How Does Electric Charging Station Manufacturers Work?

Jul. 14, 2025

The complete guide to starting an EV charging station business

Vehicle electrification is a small but mighty step in addressing the climate crisis. The recent surge in EV sales is encouraging, but all those vehicles need charging—and we have a ways to go before charging stations become as accessible as gas stops. Fortunately, savvy businesspeople around the globe want to help. They’re wondering how to start an EV charging station business in ever-increasing numbers.

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This comprehensive guide will take you through the process, shedding light on the necessary market research, popular business models, grant opportunities, technical and regulatory standards, and more you’ll face in the course of business. Equipped with this info, your business will be up and running faster than a DC charger fills a battery.

Funding your EV charging station business

When investigating how to start an EV charging station business, grants stand out as an attractive inroad. It's important to consider each carefully, making note of hard deadlines, explicit program goals, desired outcomes, and guidance about how the funds can be used.

Grant opportunities

President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law carved out billions in federal funding for infrastructure for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. These grants,offered by the US Department of Transportation, can provide a minimum of $500,000 in funding, but take note: The funding must go toward rural communities of less than 10,000 people. These areas likely have next-to-no competition, which could give you an early foothold in expanding markets.

Volkswagen's Diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation Trust came out of the company's emissions scandal as an effort to undo some of the damage it caused. The trust as a whole creates grant opportunities for projects encouraging the adoption of sustainable transportation, and a portion of it is dedicated specifically to developing EV charging infrastructure in the US. TheNational Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) has general info about grant opportunities, but applicants need to check their state's website for specific requirements, as the trust allocates funding at the state level.

Speaking of the state level, several have their own funding offerings.California's Clean Transportation Program offers a mix of grants, contracts, and rebates for EV charging infrastructure, among other sustainable transportation solutions.New York's ChargeNY initiative targets EV charging, specifically. With Charge Ahead Colorado, that state offers grants for the installation of Level 2 and Level 3 fast charging stations in public and private locations. Be sure to check for funding opportunities in your state.

A great starting point in Canada is the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program. This $680 million program has carved out funding for EV chargers across the country, but competition is stiff. To be eligible, your proposal must include at least one charger of 200 kW and above, two fast chargers of 50 kW and above, or 20 chargers of all charging levels. Check out our ZEVIP resources page for more info.

For more funding opportunities for your electric vehicle charging station business, read7 EV charging station grants to apply for when starting your EV business.

Choosing a business model

There are a few common models those wondering how to start an EV charging station business typically consider. The right one for you will vary according to your goals, expertise, and available resources.

Charging network

Charging networks work like gas station chains. In this model, you'll own stations at several locations to maximize market density. By charging EV drivers flat or variable rates based on fluctuations in power supply, you'll bring in revenue. You'll either operate the stations yourself or pay a service to maintain them.

This model is very time and resource-intensive because it demands an upfront investment in infrastructure in addition to ongoing maintenance (which in turn demands expertise). It makes the most sense for gas station chains that want to move into the EV space.

Solutions provider

Rather than provide the charging infrastructure, solutions providers sell EV hardware, software, and services to residences, commercial buildings, fleet operators, and more. Their offerings vary, including consultation, maintenance, turnkey services for businesses looking to provide EV amenities, and more. Payment occurs either at installation, monthly, or annually if service is ongoing. In this model, turning a profit means soliciting discounts on hardware and software you then sell at a markup. Strong sales and customer service skills are vital to this model, and experience with EVs or other green tech can be a boon.

To learn more about how to start an EV charging station business with a model that works for you, readHow to develop a profitable EV charging station business model.

Maintenance considerations for an electric vehicle charging station business

Operating a successful electric vehicle charging station business means ensuring every piece of the operation stays in working order. That keeps customers happy and revenue flowing. As sophisticated feats of engineering, Level 2 and DC fast chargers have several components you'll need to maintain.

Hardware

The hardware components of an EV charger include its charger box, battery, switches, converters, cables, and connectors. Outer components should be checked for damage and wear on a regular basis, with supplemental checks performed after stormy weather. Connectors and cables must be cleaned of dust and other debris to ensure they work well for as long as possible.

Power management

Use your charging station management system (CSMS) to allocate safe and efficient loads for each of your chargers. The system should have safeguards in the event of lost connectivity, maintaining max charge set points in non-volatile memory. A software-driven power management system will outperform local load management features available on the hardware itself. Some systems, including ChargeLab, can detect a full vehicle battery and reallocate power to other chargers on the fly.

If your Level 2 charger takes more than a few hours to give a full charge, or your DC fast charger takes over an hour, you may have a voltage issue that requires fixing or replacing the battery.

