
- higher traffic at locations with chargers,
- real demand for fast and destination charging,
- increasing importance of service quality.
Focus on a service that is complete and easy for drivers, while as handsâoff as possible for the owner. These two factors drive repeat sessions and stable revenue.
Regulations and support (AFIR, local programs)
EU regulations (including AFIR) require adâhoc access and payment above certain power thresholds. Many countries also offer investment support (grants, tax relief, preferential financing). This favors investing now rather than âsomeday.â The eâmobility momentum forces infrastructure growth, which creates a window to launch stations both in highâtraffic locations and at your own business sites to increase attractiveness.
Business models and revenue
Common revenue models include:
- per kWh (most transparent to drivers),
- per time (especially for fast stations),
- subscription fees (e.g., for fleets),
- additional services: LCD screen ads can be an extra income source.
Model choice depends on location, budget, and dwell time. If you can offer longer stays, AC or midâpower charging works well (e.g., in residential communities). If drivers stop briefly, consider highâpower DC to support higher turnover. It is also smart to test two tariff variants at the same site (e.g., kWh + time after a limit) to find the optimal balance between revenue and availability.
Startup costs and entry paths (pilot to scale)
Initial costs depend on station type (AC/DC), number of connectors, grid connection, and design/installation. A good approach is to start with a pilot: 1â2 locations to validate demand and the business model. Next, you can scale based on data with a proven operating model. Plan the target scale early and verify whether the electrical infrastructure can support future expansion.
Location and user profile
Match location to driver behavior:
- long stays (hotels, offices, residential) favor AC,
- short stays (highway stops, retail) favor fast DC,
- fleets and companies need predictable billing and access control.
The better the location fit, the easier it is to achieve stable revenue. Evaluate visibility, access, safety, and parking availability, as these factors strongly affect session volume.
Technology: hardware, software, payments
From the start, think in terms of a full chain: hardware + software + payments. Typical operator needs include:
- remote station management and configuration,
- flexible pricing,
- fast settlements and reporting,
- simple driver payments (card, Apple Pay/Google Pay, BLIK/TWINT).
Without a unified system, these processes quickly become manual and costly.
Common early mistakes
Typical issues:
- hardware chosen without verifying compatibility and required certifications,
- no analysis of location and customer profile,
- overly complex payment flow (e.g., heavy registration or dedicated apps),
- underestimating operating costs.
In practice, it is better to invest gradually but with a solid plan.
How to start: a âfirst 90 daysâ checklist
- select a location and analyze traffic,
- choose hardware for your needs,
- choose a management and payment system, e.g. EV24,
- pick installers who can deliver a professional rollout,
- configure pricing and access policies,
- launch a pilot and collect the first data,
- optimize based on real usage.
Add a communication plan (signage, driver instructions) and a simple dashboard to monitor availability and revenue.
Summary and call to action
A charging station is now a real business advantage, not just an âextra.â It is worth starting now â even at a small scale â to build experience, data, and market position before competition intensifies. If you want to see how to start step by step, contact our team.