May 6, 2025
Powering Opportunity: How to Start an EV Charging Business in India
Krishna Karthik
India is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs). With more electric cars, bikes, and buses hitting the roads, the need for EV charging stations is growing quickly. This creates a unique business opportunity for anyone looking to start an EV charging business in India.
If you're considering becoming a Charge Point Operator (CPO) or exploring the EV charging business, this guide will simplify the process for you, step-by-step.
Why Start an EV Charging Business?
India aims for 30% EV adoption by 2030, which means millions of electric vehicles will soon require easy and convenient charging solutions. With strong government support and growing public interest, the timing to set up an EV charging business has never been better.
How to Start an EV Charging Business: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these clear, straightforward steps to launch your own EV charging station:
Step 1: Choose Your EV Charging Business Model
There are several ways you can run an EV charging business:
Public Charging Stations:
Suitable for high-traffic areas like malls, petrol pumps, and highways, open to everyone.Community Charging Stations:
Specifically for gated communities, offices, or apartment complexes, intended for regular local users.Fleet Charging:
Dedicated stations for logistics companies or fleet operators who manage multiple EVs.
Pick a model based on your budget, location, and target customers.
Step 2: Select the Right Location
The best locations usually include:
Areas with significant EV traffic or high public footfall.
Accessible residential or commercial zones with space for parking.
Reliable power supply and good internet connectivity.
Choosing the right location is crucial to your business success.
Step 3: Get Necessary Approvals and Documentation
In India, setting up an EV charging station generally requires:
Permission from the local electricity distribution company (DISCOM).
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the land or property owner.
GST registration to issue customer bills.
Compliance with BIS and Ministry of Power guidelines for safety and operation.
The good news is, no special license is needed to operate EV charging stations in India.
Step 4: Select Suitable EV Chargers
The type of chargers you install depends on the vehicles you'll serve:
Charger Type | Best For | Typical Charging Time |
AC Charger (Slow) | Residential, offices | 6-12 hours |
AC Charger (Fast) | Apartments, offices, malls | 4-6 hours |
DC Fast Charger | Highways, commercial hubs | 30-90 minutes |
Carefully choose chargers that best meet your users' daily needs.
Step 5: Partner with the Right Technology Provider
Running an EV charging business involves more than hardware. You'll also need:
A billing and payment system (UPI, cards, wallets).
User authentication (RFID cards or mobile apps).
A backend system to monitor usage, revenues, and maintenance issues.
Smart energy management to balance electricity loads efficiently.
Step 6: Set Up a Clear EV Charging Billing System
You can bill customers in multiple ways:
Per-unit billing: Users pay based on electricity consumption (₹/kWh).
Time-based billing: Users pay based on how long they charge.
Hybrid billing: Combination of usage and idle-time charges.
Choose a simple, transparent system to ensure customer satisfaction.
What Will Your Investment Be?
The cost to start an EV charging business usually ranges from ₹3 to ₹25 lakhs, depending on:
Land and infrastructure costs
Charger types and quantity
Electrical setup expenses
Billing software and operational costs
Generally, EV charging stations break even within 2-3 years, particularly in busy or high-demand areas.
Why EV Charging Is Good for You and the Environment
Starting an EV charging business means:
Lower emissions and cleaner air.
Convenience for EV owners, boosting EV adoption.
Potentially steady income from recurring customers.
Eligibility for government subsidies and benefits.
By entering this market, you're supporting India's clean energy goals and creating jobs locally.
Ready to Launch Your EV Charging Business?
If you're passionate about sustainability and interested in running a modern, future-focused business, becoming a Charge Point Operator might be the right move for you.
Set your goals clearly, choose your location wisely, and partner with an expert provider who understands your needs.
Your EV charging business can help power India's electric vehicle revolution—starting today