The Actual Costs of Installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Workplaces
As of January 1, 2025, French companies are required to equip at least 5% of their parking spaces with electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI).
This new requirement, stemming from the Mobility Framework Act (LOM), aims to support the transition to electric mobility by addressing the growing needs of employees and customers who use electric vehicles. However, for businesses, such a project represents a significant investment, requiring a clear understanding of the various associated costs.
Installation Costs Installing an electric vehicle charging station involves several expense categories. First, the cost of the stations themselves varies depending on their power output. Standard stations, offering power outputs ranging from 3.7 kW to 7 kW, are particularly well-suited for employees who park for long periods. Their price ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 euros per unit. Fast-charging stations, on the other hand, with a power output of 11 kW to 22 kW, allow for faster charging in just a few hours, making them ideal for companies with a fleet of vehicles. These stations cost between 3,000 and 5,000 euros per unit.
In addition to the purchase of charging stations, installation and connection to the power grid represent another significant expense. These costs depend on the layout of the parking lot and the distance between the charging stations and the power source. On average, these costs range from 500 to 2,000 euros per charging station, but more complex work—such as cutting into the pavement—can increase these amounts.
In addition, if the company’s electrical system requires adjustments to accommodate the new infrastructure, additional costs ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 euros may apply. Finally, a feasibility study is often essential to assess the company’s specific needs. This preliminary step, which is crucial to the project’s success, can cost between 1,000 and 5,000 euros, depending on the complexity of the site.
Operating and Maintenance Costs
Once the charging stations are installed, their operation involves recurring expenses. Electricity consumption, for example, depends on the number of vehicles charged and the rates negotiated by the company with its energy provider. On average, the cost of charging an electric vehicle ranges from 0.20 to 0.50 euros per kilowatt-hour.
In addition, maintaining the charging stations is essential to ensuring they function properly. Preventive maintenance—including checks of the wiring, software, and connectors—has an estimated annual cost of between 150 and 300 euros per station.
To optimize the use of this infrastructure, some companies are opting for management solutions such as the Sharvy app. This app allows users to reserve and assign parking spaces equipped with charging stations, while providing tools for real-time monitoring and management of energy consumption. This solution helps reduce costs and maximize the efficiency of the installations.
Financial Assistance and Grants
Fortunately, several financial assistance programs are available to help offset installation costs. The Energy Transition Tax Credit (CITE) and specific regional grants are among the most commonly used measures. This assistance, which varies by region and project, allows companies to benefit from tax breaks, direct grants, or even zero-interest loans to finance their installations.
A concrete example
For a company looking to install four charging stations in a 20-space parking lot, costs can vary significantly depending on the choices made. Without optimization, the project could cost around 12,000 euros, including purchase, installation, and the first year of maintenance. However, by using a solution like Sharvy, which offers lower-cost charging stations and simplified management, the budget can be reduced to approximately 6,904 euros—a savings of nearly 50%.
Although installing charging stations represents a significant investment, there are many ways to optimize the costs. Through careful planning, the use of management tools, and financial incentives, businesses can adapt to this energy transition while staying within their budget.
