Written By: Bandana Gupta

Franchisebazar Editorial Team, Updated September 2026

Introduction

India's EV market is creating a growing need for reliable charging infrastructure. For investors, this has opened the door to EV charging franchises in India across highways, malls, hotels, offices, fuel stations, parking areas and fleet hubs.

However, buying a charger does not automatically create a profitable business. The success of an EV charging station franchise in India depends on factors such as EV traffic, location, electricity availability, charger utilisation, land cost, maintenance expenses and the commercial terms offered by the charging company.

According to government data, India had 52,718 public EV charging stations as of July 2026, of which 16,561 had fast-charging facilities for cars. The government is also supporting charging infrastructure through PM E-DRIVE, under which ₹2,000 crore has been allocated to support around 72,000 public EV charging stations.

The year 2027 thus offers a good time for looking at EV charging franchises, although investors should take care to compare the business model and its location.

Quick Answer

EV charging franchises in India can require anywhere from a few lakh rupees for basic AC setups to several crores for large fast-charging hubs. The right model depends on factors such as location, EV traffic, electrical capacity, land cost, charger utilization, and the level of operational support required.

Key Facts

• 52,718 public EV charging stations were available in India as of July 2026.
• 16,561 public charging stations had fast-charging facilities for cars.
• ₹2,000 crore has been allocated under PM E-DRIVE for EV charging infrastructure.
• The scheme aims to support around 72,000 public charging stations.

How Does an EV Charging Franchise Work?

An EV charging franchise allows an investor to set up and operate a charging station using a company's charging technology, software, branding or operational support.

The basic process is:

1. Select a suitable location.
2. Choose the charging company and business model.
3. Assess electricity load and infrastructure requirements.
4. Install chargers and supporting equipment.
5. Connect the station to the company's software/network.
6. Customers pay to charge their vehicles.
7. Revenue is shared or retained according to the agreement.

Depending on the company, the investor may manage daily operations independently, receive operational support or use a company-operated model such as FOCO.

Why Invest in an EV Charging Station Business in India in 2027?

1. Increasing charging infrastructure

With an increasing number of EVs, the need for charging stations will rise; government initiatives towards charging infrastructure development can also benefit private investments.

2. Various levels of investment

An investor has a choice of investing in a small-scale AC charging station and up to larger DC fast chargers or even highway networks.

3. Highway and fleet possibilities

Long-distance EV travel, bus, cargo, taxi or logistics fleet charging needs can create a demand for faster and reliable charging.

4. Flexible Location Options

Charging stations can be installed at suitable locations such as fuel stations, restaurants, hotels, malls, offices, residential communities, parking lots and fleet depots, subject to applicable site, electricity and local requirements.

5. Technology-driven business model

Mobile payments, apps, monitoring and automatic billing can make the business model of charging companies easier to run and control.

Top 10 EV Charging Franchise, Partnership and Business Opportunities in India

These opportunities are not identical: some companies offer franchise models, while others work through partnerships, FOCO, host or ownership arrangements. Investors should confirm the current model, fees and eligibility directly with the company.

*Published or indicative ranges; actual commercial terms can vary.

1. Tata Power EZ Charge

The Tata Power EZ Charge scheme provides a well-established framework that includes services like site selection, installation, maintenance, branding, and network services. The current franchise page of the Tata Power EZ Charge does not mention a single investment figure, so interested investors should ask for site-based quotations.

Suitable for: Investors looking for a strong energy brand.

2. ChargeZone

ChargeZone concentrates on developing fast and super charging stations. Fast charging is available in the range of Rs. 25 lakh-Rs. 1 crore while super-charging costs around Rs. 1 crore -Rs. 10 crores according to different configurations.

Suitable for: Highways, logistics corridors.

3. Statiq

The FOCO (Franchise Owned, Company Operated) model can be availed at Statiq. This means that the investor will own the infrastructure to provide charging whereas the company will give technology and operations support. The investment details provided by the company range from about ₹30 lakhs and above several crores.

Suitable for: Investors who want to go for an operated model.

4. Jio-bp pulse

This EV Charging station is recognized as Jio-bp's network in terms of mobility infrastructure. If investors want to join through a partnership, they need to look into the current partnership opportunities that the company offers.

Suitable for: Fuel stations and commercial spaces.

