If you’re setting up EV chargers as part of a commercial business or paid service, choosing the right billing model is key. The pricing structure you use can directly affect customer satisfaction, station turnover, and overall profitability. Here are the most common models—and how they’re used in real-world operations:
🔹 Time-Based Billing
You charge by the minute or in 15-minute increments. This approach works well for public parking lots or city street chargers, where quick turnover is important. It also discourages drivers from leaving their cars plugged in long after charging is done.
🔹 Energy-Based Billing (per kWh)
This is the most transparent and widely accepted model. Drivers pay for the exact amount of electricity they use, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). It’s common across Europe and North America, where utility regulations often favor energy-based pricing.
🔹 Session-Based Pricing
Here, users pay a flat fee per charging session—regardless of how long or how much they charge. It’s a simple and easy-to-understand option, ideal for short-term or low-power scenarios, such as shopping centers offering free or discounted charging for a two-hour visit.
🔹 Time-of-Use or Dynamic Pricing
Prices change depending on the time of day.
This system helps manage grid demand and encourages off-peak charging. It also allows operators to take advantage of lower electricity costs during quiet hours.
🔹 Membership or Subscription Plans
Drivers pay a monthly or annual fee for perks like free, discounted, or priority charging. This model works well for office campuses, residential communities, and retail chains, helping to build loyalty and steady recurring revenue.
✅ Smart Billing and Management Tools
Modern charging management systems (CMS) make it easy to combine these models. They support flexible pricing rules, integrate with payment gateways (credit cards, mobile pay), and offer RFID or app-based user authentication.
With built-in analytics, operators can track usage, revenue, and performance in real time.
At AnengJi, our OCPP-compatible chargers and cloud management platform support every major global billing standard. Whether you’re launching a small charging hub or scaling a full commercial network, we’ll help you build a system that’s smart, efficient, and ready to grow.