Payment processing

EV charging stations rely on payment processing infrastructure such as RFID readers and credit card scanners to collect customer payments. Customers typically transact either via their mobile device (in-app or on the web) or through an external point-of-sale interface. Your CSMS should have complete and accurate receipt information to maintain compliance withCTEP.

Connectivity

If a charging station in your network disappears from your CSMS, that's a sure sign something needs fixing. It may be that the station itself has a hardware problem that requires repair, or it may be a simple connection problem. Choosing a CSMS provider that offers customer support can accelerate troubleshooting and safeguard against extended outages.

For more on maintenance considerations, readA guide to EV charging station maintenance.

Need-to-know EV charging station regulations

Several standards have been propagated around EV charging, handed down by hardware manufacturers, software designers, car manufacturers, and national governments. Here are two of the most important ones in the United States.

National Electric Code Article 625

If you want to know how to start an EV charging station business safely in the US, you need to review NEC Article 625. That article sets the bar for installing and maintaining EV charging equipment, from where to put the equipment to what kind of materials to use. Some key points:

EV charging systems can be placed indoors or outdoors as long all their physical infrastructure fits and their charging cables can reach EV charging ports. However, where you place your system will affect your ventilation, waterproofing, and shock protection needs.
EV chargers must be stored 18 inches above the ground if indoors or 24 inches above the ground outdoors.
EV charging systems must use cables appropriate for their location. Those cables should carry one of the following labels designating NEC approval: EV, EVJ, EVE, EVJE, EVT, or EVJT. Charging cables longer than 25 feet require a cable management system, but the standard practice is to manage shorter lines, too.

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)

With $5 billion in federal funding available for EV charging systems, the Department of Transportation (DoT) stepped in with guidelines around who could apply for funding. Funding applicants must meet the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure standard, which went into effect on March 30, . The standard is designed to promote interconnected EV infrastructure along federal highways, but any system that uses Title 23 federal funds must meet it no matter its location. NEVI covers topics such as eligible charger types, payment processing, cybersecurity, data privacy, and labor rules.

For more on EV charging station standards, read The big list of EV charging station standards and specs to know.

The importance of universal charging stations

Universal EV charging stations are designed to let EV owners charge their cars no matter what hardware standard or software system is in place. This interoperability makes owning (and recharging) an EV simpler and more practical, which drives further adoption.

In the current EV charging station landscape, operators have to deal with several inconsistencies among different chargers. For example, the wide gamut of hardware can make it difficult to scale a charging network efficiently. But with universal charging software, operators can mix and match products from various manufacturers according to their own budgetary, market, and quality concerns to create the stack that works for them. EV drivers benefit, too, as open protocol charging frees them from painstakingly planning every charging stop on their trip.

Despite their promise, universal charging stations have yet to conquer the market. Many EV chargers claim to be universal, but drivers frequently visit charging stations that turn out to be incompatible. This makes it hard for potential EV owners to trust they can recharge when needed and complicates ownership of EV charging stations.

ChargeLab was one of the first 50 members of the Open Charge Alliance and has advocated for the adoption of open protocols in EV charging since the very beginning (in fact, we run an entire boot camp program for manufacturers to improve their OCPP compliance!).

For more on universal charging stations and the future of EVs, readHow universal EV charging stations are driving EV adoption.

Critical EV charging standards

As the EV industry matures, more and more manufacturers are adhering to standards that maintain high levels of quality and consistency for consumers. Standards now exist that govern operation, installation, and safety.

Operating standards

SAE International standards, devised by an industry group of mobility professionals, establish hardware and software guidelines.
ISO sets a standard for digital communications between an EV and the charging station.
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a universal communications standard that allows the hardware and software of different providers to work together.
Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is an automated roaming protocol that lets charging stations serve drivers outside their network.
The Canadian Electricity and Gas Inspection Act provisions for safety requirements and EV charging outputs.

Installation and permitting standards

TheAlternative Fuels Data Center maintains a list of installation requirements from the US government, and itspermit template provides a solid framework for what to expect.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will apply to your electric vehicle charging station business, so be sure toreview it during planning to ensure disabled customers can charge with ease. The Accessible Canada Act applies many similar requirements.

Safety and security

SOC 2 compliance helps ensure a high standard of information security.
PCI DSS compliance safeguards customer payment info and keeps your business in good standing with payment card companies.

To learn more about the regulations and standards that affect how to start an EV charging station business, read The big list of EV charging regulations and standards.