5. GLIDA

GLIDA provides solutions for charging station installation at places such as highways, malls, commercial premises, and car parks. Investors must check the existing structure of their agreement with the company, along with the requirements for equipment and profit sharing.

Best suited for: Commercial places and highways.

6. Charzer

Charzer concentrates on offering solutions for EV charging facilities which can work well for small commercial places. This model is best for investors interested in exploring EV charging without necessarily building an extensive highway facility.

Best suited for: Small commercial facilities and destination charging.

7. Magenta ChargeGrid

Magenta ChargeGrid is an ecosystem for electric vehicle (EV) charging along with energy infrastructure. Before making any investment, one needs to consider the latest opportunities for partnerships from Magenta, along with the station requirements and business terms.

Best suited for: Commercial charging, workplace charging, and destination charging.

8. ZEON Charging

ZEON has three current franchise models: Starter at ₹20–24 lakh, Growth at ₹70 lakh–₹2 crore and Hypercharger at ₹2–4 crore. It has also stated in its ROI details that results would depend upon location, traffic, electricity charges, and charger utilization.

Best suited for: High traffic and highway charging spots.

9. Servotech/Incharz

Servotech's Incharz business focuses on AC/DC charging infrastructure and charging projects, including fleet-related applications. This makes it relevant for investors interested in commercial and fleet charging rather than only traditional public charging.

Best for: Fleet operators and infrastructure-focused investors.

10. Relux Electric

Relux offers both host-a-charging-station and own-a-charging-station models. This provides an option for property owners who want to explore charging without necessarily purchasing the entire infrastructure themselves.

Best for: Property owners and businesses with suitable parking space.

EV Charging Franchise Cost in India 2027

There is no particular cost of an EV charging franchise in India since it will depend on the type of chargers, electrical capacity, location, among others.

Charging Setup         Indicative Investment

Basic AC setup:          ₹1–5 lakh

Small commercial setup:        ₹5–15 lakh

DC fast-charging setup:          ₹15–30 lakh+

Large/highway station:           ₹50 lakh–₹2 crore+

High-capacity charging hub    : ₹2 crore+

These are planning ranges, not guaranteed franchise prices. There is no fixed cost for an EV charging franchise in India. The total investment depends on the charger type, electrical capacity, location, land cost and other infrastructure requirements.

Major cost components can include:

•           EV chargers

•           Transformer and electrical connection

•           Cables, switchgear and protection equipment

•           Civil work and parking

•           Land purchase or lease

•           Canopy and signage

•           Software and payment systems

•           Installation

•           Maintenance

•           Staff and security

•           Branding and marketing

•           Working capital

Which EV Charging Business Model Is Best for Your Budget?

AC or DC Charging: Which Is Better?

For investors, DC charging can offer higher revenue potential at busy locations, but it also requires greater investment and electrical capacity.

Can an EV Charging Franchise be Profitable in India?

It is possible to make a profit out of EV Charging franchise, but it highly depends on the usage of chargers and expenses.

For instance, let’s examine the cost of one charging per session at ₹250:

These figures represent gross charging revenue only.

Illustrative Profitability Example

For a station handling around 25 charging sessions per day at an average revenue of ₹250 per session, an illustrative revenue and cost structure could look like this: :

The actual profit will depend on electricity costs, rent or land lease, maintenance, staffing, network fees, revenue sharing, taxes and financing costs. Therefore, investors should not accept a franchise's ROI projection without checking the assumptions behind it.

EV Charging Business Trends Investors Should Look Out for in 2027?

*Highway fast charging

DC fast charging stations will be required due to the long-distance travel of electric vehicles.

*Fleet charging

Electric taxis, vans, buses and delivery fleets can create more predictable charging demand

*Destination Charging:

Hotels, restaurants, malls, offices and residential communities can use EV charging as an additional customer service.

*Higher-power charging

With the increase in capacity of batteries and charging of vehicles, the need for faster charging facilities might rise.

*Digital charging platforms

Apps, online payments, remote monitoring, automated billing and charger availability tracking have become significant for the charging experience.

How to Choose the Right EV Charging Franchise in India

Things to Consider Before Choosing an EV Charging Brand :

1.Total investment

Look beyond the advertised franchise amount. Ask for the complete project cost, including electrical and civil work.

2. Location suitability

An inexpensive station that is located in a low area can underperform when compared to an expensive station that is located in a lucrative area.

3. Availability of electricity

Check sanctioned load, transformer requirements, connection costs and local electricity tariffs.

