The charging stations you choose to scale or build from scratch as a network operator can either increase or decrease your revenue. 

Culture eats strategy for breakfast, doesn’t it? Your charging station is your culture, whilst your platform is your strategy. No matter how well thought out your platform is, charging stations are still an important part of your business.

We’d like to remind you that you can buy home and commercial charging stations from our online shop, as well as charge at our ECOFACTOR public charging stations across the country, using our app, available for iOS and Android.

Here are 5 things to look out for when choosing charging stations that will generate a profit for you, rather than ‘eat it up’.

Location.

The speed of the charging station should be perfectly matched to the needs of the location. High-traffic locations are ideal for DC charging stations, while low-traffic locations are ideal for AC charging stations. 

By placing your stations in a high-traffic area near a shopping centre, restaurant or recreation area, you can effectively attract a steady stream of customers.

Simplicity

An intuitive user interface: don’t make your customers think twice. The less time your customers spend figuring out how to charge an electric car, the more likely they are to return to your charging station. Don’t make your granny try to figure out a spaceship control panel – the more user-friendly, the better!

Versatility

Select stations that comply with the OCPP standard and relevant geo standards.

The most common version, OCPP 1.6, includes the following features:

a. Driver authentication

b. Exchange of charging process data

c. Remote monitoring of the charging session

d. Manage your settings

e. Reporting faults

To scale in the US, follow the NEVI standard. If you are expanding in Europe, ensure compliance with AFIR.

Reliability

Durable charging stations can return on investment. There are several key points to consider: 

a. Choose certified chargers that come with a warranty.

b. Assess the climate zone in your area. Ensure that the chargers have been tested for the temperature fluctuations within which they are claimed to operate.

c. Choose chargers made from durable materials and coated with high-quality paint.

d. Choose chargers from the same brand to ensure easy access to spare parts.

Service.

Choose a hardware provider with regular maintenance to increase your revenue and avoid reputational damage.