Charger specifications to know when starting an EV charging business

EV chargers have different specifications based on their expected charging level. There are three levels in total:

Level 1

Connection: Standard 120V outlet
Charge speed: 5 km or 3 mi per hour of charging
Average time to full charge: 20+ hours

Level 1 chargers are the simplest to manage because they use existing electrical infrastructure. That makes them a good fit for residential or emergency use. On the other hand, their slow charging speed disqualifies them from commercial use.

Level 2

Connection: 240V outlet
Charge speed: 30–50 km or 20–30 mi per hour of charging
Average time to full charge: 6 to 14 hours

Level 2 chargers require specialized installation, using higher-voltage outlets and dedicated software to charge faster and intelligently bill customers automatically. They're well suited to retail deployments.

For more information, please visit Electric Charging Station Manufacturers.

Level 3

Connection: Direct current
Charge speed: 200 km per hour or 124 mi per hour
Average time to full charge: 20 minutes to an hour

Level 3 chargers use direct current (DC), which requires specialized hardware and electrical infrastructure. This gets them unparalleled charging speeds, making them ideal for thoroughfares and along major highways as gas station replacements.

EV connector types

Part of starting an EV charging station business means choosing which connector types to support. Some of the most popular examples include:

SAE J: The North American standard, also known as the J Plug, supports Level 1 and 2 charging systems.
IEC Type 2: The European standard supports Level 2 chargers.
Combined Charging System (CCS): A DC connector for Level 3 charging in North America and Europe.
CHAdeMo: A DC connector designed by the Japanese company of the same name and popular in Japan.
GB/T: The standard connector in China, with different models for each of the three charging levels.
NACS: A formerly proprietary connector for Tesla EVs, the North American Charging Standard is now open to the industry. Automakers, including Ford, GM, Nissan, and beyond, have announced plans to adopt the standard.

For more on installation requirements and network compatibility, read EV charger specifications every pro needs to know.

Maximizing ROI when adding EV charging to your business

As the number of EVs on the road hasmore than tripled in the past three years, demand for hotels, condos, and other businesses to add charging stations to their offerings has continued to mount. These chargers' return on investment (ROI) can include additional revenue, brand appeal, and cost savings with the careful deployment of EV charging incentives.

To determine your ROI, begin by understanding your customers. How safe will they feel leaving their vehicles in your care, and how quickly will they need their cars recharged? The busier your business, the more sense it makes to invest in fast Level 3, or DC, chargers. Businesses with slower customer turnover, such as hotels, can likely use a higher ratio of Level 2 chargers.

Next, you'll need to determine where to place these chargers for maximum benefit. Performing market research on the demand for chargers in your area can help clarify this process, as can consulting with a financial advisor with regard to installation costs.

Speaking of: The easiest way to install EV chargers is to turn to an EV solutions provider. They'll do the research, install, and operate the charging stations for you. As an EV infrastructure provider, they likely qualify for more rebates than your business. They're also experts in their field and can guide you through permitting, rebate application, and installation. Finally, they're there to help should something go wrong with the chargers.

To learn more about the incentives set to benefit businesses that install EV charging stations, read 7 EV charging incentives for businesses going green.

Supercharge your electric vehicle charging station business

Procurement and Installation for Electric Vehicle Charging ...

Procurement and Installation for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

A variety of options for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure exist, thereby creating a multifaceted infrastructure procurement process. The site host’s specific characteristics and goals, such as utilization and demographics, can also influence the process. Installing charging infrastructure can involve complex payment structures, data collection, ownership models, parking, and signage requirements, in addition to typical infrastructure considerations like cost, regulations, safety, efficiency, siting, and type of equipment. Some organizations may also need to issue a formal solicitation, such as a request for proposal (RFP). See the Infrastructure Development Checklist for important factors to consider when selecting and procuring charging infrastructure. Additionally, for guidance navigating rural infrastructure development, review the U.S. Department of Transportation's Rural EV Toolkit. For additional public charging guidance, see the Public EV Charging Station Site Selection Checklist from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.

For examples of how other organizations have completed the charging infrastructure procurement process, approached decision making, and implemented charging infrastructure, see the following case studies.

Part 1: Seattle: An Early EV Adopter, Still Leading the Charge
Electric Vehicles Take Charge in Chicago
Dallas Prioritizes Equitable Access for EV Charging in Multifamily Housing

Identify the Need

The first step when planning to procure and install charging infrastructure is to consider your community members. It is important to understand their expected charging needs based on travel patterns, EV ownership, amount of time it may take to charge the vehicle battery, and the number and type of EVs expected to be served at each location. This type of information can help better determine the number and type of charging infrastructure required for the project. The California Energy Commission’s Electric Vehicle Charger Selection Guide offers an overview of the considerations for making a charger purchase.

