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.
Why Choose First Charge Franchise?
Here’s why First Charge stands out in the EV charging business:
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✅ Affordable franchise plans – Lower entry cost compared to big brands.
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✅ Diverse charger options – AC slow chargers, fast DC chargers, and rapid charging hubs.
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✅ Smart charging network – Integrated mobile app with booking, payments, and monitoring.
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✅ End-to-End support – From feasibility survey to installation, training, and maintenance.
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✅ Focus on highways & tier-2 cities – Less competition and higher growth potential.
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✅ Government policy alignment – Works under state EV policies and central FAME-II scheme.
Investment & Cost of First Charge Franchise
The setup cost depends on charger type and scale of operations:
| Charger Type | Power Output | Estimated Cost (₹) | Charging Time | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Charger (Slow) | 3.3 – 7.4 kW | ₹3 – 5 lakh | 6–8 hrs | Homes, shops, societies |
| AC Fast Charger | 11 – 22 kW | ₹6 – 9 lakh | 3–4 hrs | Offices, hotels, malls |
| DC Fast Charger | 30 – 60 kW | ₹12 – 20 lakh | 1–2 hrs | Fleet hubs, fuel stations |
| DC Rapid Charger | 100 – 240 kW | ₹28 – 55 lakh | 30–40 mins | Highways, bus depots |
💡 Minimum investment starts at ₹3–5 lakh (for small setups), while a complete fast charging hub may need ₹25–40 lakh.
Other Costs:
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Land lease/rent (if not owned)
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Electricity transformer upgrade
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Civil work & installation charges
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Branding, app integration, and software
Steps to Apply for First Charge Franchise
1. Land & Location Requirements
Ideal sites for charging stations:
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Highways, toll plazas, fuel pumps
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Shopping malls, offices, hospitals, hotels
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Residential societies & apartments
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Fleet parking lots and bus depots
Minimum Land Requirement: 500–2000 sq. ft.
2. Apply for Franchise
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Go to Partner / Franchise section
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Submit an online form with details like:
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Land ownership/lease proof
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Proposed location details
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Investment capacity
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Upload ID & business documents
3. Site Survey & Approval
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First Charge team checks technical feasibility, power load, and commercial viability.
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After approval, you sign a franchise agreement.
4. Installation & Setup
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Chargers, software, and branding supplied by First Charge.
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Civil work and power supply arrangement done by franchisee.
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Installation & testing typically takes 30–40 days.
5. Operations & Launch
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Station gets listed on the First Charge App for EV drivers.
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Customers can locate, book, and pay digitally.
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Franchisee earns per kWh profit share.
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First Charge provides 24×7 maintenance & technical support.
Profit & Earnings from First Charge Franchise
Revenue Model
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Charging Fee to EV owners: ₹12 – ₹20 per kWh
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Electricity Cost: ₹6 – ₹9 per kWh
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Profit Margin: ₹4 – ₹8 per kWh
Example (Single 30 kW DC Charger):
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Avg. Daily Charging: 180–220 kWh
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Monthly Usage: ~6,000 kWh
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Gross Revenue: ₹85,000 – ₹1.2 lakh
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Expenses: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000
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Net Profit: ₹50,000 – ₹75,000 per month
👉 With multiple chargers, earnings can cross ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakh per month.
ROI (Return on Investment)
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AC Chargers (small setup): 3 – 3.5 years
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Mixed AC + DC setup: 2 – 2.5 years
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Highway DC hub: 1.5 – 2 years
Documents Required
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✔️ Land documents (ownership/lease)
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✔️ Aadhaar, PAN, GST
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✔️ Business registration (if applicable)
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✔️ Electricity sanction letter
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✔️ Local approvals & NOC (if needed)
Government Subsidy & Support
Franchisees may benefit from:
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FAME-II scheme subsidies on chargers
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State EV policies (Delhi, UP, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, etc.)
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DISCOM support with special EV tariffs
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Possible capital incentives for DC charging infra
Pros & Cons of First Charge Franchise
✅ Pros
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Affordable investment options
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Wide range of AC & DC charging solutions
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Digital app with seamless payments
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Supportive franchise program
❌ Cons
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Smaller network than Tata Power or ChargeZone
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EV adoption in smaller cities still developing
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Profitability depends on location footfall
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.
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.
