Earlier in the EV industry, the US Department of Energy's Workplace Charging Challenge sought to bring EV charging to 500 workplaces across the country. Just two years into the program, the DOE found that 90% of employers reported their stations were in regular use 5 days a week, and "employees of companies with at-work charging are 20 times more likely to drive a plug-in car." The key to increasing electric vehicles on the road is to ensure there are enough chargers for potential customers to charge as needed. Today, according to Forbes, there are 26,000 charging stations and 86,000 plugs in America, not counting home units. EV charging stations are essential at workplaces, public parking, and other businesses. Here's what you need to know.
Why Blink?
There are a few different choices when it comes to purchasing EVSE, but Blink is different from the rest. Because we manufacture, own, and operate our own equipment, we make sure that our charging stations meet high quality standards, without expensive replacement parts.
Access to our proprietary Blink Network allows our partners to set hours of operation, decide who can use the charger and who can’t, how much energy they can use, remotely control the charger, and most importantly charge a fee for energy used!
Finally, Blink has four business models to meet your budget. How long it will take to pay off your charger and start making a profit will differ by location, business model, and usage.
Blink's Business Models
Blink has four business models: Host Owned, Blink as a Service, Hybrid Owned, and Blink Owned.
Host Owned Plan
Blink's Host Owned option is for those who want to be the sole owner and operator of their EV charging stations. The host purchases and installs the equipment from Blink and makes all decisions about billing and parking management. A monthly subscription to the Blink Network offers the ability to set pricing, manage access, generate reports, and get 24/7 customer service, and there is no revenue share. If you set a pricing policy at your Host Owned Blink chargers, you receive full remittance after fees. All maintenance and upkeep are the sole responsibility of the host, though Blink has introduced an extended warranty and maintenance program to make maintenance easier.
Rebates and tax credits offered by the federal government and individual states can help hosts save a bundle on EVSE. Federal tax credits have been extended through 2021, and can cover up to 30% of the cost of purchase and installation of EVSE.
Check out individual state rebates and incentives here.
Blink as a Service Plan
Blink’s subscription program provides an EV charging station host with lower costs and all the control of ownership without any of the hassle. The Blink as a Service Monthly Subscription Model is perfect for those who want low upfront costs, yet all the control of ownership. Blink’s subscription program provides your location with EV charging stations at a low monthly cost and all charging revenues. Blink pays for the equipment and the installation, and the host pays low monthly fees to Blink. However, with Blink as a Service, the host sets their own charging fees and keeps 100% of the charging revenue for themselves. All equipment is monitored and maintained by Blink.
With this business model, you can begin to make a profit quickly. Signs and advertisement will help the public know you have EVSE on site.
The Hybrid Owned Plan
If your business chooses the hybrid owned plan, Blink covers the cost of equipment, operations, and administration. All you need to do is prepare the site. Blink takes responsibility for the cost of the unit, installing, and administration while sharing a percentage of profits with the host. The hybrid share model allows your location to provide the charging station to customers while Blink provides the equipment, operations, and administration.
Your business should begin making a profit as soon as its share revenue becomes greater than shared cost, within a couple of years, but advertising, signage, etc, can help your charger turn a profit faster.
Blink Owned Plan
In the Blink owned business model, Blink owns and operates the charger. For select locations, Blink will provide the installation, equipment, operations, and administration and share a portion of the revenues with the host. The Blink-Owned Business Model is perfect for high-traffic, publicly accessible locations that will have frequent use. This turn-key solution is for select locations where Blink provides EV chargers, electricity reimbursement, and a revenue share. In this model, Blink covers everything! There is no upfront cost. The equipment, preparation of the site, installation, electricity, monitoring, and maintenance are all provided by Blink, at our expense. All you have to do is provide the site. Because Blink covers all costs but shares the revenue, hosts can begin making a profit on your EVSE as soon as drivers start charging at your site.
Regardless of which business model you choose, adding EV charging stations makes your property into a destination with the amenities your employees, residents, or customers need. Many businesses find that installing EV charging station helps attract more customers who spend more money on-site. Contact your Blink sales manager to get started.