The EVI-X Toolbox offers resources to estimate the charging infrastructure necessary to support typical daily travel in a given state or city, charging infrastructure needs to support long-distance travel (100 miles or more) along highway corridors in a given state or county, and to determine how EV charging will impact electricity demand.

Charging Access

Ensuring access to EV charging for all types of communities is an important consideration when planning infrastructure development. Low-income and under-resourced communities are typically exposed to a higher proportion of environmental hazards, and EV charging infrastructure can make it easier to encourage EV adoption as a strategy to reduce those impacts moving forward.

It is important to design charging infrastructure projects alongside a diverse set of community members. This provides local context that ensures appropriate charging solutions for the area. For example, a high-density urban area with multifamily housing might benefit from Level 2 curbside charging, while a more rural community may not have on-street parking and would benefit instead from centralized fast charging.

Additionally, the following resources provide guidance for incorporating investment benefit goals into the EV charging planning and deployment process:

EV for All: Electrifying Transportation in Low-Income Communities
Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Rural Electric Mobility Infrastructure
Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making
Using Mapping Tools To Prioritize EV Charger Benefits to Underserved Communities

Cost Considerations

Another important consideration is to determine the cost associated with the required charging needs. This includes equipment, installation, and operation and maintenance (including electricity, demand charges, and any annual charging network fees).

Equipment

Equipment costs will vary based on factors such as application, location, charging level, and type. When choosing charging infrastructure, additional features to consider that can impact costs include: networking capabilities, output power rating (in kilowatts), number and type of connectors, number of vehicles that can simultaneously charge, and theft deterrence. The features chosen should align with anticipated needs and budget. Residential Level 1 charger costs can vary from $0 (if no additional equipment is needed) to $900. Meanwhile, a residential Level 2 charger can range from $380 to $690, according to a Rocky Mountain Institute Report. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Levelized Cost of Charging EVs in the United States report found that public charger costs are approximately $3,500 per connector for Level 2 and $38,000 to $90,000 per connector for DC fast, with higher costs depending on power output.

Installation

Installation costs can vary significantly based on factors including the number and type of charging infrastructure, geographic location, site location and required trenching, existing wiring and required electrical upgrades to accommodate existing and future charging needs, labor costs, and permitting. Data show that labor is the largest expense in a typical installation, and the per-charger cost goes down significantly for larger installations. According to the NREL and INL Levelized Cost of Charging EVs in the United States report, the charger installation costs for residential use vary from $400 to $600 per connector for Level 1 equipment and approximately $1,300 per connector for Level 2 equipment, not including labor and permitting costs. Public and workplace installation costs per charger average around $2,500 per connector for Level 2, with costs varying depending on location and number of chargers installed at each site. Similarly, DC fast installation costs can range anywhere from $20,000 per connector to $60,000 per connector depending on charger power and number of installed chargers per site.

Federal, state, local, and utility incentives may be available to offset installation costs. For more information on charging infrastructure cost considerations, see reports on the Costs Associated with Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, Reducing EV Charging Infrastructure Costs, and Breakdown of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Installation Costs.

Networking

Networked charging infrastructure is connected to the internet and can send data, such as information on frequency of use, to a network services provider (i.e., charging network) and the site host. Networked charging infrastructure allows site hosts to offer radio-frequency identification (RFID), smart , or credit card payment; monitor and analyze use; and provide customer support. By selecting charging infrastructure with hardware that uses the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) version 1.6 or higher, which physically separates the appliance aspects of the charging infrastructure from the network backend component, the site host can easily switch charging networks without expensive equipment upgrades. This prevents stranded assets by allowing any network to operate the equipment in the event that a site host decides to switch charging networks, or the existing provider no longer offers charging. OCPP is the industry standard for open access. For more information on open access, see the Open Charge Alliance.

Non-networked charging infrastructure is not connected to the internet and provides basic charging capabilities without advanced utilization monitoring or payment capabilities. To install a networked station, the site must have access to a wired or wireless internet connection or cellular service.

To better understand terminology for networked stations and how data is collected and displayed in the Alternative Fueling Station Locator, see Electric Vehicle Charging Networks.

Other Considerations

The process of procuring charging infrastructure includes many other considerations, such as compliance, permitting, safety, ownership, signage, markings, and more.

Compliance, Permitting, and Inspection

When choosing charging infrastructure, ensure that the manufacturer has complied with certification requirements, including testing the product with a certified testing body. Charging infrastructure should also be compliant with SAE International standards, such as SAE J.

Consider domestically manufactured EV charging infrastructure compliant with Buy America requirements. Some EV charging incentive programs may require Buy America compliant equipment. Visit the Made in America Office website for more information.

