An EV charging franchise lets you open and run charging stations under an established network's brand, software and support. In India, published investment figures range from a few lakh rupees for small AC charging points to over ₹1 crore for multi-charger sites, and the numbers differ a lot between providers. This guide explains the franchise models, what drives cost, how the process works, and the risks to check before you sign.
What is an EV charging franchise?
Instead of building your own brand and app, you partner with a charging company. The franchisor usually provides the charging management software, driver app, branding, technical guidance and maintenance support. You provide the location and, in most models, the capital. India's public network has grown to over 29,000 stations, but EV adoption is growing too, which is why many site owners are exploring this model (see EV Charging Stations in India 2026).
The 3 franchise models: FOFO, FOCO and revenue share
| Model | Who funds | Who operates | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOFO (Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated) | You | You | Owners who want control and higher margin and can manage daily operations |
| FOCO (Franchise Owned, Company Operated) | You | The franchisor | Investors who want a hands-off approach |
| Revenue share / site host | Mostly the company | The company | Land, hotel, mall or restaurant owners with parking space and low capital |
How much does an EV charging franchise cost in India?
There is no single price. Cost depends on charger type, power load, civil work, transformer upgrades, the franchise fee and your site. Here are published ranges from different sources, which show how wide the spread is:
- Small AC hub: about ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh, according to one franchise guide.
- Commercial DC fast charging station (30 kW to 120 kW): about ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh or more in the same guide, with transformer upgrades and civil work being major items.
- Company-operated model example: Statiq states that its FOCO model starts from about ₹30 lakh for a 60 kW DC station.
- Large franchise example: Tata Power's franchise guide cites a typical total of ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore for a full setup.
Ask every provider for a written, itemised quote covering chargers, installation, grid connection, civil work, franchise fee, software fees and any royalty.
A simple (hypothetical) revenue example
This is an illustration only, not a promise of returns. Assume a station sells 200 kWh a day, charges drivers ₹18 per kWh and pays ₹7 per kWh for electricity. The gross margin is ₹11 per kWh, or about ₹2,200 a day and ₹66,000 a month before rent, staff, maintenance, software fees, royalties and loan repayments. Your real numbers depend mostly on utilisation, meaning how many hours a day the charger is actually in use. Public sources quote concessional EV electricity rates of roughly ₹5 to ₹7.50 per unit and driver prices of roughly ₹12 to ₹25 per kWh, depending on state and operator.
How to start: step-by-step
- Choose your site: high-visibility, easy entry and exit, enough sanctioned or upgradable power, and nearby EV demand (highway, hotel, mall, office hub).
- Pick a model: FOFO, FOCO or revenue share, based on your capital and time.
- Shortlist 3 franchisors: compare them in the TRANDS EV Charging directory and read EV Charging Companies in India.
- Check the hardware: BIS-compliant chargers, correct connectors (CCS2, Type-2) and OCPP support. See EV Charger Manufacturers in India.
- Apply for a grid connection: request an EV connection from your DISCOM and complete local approvals. This step can take time, so start early.
- Sign a clear agreement: read term, exclusivity, fees and exit clauses carefully, ideally with a lawyer.
- Install, test and launch: make sure the station is listed on the network app and on directories like TRANDS.
Licence and subsidies
EV charging has been an unlicensed activity in India since 2018, so you do not need a special licence to operate a station, but you still need a grid connection and safe, certified equipment. Government support such as PM E-DRIVE is directed mainly at public and government-linked projects, so do not assume a private franchise will receive a subsidy. Check the latest scheme and state EV policy before relying on one.
Risks to check before you invest
- Low utilisation: A new station may take time to build regular customers. Ask for real session data from live franchise stations, not projections.
- Unverified ROI claims: Be careful with "guaranteed" returns or very short payback promises.
- Hidden or ongoing fees: Royalties, platform fees, payment gateway charges and maintenance contracts.
- Power connection delays and upgrade costs: Transformer and cable upgrades can add a large amount.
- Lock-in and exclusivity: Long contracts, restrictions on changing software, and unclear exit terms.
- Technology change: Chargers bought today should be upgradeable and OCPP compatible.
- Uptime and support: A broken charger earns nothing. Confirm service response time in your city.
Questions to ask any franchisor
- What is the total cost, itemised, including all recurring fees?
- Can I visit and speak with three existing franchise owners?
- What is the average utilisation at comparable sites?
- Who owns the charger data and customer relationship?
- What happens if I want to exit or switch networks?
- What is the service response time, and who pays for repairs after warranty?
For charging companies: promote your franchise on TRANDS
Land owners, hotel and restaurant owners and investors search for franchise options by city, investment size and model. List your franchise offer, investment range, support provided and contact details so qualified leads can find you. List your business free, claim your profile, or ask about sponsored placement. Investors can also explore the TRANDS investment opportunities page and the EV Charging Station Business Model guide.
Conclusion
An EV charging franchise can be a practical way to enter the sector without building a brand, but returns depend on location, utilisation and contract terms, not on brochure numbers. Compare at least three providers, visit live stations, and have the agreement reviewed before you invest.
Disclaimer: Costs and figures come from published provider and industry sources and vary by location and time. The revenue example is hypothetical and not a guarantee of returns. This is not financial or legal advice. Consult a qualified advisor before investing. TRANDS does not endorse any franchisor.