When setting up your EV charging stations, it's essential to think about how you'll manage them. There's no single solution that fits all businesses—your choice will depend on your goals, budget, and the needs of your customers. Let’s explore the most common approaches to managing EV charging stations at retail locations.
Note: Be creative! The best solution for your business might be something entirely new.
1) Charging by kWh
Charging based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) is a straightforward way to recover costs. This model charges users based on the energy they consume, making it fair and transparent. Here's how it works:
Example:
Set price—$0.30/kWh
30kWh x $0.30/kWh = $9.00
Works with:
- Networked stations (e.g., Greenlots, EV Connect, Everon)
| Pros: |
Cons: |
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- Easy for both users and operators
- Directly covers energy costs
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- Doesn’t prevent long-term parking
- Not allowed in some regions
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2) Charging by Time
Charging by time ensures that stations are used efficiently. If someone stays after their car is charged, they’re not only taking up space but also costing you money. A time-based pricing model encourages users to move along once their vehicle is fully charged.
Example:
Set price—$2.25/hour
30kWh charge (at 7.4kW output) = ~4 hours
4 hours x $2.25/hour = $9.00
Works with:
- Networked stations (e.g., Greenlots, EV Connect, Everon)
| Pros: |
Cons: |
|
- Legal everywhere
- Discourages long-term parking
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- Favors faster chargers
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3) Combo Pricing (kWh + Time)
This approach combines kWh and time-based billing, ensuring fairness and efficiency. Users pay for the energy they use and the time they occupy a station. It’s ideal for locations where you want to promote quick turnover without losing revenue.
Example:
Set price—$0.15/kWh & $1.15/hour
(30kWh x $0.15/kWh) + (4 hours x $1.15/hour) = $9.10
Works with:
- Networked stations (e.g., Greenlots, EV Connect, Everon)
| Pros: |
Cons: |
|
- Fair for users
- Discourages long-term parking
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- Complex pricing structure
- Not allowed in some areas
- Favors faster chargers
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4) Flat Rate
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A flat rate is simple and easy to understand. You set one price for each charge, regardless of how much energy is used or how long the car stays plugged in. This method is ideal if you want to keep things straightforward and avoid complex billing systems.
Example:
Set price—$9.00 per charge
No math! It’s always $9.00
Works with:
- Networked stations (e.g., Greenlots, EV Connect, Everon)
- RFID-only (network-ready with access cards)
- Plug ‘n Charge (network-ready with no access cards)
| Pros: |
Cons: |
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- Simple and transparent
- No favoritism toward fast chargers
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- Doesn’t deter long-term parking
- May not reflect actual usage
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5) Free Charging
Offering free charging is a great way to attract EV drivers and enhance customer experience. While you won’t earn revenue from it, it can help build brand loyalty and increase foot traffic. This option works with all types of charging stations.
Example:
Set price—FREE!
No math—it’s free!!
Works with:
- Networked stations (e.g., Greenlots, EV Connect, Everon)
- RFID-only (network-ready with access cards)
- Plug ‘n Charge (network-ready with no access cards)
| Pros: |
Cons: |
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- Increases customer satisfaction
- Reduces operational complexity
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- No direct revenue
- Limited smart charging features
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Discover everything you need to know about EV charging
Download our free ebook to learn why EV charging will set your business apart, help you earn additional revenue, and prepare your location for the transition to electric transportation.
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