What’s the ROI on Installing EV Charging Stations?

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, Ohio businesses are increasingly asking: “What’s the real return on investment (ROI) for installing EV charging stations?” At BC Solar, we’ve helped property owners across Columbus tap into the financial and community benefits of EV charging infrastructure.

Here's what you need to know if you're considering adding chargers to your business, multi-family complex, or public facility.

Why Install EV Charging Stations?

Let’s start with the basics. Installing EV chargers can:

• Attract and retain tenants or customers who drive EVs

• Increase the time and money spent at your location

• Position your business as forward-thinking and sustainable

• Potentially qualify for local, state, and federal incentives

But what about the bottom line?

Breaking Down the ROI

1. Revenue Generation

You can choose to:

• Offer free charging to encourage longer visits or loyalty

• Set usage fees to directly recoup costs and generate profit

Charging fees typically range from $0.10 to $0.35 per kWh. Networked chargers also allow for dynamic pricing during peak hours.

2. Enhanced Property Value

Adding EV infrastructure makes your property more appealing—especially in competitive markets like Columbus. EV-ready buildings can command higher lease rates and faster occupancy.

3. Tax Incentives and Grants

In Ohio, you may be eligible for:

• Federal tax credit (up to 30% of installation cost, capped at $100,000 per unit)

• Grants from ODOT or regional clean air programs

• Utility rebates for load-managed installations

These reduce upfront costs significantly and shorten the payback period.

4. Load Management and Solar Pairing

If you already have or are planning a solar installation, pairing solar with EV charging can further reduce operational costs—especially with smart load management systems that charge during solar peak production hours.

Typical Payback Timeline

Depending on your charger type (Level 2 vs. DC Fast), usage rates, and incentives:

• Level 2 chargers: ROI in 2–5 years

• DC fast chargers: Higher upfront cost, but can yield ROI in 4–7 years with strategic placement and usage

Adding solar panels or battery systems can increase savings and stabilize energy costs over time.

Who Benefits Most?

• Retail and hospitality businesses: Capture longer dwell time

• Multi-unit housing: Provide a key amenity to residents

• Offices and corporate campuses: Support employee sustainability goals

• Municipal lots and transit hubs: Expand public access to clean transport

FAQs

How much does it cost to install an EV charging station?
For Level 2 chargers, expect $4,000–$8,000 per unit installed. DC fast chargers can exceed $40,000. Incentives can offset 30–50% of that cost.

Can I make money from EV charging?
Yes—by setting per-use fees or offering subscriptions, you can generate revenue. ROI depends on location, traffic, and pricing model.

Does adding EV chargers increase property value?
Absolutely. Properties with EV infrastructure are more attractive to tenants, buyers, and visitors—especially in Columbus’ growing green economy.

Want a custom ROI analysis for your site? At BC Solar, we design EV and solar systems to fit your goals, not someone else’s sales pitch. Let's talk.

📍 Proudly serving Columbus, Ohio and surrounding areas.

Contact Brian Zaayer at BC Solar
📞 (614) 442-9700
🌐 bc.solar
📍 777 Busch Ct, Columbus, OH 43229