Also, check for other optional certifications that may be of interest, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program. To qualify for ENERGY STAR certification, chargers must be rigorously tested for operational safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Certified Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use 40% less energy than other similar products when in standby mode (up to 85% of the time). In , ENERGY STAR set energy efficiency criteria for DC fast chargers up to 350 kW. A certified 50 kW DC fast charger would save about 1.5 MWh/year, equivalent to about $1,650 over the product’s lifetime. Also, ENERGY STAR certified chargers that are listed as “Connected Capable” on the ENERGY STAR EVSE Product Finder or the DC EVSE Product Finder use open communication standards and have other networking capabilities, such as remote management of the charger and the ability to support demand response requests.

Charging station installations must comply with local and state codes and regulations and be completed by a licensed electrical contractor. To find licensed electrical contractors trained in charging station installation, refer to the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) list of contractors trained and certified in equipment installation and consult with project partners, including charging station manufacturers, utilities, and Clean Cities and Communities coalitions.

An electrical contractor should be aware of the relevant codes and standards and obtain a permit from the local building authorities before installing charging infrastructure. Additional time may be needed, as the permitting process could require a site installation plan, and approval from fire, environmental, or electrical inspection entities. For comprehensive guidance on all aspects of charger installation, including planning, permitting, construction, and accessibility considerations, see the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Guidebook from the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development(PDF). Visit the EV Permitting page for more information on what state and local governments can do to streamline the permitting process for EV charging station installation.

Ownership

Charging station ownership typically falls into one of two categories: site-host-owned or third-party-owned (e.g., owned by a charging network), though there are other possible arrangements. Charging infrastructure owned by the site host is purchased, installed, and maintained by the site host, which allows for full control over the station and the ability to keep all revenue from the station (if applicable). In this scenario, site hosts are responsible for all associated costs, including any maintenance or payment transaction fees. Charging infrastructure owned by a third party is installed and maintained by the third party, which minimizes responsibility to the site host. In some cases, the site host may also earn revenue by leasing the space occupied by the charging infrastructure to the third party. Other ownership arrangements may exist between the electric utility and the site host or third-party operator. For more information on the primary ownership models, see the Decide on Ownership Model section of the U.S. Department of Transportation's EV Infrastructure Project Planning Checklist. Additionally, for details on public EV charger installation ownership structures, see Atlas Public Policy's Public EV Charging Business Models for Retail Site Hosts.

Signage, Markings, and Accessibility Considerations

When installing EV charging infrastructure, consider the signage and pavement markings that may be necessary to help inform drivers. State and local governments may have requirements concerning EV charging infrastructure signage and marking requirements (e.g., Maryland's EV parking space signage requirement). Other considerations for installing EV charging infrastructure include proximity to amenities, lighting, and safety, including vandalism prevention strategies (e.g., motion detectors, anti-vandalism hardware). While not federally mandated, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements should also be taken under advisement. However, some EV charging incentive programs (e.g., the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program) state legislation (e.g., in California and Hawaii), or local governments may require that new EV charging installations are ADA-compliant (accessible, easy to use, and safe). Key considerations include ensuring adequate space for exiting and entering the vehicle, unobstructed access to the charger, free movement around the charger and connection point on the vehicle, and clear paths and proximity to building entrances. For more information on accessibility considerations, see Access Board’s Design Recommendations for Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations report. Finally, infrastructure developers should consider engaging with their local Clean Cities and Communities coalition for assistance identifying any local requirements.

Utilities and Other Partners

According to sales data from Argonne National Laboratory, EV purchases continue to increase. Due to the increasing number of EVs on the road, utilities play an important role in supporting the projected future growth of charging infrastructure and managing energy efficiency optimization for charging stations and the electrical grid. It is important to engage with utilities early in the infrastructure planning process. Utilities can provide in-depth analysis of power availability and capacity for infrastructure planning and mitigate grid impacts by offering managed charging (also called smart charging). This allows a utility to remotely control EV charging by increasing, decreasing, or turning off charging to help meet the needs of the grid. In addition, utilities can offer incentives or unique ownership models for charging equipment and installation. Use the U-Finder tool to identify your utility partners, get their contact information, and learn about their EV charger installation efforts.

During the planning and procurement process, site hosts may also choose to engage their local Clean Cities and Communities coalition and state and local governments for advice.

For more information on charging infrastructure and electric utilities, see the Edison Electric Institute’s Electric Transportation website, the Smart Electric Power Alliance’s Transportation Electrification website, and Atlas Public Policy’s EV Hub.

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