Title: Investing in Public Electric Vehicle Charging Networks - Nanalyze
Headings: Investing in Public Electric Vehicle Charging Networks
Investing in Public Electric Vehicle Charging Networks
The Economics Behind EV Charging Stations
The Growth of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Networks
Conclusion
Published: June 12, 2019

Content: As there is no particular stakeholder group that solely stands to benefit from charging networks, the installation and operation of EV charging points remains a fragmented industry . Various stakeholders have various needs as seen below: Governments were the first movers to build networks to support “green” policies that perhaps have political motivations
Carmakers need charging networks to ramp up sales of their new models and increase revenues
Utility companies aim to diversify revenue streams and maintain revenues in a period of decreasing consumption patterns
Oil companies want to hedge the risk of decreasing demand for oil ( and increase their ESG score while they’re at it)
Charging technology developers are looking for growth and an added revenue opportunity from operating their own networks
Charging point operators differ in key regions – Credit: Bloomberg
How the industry will pan out in the long run is beside the point for charging technology startups that see enough demand from stakeholders to be able to grow in markets where EV adoption is increasing. Let’s look at seven startups across the globe that are approaching the demand for public charging networks with a diverse set of business models ( list courtesy of CB Insights ). Founded in 2010, San Francisco startup Volta Charging has raised $62.3 million to build a charging network that targets retail establishments. Volta offers free installation and free charging to hosting venues that meet its requirements and is wholly dependent on advertising revenues. Credit: Volta Charging
The company claims their chargers are the most highly utilized in the industry, used during 80% of retail hours. According to Volta, the stations drive a 70% increase in EV-driving customers, and 68% of customers who drive traditional cars consider going electric after seeing a Volta station ( whatever that means ).