Apr 23, 2025
EV Billing and Electric Vehicle Meters: A Simple Guide for Builders
Priya T
More people in India now own electric cars (EVs). Because of this, builders are putting EV chargers in homes, apartments, and offices. But there's one important question builders need to think about:
"How will users pay for charging their electric cars?"
This blog explains what builders need to know about EV billing, using electric vehicle meters, and setting clear EV charging charges.
What is EV Billing?
EV billing means keeping track of how much electricity each EV uses, and then collecting payment from the user. Good EV billing includes:
Letting only approved users charge their EVs
Tracking electricity usage
Making it easy for people to pay online
Sending clear bills automatically
Managing different prices for different users
Having a centralized system to monitor total consumption
Without clear EV billing, people might get confused, and the charging station might lose money.
Common EV Billing Methods
Different places have different needs. Here are some common ways to bill EV users:
Method | How It Works | Best Used For |
Pay-per-Unit (₹/kWh) | Users pay for the exact electricity they use. | Apartments, offices |
Time-Based Billing | Users pay based on charging time. | Busy places with many users |
Subscription Model | Fixed monthly fee for a certain amount of charging. | Apartment communities, offices |
Session-Based Billing | Fixed price each time someone charges. | Visitor parking, public charging |
Hybrid Models | Combines different methods (like pay-per-unit and time-based) | Mixed-use properties |
Optional Pricing:
Higher charges if someone leaves their car after charging (Idle fees)
Different charges at busy (peak) or less busy (off-peak) times
What Builders Should Look for in EV Billing Systems
A good EV billing system is easy and clear for everyone. Here’s what to look for:
Real-time Energy Metering: Tracks exactly how much electricity each user uses.
User Authentication: Uses apps, RFID cards, or secure codes to let only approved users charge.
Easy Payment Methods: Supports common payments like UPI, credit cards, and mobile wallets.
Automatic Billing: Sends clear bills automatically, so no one needs to calculate manually.
Simple Dashboard: Easy-to-use screen for building managers to see usage, bills, and charger status.
Flexible Pricing: Set different EV charging charges for different users or times.
Ready for Growth: Good systems can handle many more users as more EVs appear.
Connecting EV Billing with Building Management Systems
Many buildings already use systems to manage their residents. These include apps like MyGate, NoBrokerHood, JioCommunity, and ApnaComplex.
When EV billing connects easily with these apps, residents can:
Track EV bills along with other bills (like water or electricity)
Pay easily in one place
Get support quickly if they have problems
This makes life easier for residents and building managers, too.
Billing Strategies for Different Properties
Each type of property might need a different way to bill for EV charging:
Property Type | Recommended EV Billing Method |
Apartments | Pay-per-unit with app or RFID access |
Gated Communities | Hybrid or prepaid subscription models |
Offices | Subscription or time-based billing |
Public or Visitor Parking | Session-based billing |
Clear billing helps people trust and happily use EV chargers.
Planning Ahead: Builder’s Role in EV Charging
Some builders let residents set up their own EV chargers later. But this often creates problems like:
Chargers placed randomly
Unsafe or messy wiring
No clear billing system
Access to everyone to charge without authentication
No control over consumed electrical load
Instead, builders should:
Plan where EV chargers will go from the start
Make sure electricity connections can handle many EVs
Install smart chargers to track usage properly
Provide clear, simple EV billing from the first day residents move in
This makes charging simple, safe, and fair for everyone.
Why Smart EV Billing Helps Everyone
Good EV billing does more than collect money. It also:
Stops misuse (only approved people can charge)
Reduces extra work (no manual tracking needed)
Creates steady income from EV chargers
Shows useful data about charger usage (when and how much people charge)
Makes residents happy (clear bills, easy payments)
Think of EV billing like water meters—everyone pays fairly for what they use, without confusion or arguments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in EV Billing
No clear pricing: Causes confusion and arguments among users.
Manual tracking of usage: Creates mistakes and extra work.
Not restricting who can charge: Allows unauthorized usage and unfair costs.
Connecting charger to individual meter: Allows any person in the premises to use any charger, resulting in potential confrontations.
Ignoring government rules or standards: Makes chargers unsafe or not legal.
Avoid these mistakes by setting up a clear billing system from the beginning.
Key Points to Remember
EV billing tracks and charges people for electricity used by EVs.
Builders need to set clear EV charging charges from the start.
Good systems use smart electric vehicle chargers and easy payments.
Connect EV billing to existing building management apps to simplify billing.
Plan early—don’t leave EV billing and installation to residents later.