# No. 1 - BharatCharge | EV Charging Station Franchise in India: Cost, Setup & Charger Installation Guide

India's electric vehicle market is growing quickly, and with it the demand for reliable public charging. Millions of EV owners now look for dependable chargers at malls, offices, housing societies, highways and fuel stations, and most of them still find too few. That gap is why so many entrepreneurs, landowners and business owners are exploring an electric vehicle charging franchise.

This guide explains how an EV charging station franchise in India works, what the EV charger installation cost in India looks like for different charger types, what government support exists, and how to choose the right franchise partner.

What Is an Electric Vehicle Charging Franchise?

An electric vehicle charging franchise lets you open and operate EV charging points under an established charging brand. Instead of building the technology, mobile app, payment system and customer support yourself, you plug into a ready network and focus on the site and daily operations.

In most models the franchise partner provides the site (or finds one), invests in the chargers and civil work, and operates the station. The franchisor typically provides the brand, charger specifications, the charging app and payment gateway, remote monitoring and technical support. Revenue comes from per-unit (kWh) charging fees, and sometimes from parking, advertising or a nearby café or retail counter.

Terms differ from one brand to another. Some are pure franchise models, some are revenue-sharing or "site-host" models where you only provide the land, and some are hybrid. Always read the agreement carefully before paying anything.

Why an EV Charging Station Franchise in India Makes Sense

1. Fast-growing demand. EV adoption is rising across cars, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses and commercial fleets. Every new EV adds to the demand for charging.

2. Not enough public chargers yet. India has around 30,000 public charging stations, far fewer than mature EV markets, so well-located stations can see good utilisation.

3. Lower technology risk. A franchise gives you tested hardware, software and support, instead of figuring out standards, billing and uptime alone.

4. Government push. National and state policies are encouraging charging infrastructure, including subsidy support under the PM E-DRIVE scheme (details below).

5. Multiple income streams. Charging fees can be combined with parking, advertising, retail and, for commercial sites, solar generation to cut your power cost.

EV Charger Installation Cost in India

The EV charger installation cost in India depends mainly on the charger type, power rating, site condition and the electrical work needed. The ranges below are indicative figures published by industry sources in 2026. Actual quotes vary by brand, city and site, so treat them as a starting point.

Setup	Typical hardware cost	Typical installation cost
Home smart AC charger (3.3 to 7.4 kW)	₹8,000 to ₹40,000	₹3,000 to ₹15,000
Commercial AC charger (7.4 to 22 kW)	₹35,000 to ₹1.2 lakh	₹20,000 to ₹75,000
DC fast charger (smaller units)	₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh	₹1 lakh to ₹4 lakh
High-power DC fast charger (60 kW and above, with electrical infrastructure)	₹15 lakh to ₹40 lakh or more per charger	Often included in project cost

A small AC-based public setup can start at a few lakh rupees, while a commercial site with a DC fast charger can cross ₹20 lakh once transformer, cabling and civil work are included.

What drives the cost up or down?

Charger power (kW): higher power means higher hardware and cabling cost.
Electrical load: if your sanctioned load is too low, you may need a load upgrade, a new transformer or a separate EV connection.
Distance from the meter or transformer: long cable runs raise costs.
Civil work: foundation, canopy, bollards, parking markings and lighting.
Connector standards: chargers must support the connectors used by Indian EVs (such as CCS2 and Type 2 for cars, and LECCS or similar for light EVs).
Software and network: app, payment gateway, OCPP-based management and remote monitoring.
Warranty and maintenance: annual maintenance contracts and uptime guarantees add to total ownership cost.

Don't forget running costs

Beyond installation, budget for electricity, DISCOM charges, maintenance, network and payment fees, insurance, staff (if any) and site rent.

How Much Does an EV Charging Station Franchise Cost in India?

Franchise investment varies widely by brand and charger mix. Industry blogs in 2026 put typical franchise setups in roughly these ranges:

AC-based setups: a few lakh rupees, suitable for malls, offices, housing societies and hotels.
Mixed AC and DC setups: around ₹15 lakh to ₹30 lakh for several well-known brands.
DC-heavy fast-charging hubs: ₹60 lakh and above, with higher potential returns and longer payback.

These figures are estimates, not guarantees. Ask every franchisor for a written breakdown covering charger hardware, installation and civil work, software and app integration, brand and licence fees, signage, and support.

Government Support: PM E-DRIVE and Subsidies

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued operational guidelines for public charging under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, with about ₹2,000 crore set aside for public charging infrastructure to support roughly 72,300 stations.

In broad terms:

Government premises such as offices, hospitals, schools and residential complexes can receive up to 100% subsidy on upstream infrastructure and charging equipment, provided the chargers are open to the public free of charge.
Public sector sites such as airports, metro and bus stations, toll plazas and oil company outlets can receive 80% on upstream infrastructure and 70% on equipment.
Other locations, such as city streets, malls and market complexes, can receive 80% on upstream infrastructure.

