It’s no surprise that this question is being asked more and more frequently. The number of electric vehicles on Polish roads is growing steadily — and they all need to be charged somewhere. This rising demand opens up new business opportunities and is attracting increasing interest from investors. If you are also wondering how much an EV charging station costs, whether it’s worth the investment, and what the expected return on investment might be — this article will provide answers to these and other important questions.
What Determines the Price of a Charging Station?
To begin with, it’s important to distinguish between two main types of charging stations: AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current). DC stations are more technologically advanced, offer higher power, and provide significantly faster charging. Naturally, they are also more expensive than AC stations. However, due to their advantages for end users, this article will focus on DC stations — we will walk you through the relevant cost estimates and present viable business models for potential investors. Let’s dive into the details.
Charging Station Power Output
The power output of a charging station directly affects its efficiency and operating costs. Chargers with a capacity of 50 kW or higher are more expensive than AC units, but they allow for much faster charging, enabling you to serve more users in less time. The appropriate power output of the charging station depends on its intended use. For instance, stations with lower output are usually sufficient for corporate fleets or workplace charging. In contrast, high-traffic areas such as fuel stations or locations along motorways require high-output chargers, typically rated at 100 kW and above.
Charger Configuration
Another important factor to consider when estimating the cost of a DC charging station is its configuration. There are several practical and economic options available that can significantly affect both usability and investment return.
Connectors
When selecting a charging station, it's worth considering not only the number of connectors but also their length. Cables that are too short may limit access to the vehicle, particularly when parking restricts the reach of the cable. Some charger manufacturers — including Alpitronic — offer liquid-cooled connectors, which help maintain optimal cable temperature during charging.
Plugs
Electric vehicles require different plug types depending on the charging standard. The most common standard in Europe is CCS (Combined Charging System), supported by the majority of new EVs, including models from Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Opel, Hyundai, and Tesla. Some vehicles from primarily Japanese brands — such as the Nissan Leaf — still use the older CHAdeMO standard.
Features That Enhance Charging Station Functionality
When choosing a charging station, it is worth considering features that improve its overall functionality, such as:
- cashless payment systems,
- accessibility for people with limited mobility (e.g. user interfaces installed at appropriate heights),
- cable management systems, which prevent tangling and reduce the risk of damage.
Matching the Charger to User Needs
Tailoring the charger configuration based on user needs and available infrastructure is key to ensuring its maximum performance. At Hazel, we offer Alpitronic chargers equipped with a wide range of options, including:
- various connector types,
- cable management systems,
- payment terminals.
We also provide support in analysing technical requirements and selecting appropriate specifications to ensure an optimal solution tailored to specific user needs and local conditions.
EV Charging Station Manufacturers
The brand of a charging station significantly influences its price and long-term value. Budget devices may seem attractive due to a lower initial cost, but they are often more prone to malfunctions and generate higher operating costs. By investing in Alpitronic equipment — which we offer at Hazel as an authorised distributor — you benefit from greater reliability, fewer service interruptions, and advanced technological solutions that reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Mobile App for Charging Station Users
It is worth choosing a charging station that integrates with a mobile app to provide users with easier access and control over the charging process. With a dedicated app, users can:
- check station availability,
- easily monitor charging progress in real time,
- make cashless payments.
Such features enhance the convenience and overall user experience.
Summary
When selecting an EV charging station, it’s important to look beyond the initial purchase price and consider long-term operational costs as well.
- Low-cost units can result in higher spending on maintenance and repairs.
- Investing in reliable hardware — such as Alpitronic chargers — helps lower total cost of ownership over time.
As an authorised distributor, we offer not only high-quality products but also expert consultancy to help you choose the best solution tailored to your needs and budget. Contact us today to explore our offer and receive personalised advice.
