India’s EV boom has become a feeding frenzy, and everyone wants a piece of the pie: more than two million electric vehicles rolled onto Indian roads in 2024. And suddenly, billboards, WhatsApp ads, and cold emails promised a “green” future and eye-popping returns powered by clean energy. In the rush, half-baked ventures and outright scammers lurk, ready to sell shiny dreams that stall the moment the ribbon is cut.
More EVs on the road also means a booming EV infrastructure business in India, turning India’s EV‑infrastructure business into the next high‑growth frontier.
But if you are serious about investing in the EV revolution, the first and most crucial step is identifying an EV charging franchise partner you can truly trust. One that brings credibility, long-term value, and real support. How does one do that? This blog distils the eight due diligence checks and answers the questions people most often Google before plugging into this fast-growing sector.
When evaluating an EV charging franchise partner, start with their network, and experience. A company that has already deployed many EV charging stations across India demonstrates reliability, market acceptance, and is accepted by EV owners.
For example, Tata Power EZ CHARGE operates the country’s largest charging network with over 5,500 public chargers spanning 550+ cities. Such a track record signals both customer trust and the ability to support seamless setting up of new charging points backed by proven know-how.
In a growing industry like EV charging, brand reputation plays a crucial role in building trust among consumers and regulators. Tata Power, with over 100 years of experience in the energy sector, brings unmatched credibility to the table.
Being associated with a trusted brand ensures that EV drivers know your charging station is reliable and safe, which can significantly boost footfall. Positive customer reviews, industry awards, and endorsements further strengthen this perception.
The best EV charging partners offer end-to-end support, not just equipment. Setting up infrastructure requires technical expertise and strict safety compliance, making a turnkey model ideal - one that includes site selection, equipment installation, and maintenance. Tata Power’s franchise model delivers exactly all of this, guiding even first-time operators through the process.
Reliable partners provide quick repairs, remote monitoring, and robust after-sales service. Tata Power further strengthens this with a 24/7 Network Operations Center that monitors chargers in real time, ensuring maximum uptime with zero downtime. You also benefit from integrated billing systems, marketing support with Tata Power. Choosing a partner with such technical expertise and support systems gives you peace of mind that your EV charging station will run smoothly day in, day out.
Getting into the EV charging business is exciting, but it’s crucial to evaluate the financial model carefully - consider the initial investment, franchise fees, revenue sharing, and expected payback period. Setting up a standard public EV charging station in India typically costs ₹1–2 crore, covering equipment, installation, permits, and basic civil work. A well-located station can earn ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month through charging fees, ads, and services, though actual profits depend on utilization, electricity costs, and the revenue-sharing model.
Compare franchise terms closely to see if the partner charges a fixed service fee or takes a share of revenue. Check whether there's an upfront franchise fee or just equipment costs, and whether financing assistance or loan tie-ups are available. Making a well-informed financial decision at the start ensures long-term profitability.
The Indian government is actively promoting electric mobility, and a good franchise partner will help you benefit from this push. Check if the partner’s business model and equipment qualify for government incentives like PM E-DRIVE, which offer subsidies, tax benefits, and low-interest loans. The Indian govt has also introduced the EV Mitra Scheme 2025, providing generous subsidies to individuals and businesses for installing stations, sharply cutting upfront costs. Look for those involved in pilot programs or industry forums, as they stay ahead of regulatory changes.
In short, a policy-savvy provider can help you save upfront costs, stay compliant, and launch your EV franchise with long-term benefits such as the Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Limited’s partnership with SBI to take EV Mitra to the next level. Through this partnership, Tata Power aims at taking the EV dream pan-India. They’re also facilitating preferential interest rates for their customers, to keep financing simple for all.
Pick a franchise partner who already meets every rule in India’s EV-charging playbook. Their chargers must ship with the government-preferred Type-2 (single/three-phase AC) and CCS-2 (rapid DC) connectors. Every unit should carry BIS or ARAI test certificates under the IS 17017 series, (India's adaptation of the international IEC 61851 standard) to prove surge protection, insulation monitoring and emergency shut off are built in.
