The number of EV charging companies in India has grown rapidly in recent years. Some manufacture chargers, some build software, and others run full public charging networks with franchise programmes. For an investor, that variety is both an opportunity and a risk. Picking the wrong partner can leave you with an idle station, unclear payouts, or hardware that cannot connect to other networks.

If you plan to invest in an EV station franchise, check these seven things before you choose a partner.

1. What Kind of Company Are They?

Not all EV charging companies do the same job. Broadly, they fall into three groups:

• Hardware manufacturers that make and sell chargers.
• Software providers that offer charging management systems (CMS or CSMS).
• Charge point operators (CPOs) that build, run and monetise public charging stations, often through franchise partners.

If you want a ready-to-run station, a CPO with a franchise programme is usually the right fit. Buying hardware alone leaves you to solve installation, software and operations on your own.

2. Does the Network Already Have Live Stations?

A franchise is only as strong as the network behind it. Ask how many stations are operational, in which cities, and whether you can visit one. Live stations prove the company can actually deliver installation, approvals, and day-to-day operations, not just sell a concept.

Look for real, verifiable locations such as highway hubs or urban charging points with addresses and map listings.

3. Is the Hardware Certified and Interoperable? 

Chargers should be certified to Indian standards, for example, by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Equally important is protocol support:

• OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) lets chargers communicate with management software.
• OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) enables roaming, so drivers from other networks can use your station.
• CCS2 and Type-2 connectors cover most cars and fleets on Indian roads.

Proprietary systems that lock you into one vendor can become a problem as the market evolves.

4. Who Operates the Station?

This is the single biggest difference between franchise offers. In a FOCO (Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated) model, you invest and the company runs the station, including activation, billing and maintenance. In a FOFO model, you invest and also operate.

For investors who do not want to manage staff, uptime and customer issues, FOCO is generally the more practical choice. Make sure the agreement clearly states who handles repairs and how quickly.

5. How Transparent Is the Revenue Model?

Ask for a clear explanation of:

• The revenue-sharing split between you and the company
• How often settlements are paid
• What reports you receive, such as sessions, energy dispensed and earnings
• Which costs are deducted before your share is calculated

A credible partner will share a site-specific projection based on traffic, local EV demand and tariffs. Be cautious of any company that promises fixed or guaranteed monthly income, because actual returns depend on utilisation and location.

6. What Is Included in the Investment?

The charger price is not the full cost. A complete setup also includes civil work, the EV electricity connection, a transformer upgrade where needed, software integration and permits. Ask for a written breakdown by charger capacity.

As a reference point, some franchise programmes start at around ₹10 lakh to ₹14 lakh for a 40 kW DC charger, while 150 kW and higher highway setups can cost several times more depending on power and site work.

7. How Much Support Do You Get?

The best EV charging companies handle the full journey for their partners:

1. Site search and assessment
2. Technical survey and load planning
3. Electricity connection and approvals
4. Charger supply and installation
5. Software integration and commissioning
6. Ongoing operations and maintenance

If a company leaves several of these steps to you, factor in the extra time, cost and risk.

Putting It Into Practice

Take EarthtronEV as an example of what to look for. It operates as a charge point operator with stations across Delhi-NCR and highway corridors such as Murthal, Rohtak and Shimla. Its franchise follows a FOCO model, its chargers are ARAI certified with OCPP and OCPI support, and partner stations are listed on its driver app from day one.

Whichever partner you shortlist, use the seven checks above as a scorecard. Compare at least two or three companies side by side, read the agreement carefully and visit a live station before investing.

Conclusion

Choosing among EV charging companies is less about who has the flashiest pitch and more about who can deliver a working, visible and well-maintained station. A reliable partner turns an EV station franchise into a long-term infrastructure asset. To explore a managed franchise model built for investors, visit the EarthtronEV EV station franchise page and compare it against your shortlist.