Best B2B EV Charging Business Models for ChargePoint Operators

With the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), ChargePoint Operators (CPOs) are crucial in expanding EV charging infrastructure across various industries. As businesses seek to offer charging solutions to employees, customers, or residents, selecting the right business model becomes vital. In this post, we’ll explore effective B2B business models for CPOs, helping you determine the best fit for commercial, residential, workplace, and hospitality sectors.

1. FOFO (Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated)

In this model, the franchisee owns and operates the EV charging station under the brand guidelines of the franchisor (CPO). This allows businesses to expand their network with minimal capital investment while maintaining control over branding and service quality.

Best For:

• Commercial Spaces:Shopping malls, parking lots, petrol bunks.
• Hospitality:Hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

2. FOCO (Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated)

The franchisee owns the EV charging station, but the franchisor (CPO) takes responsibility for its operations, maintenance, and customer service. This ensures operational excellence while leveraging franchise investments.

Best For:

• Workplace:Corporate offices, business parks.
• Residential:Apartment complexes, gated communities.

3. COFO (Company-Owned, Franchise-Operated)

The franchisor (CPO) owns the charging infrastructure, but the franchisee is responsible for its operation and day-to-day management. This model helps companies retain asset ownership while outsourcing operations to experienced franchise partners.

Best For:

• Commercial:Public parking spaces, shopping complexes.
• Hospitality:Event venues, restaurants, and resorts.

4. COCO (Company-Owned, Company-Operated)

The franchisor (CPO) fully owns and operates the EV charging station. This model provides maximum control over infrastructure, operations, and revenue but requires significant investment.

Best For:

• Workplace:Tech parks, government offices, employee parking.
• Residential:Luxury apartments, smart cities.
• Commercial:High-footfall public areas, large malls.

5. Additional Revenue and Operational Models for CPOs

ChargePoint Operators (CPOs) can further enhance business growth by adopting various revenue and operational models. These models determine how CPOs generate income and manage their charging stations effectively.

• Revenue Sharing Model:

  In this model, the suitable franchise model is FOCO (Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated), where the franchisee (property owner) provides the location, and the franchisor (CPO) manages operations while sharing revenue, ensuring passive income for the franchisee and efficient management by the franchisor.

• Subscription-Based Model:

  Here, customers pay a recurring fee for access to EV charging services, ensuring steady revenue. The suitable franchise model is FOFO (Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated), where the franchisor (CPO) owns the stations and leases them to the franchisee (property owner), who operates the stations and manages subscriptions.

• Pay-Per-Use Model:

  In this model, customers pay each time they use a charging station, ideal for locations with fluctuating demand. The suitable model is COCO (Company-Owned, Company-Operated), where the franchisor (CPO) owns and operates the stations, ensuring maximum control over operations and flexible, usage-based services.

Conclusion:

The growing demand for electric vehicles presents a significant opportunity for businesses to offer EV charging solutions across various sectors. At Greatpelican, we provide both the hardware (EV chargers) and software solutions for commercial, residential, workplace, and hospitality sectors. Our tailored solutions help ChargePoint Operators (CPOs) integrate EV charging stations efficiently into their business strategies.

Related Blogs:

The Benefits of Installing EV Chargers in Commercial Spaces

EV Charging Market Levels

How to Choose the Right EV Charger for your Business