Sites must follow Central Electricity Authority norms on earthing, overload protection, installation height, fire-safety clearance and five-year recertification. The 2024 MoP guideline caps tariff, mentions an intelligent back-end solution that enables real-time data sharing between the EV, EVSE, and CPO, known as the Central Management System (CMS), and requires chargers every 3 km in cities. The partner should have a plan to replace any obsolete Bharat DC-001 or CHAdeMO guns with CCS-2, so the station stays legal, safe and incentive-ready for years to come.
Reliable, user-friendly charging equipment is the backbone of your EV franchise. Evaluate whether your partner offers both AC and DC chargers suited to your location and vehicle types. For highway sites, fast 50 kW DC units are essential. Ensure their technology is future-ready and compatible with evolving EV standards. EV partners should also guarantee hardware built to withstand environmental challenges. With built-in all-weather durability, Tata Power’s chargers feature rugged, corrosion-resistant exteriors and premium components engineered to thrive in scorching heat, freezing cold, driving rain, snow, and dust, delivering reliable, long-lasting performance in any climate.
Features like remote monitoring, overload protection, and user authentication ensure reliability and ease of use. Ensure the chargers are OCPP-compliant for integration with software and apps. High-quality, smart equipment minimizes downtime and boosts customer retention and stable revenue.
A truly successful EV charging business is not just about hardware; it’s about delivering a seamless digital experience from start to finish. Today’s drivers rely on apps and navigation systems to locate chargers, check availability, and start their EV charging sessions without hassle. Tata Power’s EZ CHARGE app ticks all these boxes, letting users pinpoint nearby stations, view real-time charger status, and manage charging sessions through familiar UPI, card, and wallet payments. For those in areas with spotty connectivity, the EZ CHARGE RFID Card offers Tap-Charge-Go convenience: simply tap on any Tata Power’s EV charger to initiate a secure charging session, without ever opening the app. The RFID card handles session start and payment, and when linked to your EZ CHARGE account it even allows you to share charging access without revealing sensitive credentials. And to have a seamless experience, you can find the step-by-step RFID instruction manual here.
Beyond the mobile app and RFID convenience, Tata Power’s EZ CHARGE Self Care Portal gives drivers a single dashboard for all account needs. From ordering new RFID cards to recharging your balance, viewing past sessions, and payment account history, and raising support queries, everything lives in one place; no app download required. By combining an intuitive app, different payment options, offline RFID taps, and a comprehensive self-care portal, franchise partners can offer an EV charging experience that feels effortless and builds loyalty.
The EV landscape is evolving rapidly, so pick a partner who is always looking ahead: one that taps rooftop solar to power its chargers and cuts your electricity bills. Installs battery back-ups so drivers can still plug in during power cuts while you dodge expensive peak-hour tariffs. Rolls out quicker charging options that get customers back on the road in minutes, reducing queues and boosting turnover. And keeps upgrading as the market booms.
India’s public-charging sector alone is forecast to grow more than seven-fold over the next decade. With such an innovation-driven partner, your franchise earns happier drivers, steadier revenue, and the flexibility to thrive in an EV landscape that is changing faster in modern times.
To get started, visit Tata Power EZ Charge now!
The bottom line is this: India’s EV revolution is here, and it’s creating a tremendous opportunity in the EV charging station business. However, capitalizing on this opportunity requires making an informed choice when selecting your franchise partner. The right EV charging franchise partner in India will bring you a trusted brand, proven experience, complete support, and alignment with the future of mobility. They’ll help you navigate government incentives, deploy reliable technology, and scale your operations as the EV market expands.
Whether you’re an investor, a business owner, or a stakeholder, a wise partnership decision now will pay off for years to come. In a fast-evolving sector like EV charging, the “right partner” isn’t just a business decision; it is the foundation on which your entire EV infrastructure venture will build and thrive.
Sources:
1. Charging Infrastructure: Revised guidelines & standards
2. Handbook for EV Charging Infrastructure Implementation
3. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and its Grid Integration
4. Guidelines for Installation and Operation of EV Charging Infrastructure
5. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: A Guide for Discom Readiness
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