4. Charger utilisation

Ask how the company estimates daily charging sessions and whether its assumptions are based on comparable locations.

5. Revenue sharing

Understand how much revenue goes to the investor, charging network, and other parties.

6. Maintenance support

Check warranty, AMC, repair response time, and replacement arrangements.

7. Agreement terms

Review tenure, renewal, territory, exit conditions, refund provisions and equipment ownership.

Who Should Avoid an EV Charging Franchise?

This business may not be suitable if:

• You do not have a suitable location.
• EV traffic is very low in your target area.
• Your site cannot support the required electrical load.
• You are relying entirely on guaranteed ROI claims.
• You do not have enough working capital.
• You are unwilling to monitor electricity and operating costs.
• The franchise agreement may not explain clearly about revenue sharing or business exit terms.

What are the best locations for an EV Charging Station?

Good locations can include:

•           Highways and expressways

•           Fuel stations

•           Shopping malls

•           Hotels and restaurants

•           Office complexes

•           Residential communities

•           Airports and railway areas

•           Public parking

•           Fleet depots

•           Logistics hubs

However, busy locations alone cannot guarantee a good charging site. The location should have EV demand, suitable parking, reliable electricity access, reasonable lease costs and convenient entry and exit.

Due Diligence: Things to Check Before Investing

Here is the list of things to ask for before signing an EV Franchise Agreement.

•           Complete investment breakup

•           Charger specifications

•           Electricity/load requirements

•           Installation costs

•           Franchise or onboarding fees

•           Revenue-sharing structure

•           Expected utilisation assumptions

•           Warranty and AMC terms

•           Software/network charges

•           Contract duration

•           Renewal conditions

•           Exit and refund terms

•           Equipment ownership details

•           Territory rights

•           Technical support

•           Marketing support

•           Past performance data from comparable sites

Avoid investing based on decisions solely on an estimated Return on Investment (ROI) or revenue per month.

Do You Need a Government Licence to Set Up an EV Charging Station?

According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, setting up EV charging stations is a permitted activity in India. However, this does not mean that investors can ignore applicable approvals or technical requirements.

Setting up an EV charging station involves more than installing chargers. Investors may need to address electricity connections and load requirements, land-use permissions, local authority requirements, fire and safety considerations, and applicable DISCOM procedures, depending on the location and project.

Always confirm the applicable requirements for your location before starting construction or installation.

FAQS

Which is the best EV charging franchise to invest in India?

There isn’t any one franchise that would be good for everyone. Tata Power would fit well those looking for an established energy company, ChargeZone and ZEON would fit busy fast-charging locations, while Statiq’s FOCO franchise could appeal to those investors who want a more managed option.

What is the minimum amount to invest in an EV charging franchise?

A standard charging system might cost a few lakhs, whereas branded DC fast charging and highway systems might cost ₹20 lakhs, ₹50 lakhs, ₹1 crore, and even more.

Can EV charging stations be profitable?

Yes, an EV charging franchise can be profitable in India, but profitability depends mainly on charger utilisation, electricity costs, land or rent, pricing, maintenance and revenue-sharing terms.

What is the land requirement for an electric vehicle charging station?

Land requirements depend on type of Charger and size of station. Small stations require less space while large stations require more space for parking facilities.

Is it possible to start an EV charging station without having any land?

Yes. Depending on the kind of business model chosen, there are several ways through which the investors can lease land or engage the property owner.

Does PM E-DRIVE help the EV charging infrastructure?

Yes. PM E-DRIVE program offers ₹2,000 crore towards the development of EV charging infrastructure and aims to establish 72,000 charging stations.

Conclusion

EV charging franchises in India offer an emerging business opportunity as the country's EV ecosystem and charging infrastructure continue to expand.

But investors should look beyond the charger price or a promised ROI. The most important factors are location, EV traffic, electricity availability, charger utilisation, operating costs and franchise agreement terms.

A small AC setup may suit a limited budget, while DC fast charging can be more suitable for highways, fleets and high-traffic commercial locations. FOCO and host models can also provide alternatives for investors who prefer lower day-to-day involvement.

Before investing, compare at least two or three options, verify the latest commercial terms directly with the company and prepare a site-level financial calculation.

Looking for more franchise opportunities? Explore EV franchise opportunities on FranchiseBazar and compare business models based on your investment, location and business goals.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.