If you are looking for the best new business opportunities in India, then setting up an EV charging station, repair workshop and home charging station set up is undoubtedly a great proposal. Electric vehicle (EV) charging companies are mushrooming ceaselessly. With the increased awareness about the environment and the introduction of electric vehicles (including e-cars and e-scooters), electric vehicle charging stations are on the list of top business opportunities in India for the decade. Likewise opening a petrol pump or starting a biofuel station has an endless and everlasting business scope in India as well as across the globe, EV charge stations are on their trail of capturing the global market in the upcoming years.
What does an EV charging station do?
First of all, let's clarify the services provided by an EV charge station. You might have seen electric two-wheelers, cars, and e-rickshaws running on the city roads. But from where these vehicles get themselves charged? Some people charge their e- vehicles at home. Like in the case of Tata Nexon EV, the company itself installs the charging set-up at home without charging any additional fees. But all establishments don't have a dedicated charging point at the parking lot with required essential security features. A number of charging stations are required to provide on-road charging services.
Cost of setting up an EV charge station
The cost of starting an EV charging station is very low as compared to other business set-ups. The government of India has declared that no license is required for setting EV charging infrastructure, provided that it complies with the standards as laid down by the 'Ministry of Power'. Thus, no separate license is required for transmitting, distributing, or trading electricity for the purpose of charging batteries of electric vehicles.
Thus, the cost of starting EV charge stations includes only set up cost which consists of the cost of chargers, electricity, software, infrastructure, advertisement, manpower, and maintenance. On average, the cost of setting an EV charging point is between Rs. 1,00,000 and Rs. 45,00,000 depending upon the types of chargers you are going to install. Basic cost charges included are the cost of new electricity connection, civil work, technicians and staff, maintenance, advertisement, promotions, EVSE management software & integration, and land lease (if any).
Types of EV chargers
There are three types of EV chargers:
• Type 1- It is a single-phase plug which can charge power level of up to 3 kw. It slowly charges the vehicle from a home charging point converting AC power to DC.
• Type 2- It is a three-phase plug with the capacity to handle power level between 7.4 kw and 43 kw with a 400 volt AC power supply. This type of charger is compatible with both AC and DC charging systems as well as with vehicles with CCS plugs.
• Combined Charging System (CCS)- As the name suggests, these charges have the capability to handle Type 1 AC charging as well as Type 2 DC fast charging. Combo charges can handle power input of up to 350 kw.
• CHAdeMo charger- It is a rapid charger with power input of up to 400 kw by 1000 V, 400 A direct current. CHAdeMo is an abbreviation of 'CHArge de MOve' and is widely accepted by over 70 countries across the sphere.
• GB/T charger- This type of charger is recommended by government of India. Bharat DC 001 standard provides power output of 15 kw/ 72-200 V while Bharat AC 001 provides output of 10 kw/ 230 V.
Step- by-step guide to start EV charging business
Electric car charging station business opportunity is amongst the top business models in India. The number of electric vehicles running on the roads is significantly more than the number of EV charge stations on the roads. Some state governments have even declared to compulsory install charging stations in commercial and residential complexes, and to reserve a specific percentage for electric vehicles in such complexes. Here's all you need to know before starting an EV charging station in your city.
As already mentioned, you do not need any license from the government to start this venture. But we suggest you to check if your state government demands any local certifications. All you have to look for is the minimum infrastructure required for setting EV Public Charging Station (PSA).