How to Open an EV Charging Station in Switzerland: Business Plan, Setup Cost, Profit, and License/Permit

EVs are an increasingly popular business in Switzerland. However, it requires extensive research, planning, and preparation to ensure that you meet all the regulatory requirements while providing customers with a convenient place to charge their vehicles. In recent years, Switzerland has become a leader in the global electric vehicle (EV) market.

How to open an EV charging station in Switzerland

Scope of EV charging station business in Switzerland

The Swiss government supports electric vehicles and has implemented several policies to encourage their use. This includes a nationwide network of charging stations, which makes it easy for EV owners to find a place to charge up. Opening an EV charging station in Switzerland can be a lucrative business venture. With more and more people switching to electric cars, your station will be in high demand.

Equipment required to start an EV charging station in Switzerland

An AC power supply
An electrical connection
One or more EV charging stations. The type and number of stations will depend on the space and number of parking spots you have available.
One or more payment terminals, depending on the business model you choose for your charging station.
An internet connection for monitoring and managing your charging station remotely.
A power supply that can handle the changing needs of your EV customers.
A suitable location for your station, preferably near a highway or other high-traffic area.
An EV charger, which you can purchase from a variety of manufacturers.

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EV charging station set-up cost in Switzerland

The set-up cost for an EV charging station in Switzerland can vary depending on the type of charger you choose and the number of stations you plan to install. Level 2 chargers are the most popular and can range in price from around $500 to $2,000 per unit. However, if you’re looking to install multiple stations, it’s essential to factor in the installation cost, which can add several thousand dollars to your overall budget.

Business plan for an opening EV charging station in Switzerland

1. Understand the current EV landscape in Switzerland. This includes understanding the current demand for EV charging and the competition.

2. Develop a business plan. This should include your goals and objectives and how you plan to generate revenue.

3. When choosing a location for your EV charger, it’s important to consider accessibility, parking availability, and customer foot traffic. You’ll also need to ensure that your chosen location has the necessary electrical infrastructure to support your charger. Next, choose a location for your EV charging station. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, so consider factors like foot traffic, parking availability, and accessibility.

4. Once you’ve found a suitable location and obtained all the necessary permits and licenses, it’s time to purchase the right equipment for your charger. There are many different types of EV chargers on the market, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.

5. Before you can start operating your EV charger, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses from the Swiss authorities. This process can be complex, so it’s important to seek professional help.

6. Obtain the necessary permits and approvals from your municipality. Depending on your location, this could include a construction permit or zoning approval.

7. Select the right equipment for your EV charging station. This includes choosing chargers compatible with the most popular EVs today.

8. Install your EV charging station and make it visible to customers. Promote your new business with signs, banners, and social media posts to attract attention from potential customers.

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Tips to start an EV charging station business in Switzerland

The first step is to find a suitable location for the charging station. When choosing a location, it is important to consider factors such as proximity to public transport, parking availability, and foot traffic. Once a location has been selected, the next step is to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from the local authorities. This can vary depending on the municipality but typically includes building and electrical permits.

After the permits have been obtained, the next step is to choose a supplier for the charging equipment. Many companies offer EV charging equipment, so it is important to compare prices and features to find the best option. Once a supplier has been chosen, the next step is to install the charging equipment. This typically requires hiring an electrician to do the work, but some suppliers may also offer installation services.

The final step in opening an EV charging station is registering it with the Swiss grid, the national grid operator. This will ensure that your station appears on public maps and can be used by EVs registered with the Swiss grid. After registering your station, you will be able to start accepting payments and begin providing clean energy.

After you have received permission from your local electricity provider, you will need to purchase or lease a charger. Different types and models of chargers are available, so it is important to research before making a purchase. Once you have selected a charger, the next step is to install it at your chosen location.

Requirements to open an EV charging stations business in Switzerland

You’ll need to find a convenient spot for drivers with good visibility. You’ll also need permission from the relevant authorities and connect to the grid. So the first step is to find a suitable location for the station. This should be where there is a high demand for electric vehicles, and the infrastructure is already in place to support such a station. Once a location has been found, the next step is to contact the local authorities and obtain the necessary permits and approvals. After that, it is simply a matter of setting up the charging equipment and making it available to the public.

License/Permit to start an EV charging stations business in Switzerland

To open an EV charging station business in Switzerland, you must obtain a license or permit from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. This can be done by application form submission, which is available on the Office’s website. Once the application has been approved, you will be issued a license or permit to operate your charging station.

