India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is growing at a rapid pace and, as a result, there is considerable growth in the demand for accessible, affordable, and reliable EV charging infrastructure. This trends is driven by government subsidies and incentives, rising fuel costs, and India’s keen ambition to electrify 30% of all vehicles by 2030. In this context, a common question asked by entrepreneurs, fleet operators, startup companies and investors is: “How much does it cost to set up an EV charging station in India?”
It is necessary for those wanting to enter this rewarding business sector to understand the costs associated with EV charging stations in India. It does not matter whether you wish to set up a public EV charging station, a semi-public charging station at a mall or office, or a private charging stations for a fleet or for home purposes; the costs involved, land required, permits, types of equipment, and return on investment are needed for your planning.
This article offers an in-depth assessment of the overall costs of EV charging stations in India related to equipment, land and installation, licensing, and the new subsidies and funding available after 2025.
Types of EV Charging Stations in India
Before discussing EV charging station cost, it’s important to understand the types of chargers:
| Charger Type | Power Output | Charging Time | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Type-1 (3.3 kW) | 3.3 kW | 6–8 hours | Two-wheelers & 4-wheelers |
| AC Type-2 (7.2–22 kW) | 7–22 kW | 4–6 hours | 4-wheelers, fleets |
| DC Fast Charger (15–30 kW) | 15–30 kW | 1–2 hours | Fleets, taxis |
| DC Fast Charger (50+ kW) | 50–150 kW+ | 30–60 minutes | Public/commercial charging |
EV Charging Infrastructure Cost Assessment in India
Before any organization moves into this fast-changing market, it is crucial to understand the costs of EV Charging stations.
1. Low-Capacity AC Charger Station (3.3 – 22 kW)
Charger Cost: ₹70,000 – ₹ 2.5 lakh
Installation & Cabling: ₹30, 000 – ₹ 1 lakh
Civil work: ₹50, 000 – ₹ 1 lakh
Electricity connections & Metering: ₹20, 000 – ₹ 50, 000
Other Costs (signage, software etc): ₹20, 000 – ₹ 50, 000
Total Estimated EV charging station costs: ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh
2. DC Fast charge Station (15–30 kW)
Charger Cost: ₹5 lakh-₹7 lakh
Installation & Infrastructure: ₹2 lakh – ₹4 lakh
Transformer (if required): ₹4 lakh – ₹6 lakh
Land lease (if applicable): ₹15,000-₹50,000 month
Software Backend & CMS: ₹1 lakh
Total estimated EV charging station costs: ₹10 lakh-₹15 lakh
3. High-speed DC charging Station (50 – 150 kW+)
Charger Cost: ₹12 lakh – ₹40 lakh (depending on power)
Transformer, cabling & infrastructure: ₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh
Civil & Electrical work: ₹2 lakh – ₹5 lakh
Operating software & CMS: ₹2 lakh
Total estimated EV charging station costs: ₹20 lakh-₹60 lakh+
Types of Business Structures in India
There are three main ways to set up EV charging stations, with each having a different EV charging station cost structure:
- Public Charging Stations (PCS): For all users
- Fleet Charging Stations: For private fleet
- Charging Stations for Dwellings and Enterprises: For residential buildings, companies, etc.
Your selected model will impact the expenses related to EV charging stations based on the locations, utility and equipment.
Government Grants & Assistance
The Indian government is diligently working to enhance EV charging infrastructure which offsets EV charging station cost:
FAME II Policy: Offers capital assistance to reduce the cost to the owner of EV charging stations at the outset, or price point of trading.
State EV Policies: States such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu will give the owner:
- Up to 25% capital consideration on the cost of the EV charging station.
- Land lease rates for EV charging station.
- Lower electricity tariff rates for EV charging of electric vehicles.
No Licensing Required: The EV charging operation is a de-licensed activity in India thus minimizing the regulations, requirements and ultimately the EV charging station costs.
DISCOM Assistance: Many electricity boards now also provide EV specific electricity connection to help alleviate EV charging station costs.
Income Potential & ROI
EV charging stations can make money through:
- Per-unit pricing (₹10-₹20/kWh)
- Partnerships with fleet companies
- Subscriptions, advertising, retail add-ons
Typical ROI for a mid-size charging station is between 2 to 4 years, depending on usage rates and partnerships. Keeping EV charging station costs low during setup can improve timelines for ROI.
Key Challenges in Setting Up EV Charging Stations
a. High Initial Capital
DC chargers are expensive and require high-voltage electrical infrastructure, making EV charging station cost steep.
In many locations, it can take 3-5 years to achieve ROI for an EV charging station, especially in Tier II & III towns, because of the slower adoption of EVs.
a. High Initial Capital
DC chargers are expensive and require high-voltage electrical infrastructure, making EV charging station cost steep.
In many locations, it can take 3-5 years to achieve ROI for an EV charging station, especially in Tier II & III towns, because of the slower adoption of EVs.
b. Land Acquisition
If you plan on being in prime locations for public charging (shopping malls, railway/bus stations, urban hubs), land prices are high and competition will increase your EV charging station cost.
c. Power Supply Shortages
Many Tier II and Tier III towns have grid limitations, and upgrading the capacity of the infrastructure is a part of your EV charging station cost.
d. Low Utilization Rates
In most non-metro towns, the utilization is less than 20%. Lower traffic = lower returns, which hinders the station’s ability to recover part of the cost.
e. Regulatory Barriers
Timing issues with the required clearances from respective DISCOM, city planners, city electricity departments, etc. leads to delayed timelines and added cost.
Strategic Options
a. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
Joining hands with various government agencies, for example, EESL or Indian Oil, can noticeably reduce location-related land and installation costs on the EV charging station cost.
b. Modular Installation
Start with 1 or 2 chargers, and scale up as demand comes for EVs. This modularity decreases the initial EV charging station cost.
c. Smart Charging Platforms
Use a software platform that has monitoring and optimization capabilities, while reducing electricity usage in your charging station, over time it can decrease your overall EV charging station cost.
d. Group Housing & Fleet-Based Models
Focus on predictable use patterns in communities or fleets, where higher use will allow for recovery of the EV charging station’s cost more quickly.
e. Renewable Energy Integration
Leveraging solar energy can significantly decrease the monthly electric bill and lower the lifetime cost of an EV charging station.
Case Study: Statiq EV Charging Network
Statiq is a major player in the Indian EV charging network space and, as of the mid-2025, has put in place over 7,000 charging points. Here’s how they reduced the cost of EV charging stations:
- Strategy: They focused on installing their charging stations at high foot-fall locations like malls, tech parks, and hotels that utilize 22 kW AC and 30 to 60 kW DC fast chargers
- Partnerships: Collaborated with Indian Oil, BPCL, and state transport departments for location access, cutting EV charging station cost.
- Cost Control: Used modular installations with cloud-based software to minimize manpower and overall EV charging station cost.
- Financial Support: Leveraged FAME-II and Haryana EV policy to get subsidies and lower equipment EV charging station cost.
- Outcome: Achieved break-even in under 24 months at most metro locations with 30–40 daily users despite a high initial EV charging station cost.
Final Thoughts
Setting up EV charging stations in India in 2025 is both a promising and capital-intensive venture. With smart planning, policy awareness, and location strategy, entrepreneurs can achieve profitability while managing EV charging station cost effectively.
As battery prices fall and EV adoption grows, the demand for EV charging infrastructure will only rise — making today the right time to invest smartly and optimize your EV charging stations cost.