Eligibility is largely aimed at government bodies, public sector units and state agencies, so private franchise operators should check with their franchisor or state nodal agency whether any subsidy applies to their site. Many states also offer their own incentives, such as capital subsidies, reduced EV tariffs and waived fees. Rules and subsidies change, so verify the latest details before you invest.

Licence, Approvals and Standards

Under the Ministry of Power's guidelines, setting up a public charging station is a delicensed activity, so you generally do not need a separate licence to operate one. You still need to:

Follow the technical, safety and interoperability standards in the Ministry of Power's EV charging guidelines.
Get a new or upgraded electricity connection from the DISCOM, often at a dedicated EV tariff.
Complete electrical safety approvals and any local municipal or fire permissions for your site.
Use chargers that comply with Indian standards and communication protocols.

Check current state and local rules before you start, since requirements vary.

How to Start an EV Charging Station Franchise: Step by Step

Check the site. High-footfall locations with parking, easy entry and exit, and a reliable power supply work best: malls, offices, hotels, hospitals, housing societies, highway stops and fuel stations.
Study the market. Look at nearby EV registrations, competing chargers and the type of vehicles that will use your station (cars, two-wheelers, fleets).
Compare franchise brands. Review investment, revenue share, contract length, exclusivity, support and the brand's actual network uptime.
Pick the charger mix. AC chargers suit long-dwell locations; DC fast chargers suit highways and quick-turnaround sites.
Sign the agreement. Understand fees, renewal terms, exit conditions and who owns the equipment.
Apply for the power connection and approvals.
Install and commission. The chargers are installed, tested and linked to the app and payment system.
Launch and market. List the station on charging apps and Google Maps, add signage and promote to nearby EV owners and fleets.
Monitor and maintain. Track uptime, energy sold and customer feedback, and service the equipment regularly.

How Do You Earn From an EV Charging Franchise?

Charging fees: per-kWh revenue, usually the main income.
Parking and dwell fees: where applicable.
Advertising and branding: screens or signage at the station.
Retail and café income: customers wait while charging, so nearby shops benefit.
Fleet contracts: taxis, delivery vehicles and buses can provide steady, predictable volumes.
Solar integration: rooftop or carport solar can lower your electricity cost significantly at sites with good daytime sun.

Returns depend heavily on utilisation, meaning how many hours a day your chargers are actually in use. Location, charger type, local EV density and tariff all affect this, so be cautious of any franchisor promising fixed profits.

What to Ask Before You Choose a Franchise Partner

How many stations are currently operational, and what is their average uptime?
What is the total investment, and what exactly does it cover?
Who owns the chargers and the customer data?
Is there a revenue share, royalty or minimum guarantee, and how is it calculated?
Which chargers are used, which connectors do they support, and what is the warranty?
Do they support DISCOM approvals, installation and commissioning?
What is the app and payment setup, and how quickly do you receive payouts?
What are the contract term, renewal and exit conditions?
Can you visit or speak to an existing franchise owner?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a site with poor visibility or limited footfall
Underestimating electrical load and power connection costs
Buying low-cost chargers with weak warranty or no local service
Ignoring running costs and expecting instant profit
Signing a long contract without reading exit and fee terms
Skipping marketing, so nobody knows the station exists

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electric vehicle charging franchise? It is a business model where you operate EV chargers under an established charging brand, which provides the technology, app, support and brand recognition.

How much does an EV charging station franchise cost in India? It ranges from a few lakh rupees for a small AC setup to ₹15 lakh to ₹30 lakh for mixed setups with several brands, and much higher for DC-heavy hubs. Get a written quote from each franchisor.

What is the EV charger installation cost in India? Home AC chargers typically cost ₹15,000 to ₹70,000 including installation, commercial AC setups roughly ₹55,000 to ₹2 lakh or more, and DC fast charging projects from several lakh to ₹40 lakh or more depending on power and infrastructure.

Do I need a licence to open an EV charging station? A separate licence is generally not required, but you must follow the Ministry of Power's guidelines and obtain the power connection and safety approvals.

Is a subsidy available? PM E-DRIVE offers tiered subsidies for public charging, mainly aimed at government and public sector sites. Private operators should check eligibility with their franchisor or state nodal agency, and also look for state-level incentives.

Which is better, AC or DC? AC chargers cost less and suit places where vehicles stay for hours. DC fast chargers cost more but suit highways and quick stops. Many successful sites combine both.

How long does it take to set up a station? After site finalisation and approvals, installation is often completed in a few weeks. DISCOM connection timelines can add time, so plan ahead.

Start Your EV Charging Journey With Bharat Charge

Bharat Charge works with businesses, landowners and entrepreneurs to plan, install and operate EV charging infrastructure across India. Whether you want to explore an EV charging station franchise, get a clear estimate for EV charger installation, or power your site with solar and EV charging together, our team can guide you from site assessment to commissioning.

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