How the ROI calculator works
Pick a charger (AC 22 kW to DC 240 kW — it fills in a typical investment), set your active charging hours per day, and the calculator works out the units you dispense. It makes money on the spread between electricity bought at the concessional EV tariff (around ₹5–7 per unit) and charging sold to drivers (around ₹15–18 per unit), minus a per-unit platform/maintenance cost. Subtract any government subsidy from your investment, and you get monthly and annual net profit, ROI% and the payback period, plus a 5-year net earnings figure. The single biggest lever is utilisation — how many hours the charger is actually used.
The single biggest variable is utilisation — how many units you actually sell. Average charger usage in India is still low, so a great location makes the difference between a 2-year payback and never breaking even. Read our honest take on whether the charging business is profitable, the full setup cost breakdown, and how subsidies cut your upfront investment.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate EV charging station ROI?+
ROI comes from the spread between what you pay for electricity (the EV tariff, ~₹5–6.50/kWh) and what you charge customers (~₹12–18/kWh), multiplied by the units you sell, minus operating costs. Monthly net profit divided into your investment gives the payback period; annual net profit over investment gives the ROI percentage.
What is a realistic payback period for a charging station?+
Well-located urban fast-charging sites typically pay back in about 2–4 years, and larger sites 3–5 years — but only if they are genuinely used. Average charger utilisation in India is still low, so a station in a low-traffic spot can take much longer or never break even. Model conservatively.
How much can an EV charging station earn per month?+
It depends almost entirely on utilisation. A busy charger dispensing a few hundred units a day can earn strong five-figure monthly profits, while a quiet one may barely cover costs. Use the calculator with your realistic daily units to see your own figure.
Do subsidies improve the ROI?+
Yes — PM E-DRIVE and state capital subsidies can cover a large share of the upfront cost, which directly shortens the payback period. Lower your 'total investment' input by the subsidy you expect to claim to see the effect. See our EV charging station subsidy guide for what applies.
Ready to start?
Once the numbers look right, our full guide to starting an EV charging station business walks through the rules, site selection and going live — and our team can help you do it. Also compare the franchise & dealership options and top charging companies to partner with.