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Tome to build an EV charging station in Switzerland

It takes 3-4 months to build an EV charging station in Switzerland. This includes finding a suitable location, obtaining the necessary permits and approvals, and constructing the charging station.

EV charging station types in Switzerland

Level 1: These charging stations are the slowest, most affordable, and most easily accessible. They typically provide around 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charge.
Level 2: These charging stations are faster, more expensive, and less common than Level 1 chargers. They can provide up to 20 miles of range per hour of charge.
Level 3: These are the fastest and most expensive EV charging stations. They can provide up to 80 miles of range per hour of charge.

Factors that affect EV charging station business in Switzerland

Location: The location of the charging station is critical for its success. It should be situated in a high-traffic area with a consistent flow of potential customers.
Marketing: An effective marketing strategy is essential for attracting customers to the charging station. This can include online advertising, signage, and word-of-mouth promotion.
Operating costs: The operating costs of an EV charging station need to be considered when calculating profitability. These costs can include electricity, maintenance, and staffing expenses.
Pricing: Charging stations must price their services competitively to attract and retain customers. A reasonable pricing structure will help to maximize profits.

Biggest EV charging companies in Switzerland

Chargepoint
SemaConnect
eVgo
Blink Charging Co
Greenlots

Set up a location for starting an EV charging station in Switzerland

If you’re planning on setting up a private charge station, the location will be determined by where your customers typically park their cars. For example, locating your station near a large office block would be ideal if you’re targeting office workers. Another option is to locate your station near an apartment complex or other residential area so residents can easily charge their cars overnight.

When choosing a site, it’s important to consider factors such as accessibility, parking availability, and electrical infrastructure. You’ll also need to ensure that the site meets all local zoning requirements. Once you’ve found a suitable site, you can start planning the construction of your EV charging station.

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Tips to be successful in the EV charging station in Switzerland

The location of the station is critical. It should be conveniently situated for EV drivers, near a shopping center, highway exit, or another high-traffic area.
The type of charger installed is also important. There are a variety of chargers on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is compatible with the majority of EVs on the road.
The cost of installation and ongoing maintenance must also be considered. Installing a quality charger can be expensive, so it’s important to factor this into the budget.
Make sure potential customers know your charging station by promoting your business through marketing and advertising.
It’s important to provide excellent customer service to keep customers coming back. Ensure your staff is friendly and helpful and that any issues are promptly resolved.
Finally, you’ll need to consider how to promote your station to potential customers. Marketing your station effectively will help ensure its success.

Number of EV charging stations in Switzerland

Switzerland is a crucial market for electric vehicles (EVs), with sales increasing rapidly in recent years. Switzerland currently has about 7,150 public charging stations spread across the country. With assistive policies set in place, this figure is expected to continue to rise. However, a typical EV owner might encounter difficulty locating the nearest charging station. Switzerland has smart platforms such as Swiss Charge Map to help you locate the nearest charging stations. It can be a lucrative business venture, but it does require some initial investment and planning.

What are the factors that affect charging frequency in EV stations?

The battery capacity of an electric car/ vehicle decides how often you need to plug in the charger.
The frequency of charging depends on how often to use your vehicle daily. The more frequently you drive, the more you have to charge to gear up for subsequent journeys.
Get a fully charged EV overnight, so you don’t have to stop for top-ups.
During cold weather, EV batteries lose their charge faster. Thus, you have to charge more frequently in winter.

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Subsidies for starting an electric vehicle charging station in Switzerland

The government has supported the switch to EVs with several initiatives to boost the market. These include investment in infrastructure, such as installing public charging points and financial incentives for buyers. The Swiss government has set targets for electric vehicle growth and is committed to supporting infrastructure development.

This means several financial incentives are available for those looking to invest in an EV charging station. While the Swiss Federal Government does not explicitly offer EV subsidies, it’s essential to know the select few parts of the country that offer subsidies on EV purchases:

The government of Thurgau— provides a subsidy of CHF3,932.73 for purchasing an EV.
St. Gallen— offers a contribution of CHF4,915.91 on EV purchases.
Basel— gives up to CHF9,831.82 in subsidy when purchasing a taxi.

Conclusion

Switzerland has a well-developed energy infrastructure. This means a reliable electricity supply is available to power an EV charging station. This is important as it can help to ensure that the charging station can operate smoothly and efficiently. In addition, it allows electric vehicles to charge their batteries. The stations are usually located in public parking areas, such as shopping centers or office buildings, but can also be found at private residences.

How to Open an EV Charging Station in Switzerland: Business Plan, Setup Cost, Profit, and License/Permit

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