How to Start EV Charging Station Business with First Charge Franchise in India (2025)

Introduction

As India accelerates towards net-zero mobility, the demand for EV charging infrastructure is booming across cities, highways, and tier-2 towns. One of the promising players in this space is First Charge, an Indian EV charging company building a nationwide charging network with a focus on affordable, smart, and reliable charging solutions.

The First Charge franchise model offers entrepreneurs, fuel station owners, and landowners a chance to participate in this fast-growing industry with low investment, government incentives, and strong revenue potential.

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Why Choose First Charge Franchise?

Here’s why First Charge stands out in the EV charging business:

• ✅ Affordable franchise plans – Lower entry cost compared to big brands.

• ✅ Diverse charger options – AC slow chargers, fast DC chargers, and rapid charging hubs.

• ✅ Smart charging network – Integrated mobile app with booking, payments, and monitoring.

• ✅ End-to-End support – From feasibility survey to installation, training, and maintenance.

• ✅ Focus on highways & tier-2 cities – Less competition and higher growth potential.

• ✅ Government policy alignment – Works under state EV policies and central FAME-II scheme.

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Investment & Cost of First Charge Franchise

The setup cost depends on charger type and scale of operations:

💡 Minimum investment starts at ₹3–5 lakh (for small setups), while a complete fast charging hub may need ₹25–40 lakh.

Other Costs:

• Land lease/rent (if not owned)

• Electricity transformer upgrade

• Civil work & installation charges

• Branding, app integration, and software

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Steps to Apply for First Charge Franchise

1. Land & Location Requirements

Ideal sites for charging stations:

• Highways, toll plazas, fuel pumps

• Shopping malls, offices, hospitals, hotels

• Residential societies & apartments

• Fleet parking lots and bus depots

Minimum Land Requirement: 500–2000 sq. ft.

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2. Apply for Franchise

• Visit First Charge Official Website

• Go to Partner / Franchise section

• Submit an online form with details like:

  • Land ownership/lease proof

  • Proposed location details

  • Investment capacity

• Upload ID & business documents

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3. Site Survey & Approval

• First Charge team checks technical feasibility, power load, and commercial viability.

• After approval, you sign a franchise agreement.

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4. Installation & Setup

• Chargers, software, and branding supplied by First Charge.

• Civil work and power supply arrangement done by franchisee.

• Installation & testing typically takes 30–40 days.

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5. Operations & Launch

• Station gets listed on the First Charge App for EV drivers.

• Customers can locate, book, and pay digitally.

• Franchisee earns per kWh profit share.

• First Charge provides 24×7 maintenance & technical support.

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Profit & Earnings from First Charge Franchise

Revenue Model

• Charging Fee to EV owners: ₹12 – ₹20 per kWh

• Electricity Cost: ₹6 – ₹9 per kWh

• Profit Margin: ₹4 – ₹8 per kWh

Example (Single 30 kW DC Charger):

• Avg. Daily Charging: 180–220 kWh

• Monthly Usage: ~6,000 kWh

• Gross Revenue: ₹85,000 – ₹1.2 lakh

• Expenses: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000

• Net Profit: ₹50,000 – ₹75,000 per month

👉 With multiple chargers, earnings can cross ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakh per month.

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ROI (Return on Investment)

• AC Chargers (small setup): 3 – 3.5 years

• Mixed AC + DC setup: 2 – 2.5 years

• Highway DC hub: 1.5 – 2 years

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Documents Required

• ✔️ Land documents (ownership/lease)

• ✔️ Aadhaar, PAN, GST

• ✔️ Business registration (if applicable)

• ✔️ Electricity sanction letter

• ✔️ Local approvals & NOC (if needed)

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Government Subsidy & Support

Franchisees may benefit from:

• FAME-II scheme subsidies on chargers

• State EV policies (Delhi, UP, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, etc.)

• DISCOM support with special EV tariffs

• Possible capital incentives for DC charging infra

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Pros & Cons of First Charge Franchise

✅ Pros

• Affordable investment options

• Wide range of AC & DC charging solutions

• Digital app with seamless payments

• Supportive franchise program

❌ Cons

• Smaller network than Tata Power or ChargeZone

• EV adoption in smaller cities still developing

• Profitability depends on location footfall

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FAQs – First Charge Franchise

Q1. What is the minimum investment for First Charge franchise?
👉 Starting from ₹3–5 lakh (for small AC setups).

Q2. How do I earn as a franchise partner?
👉 You earn per unit (kWh) charged, after deducting electricity cost.

Q3. Can I install First Charge in my petrol pump?
👉 Yes, fuel station owners are ideal partners.

Q4. Does First Charge provide charging app support?
👉 Yes, all stations are connected to the First Charge mobile app.

Q5. What is the payback period?
👉 2–3 years depending on location & utilization.

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Conclusion

The First Charge franchise is a strong business opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to enter the EV charging market with moderate investment and high growth potential. With a focus on smart technology, affordable setups, and government-backed expansion, First Charge is an ideal choice for landowners, fleet operators, and fuel station owners in 2025.