The world is moving from petrol pumps to power plugs — and India’s MSME sector stands right at the centre of this transition.
The government’s ambitious plan to install 1 million public EV charging stations by 2030 is not just a policy dream; it’s a multi-billion-rupee business wave waiting to be tapped.

For decades, MSMEs have powered India’s factories, logistics, and services. Now, they have a chance to power India’s electric future — literally.

This is the story of the EV charging business in India for MSMEs — the next green gold rush.

You may also like to read:Are India’s Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Enough? — Statewise Snapshot & What India Needs Next

The Market Opportunity: EV Charging stations Is the New Petrol Pump

• India is expected to have 1 crore (10 million) EVs on the road by 2030.
• To support that, India needs 1 charging station for every 15 vehicles, according to NITI Aayog.
• As of 2025, fewer than 20,000 public charging points exist — meaning a massive supply gap.

This gap is where entrepreneurs and MSMEs step in.

Setting up EV charging stations can be:

• A standalone business (direct charging model),
• An add-on business (existing shops, hotels, malls, or fuel pumps), or
• A franchise / partnership model with charging network operators like Tata Power EZ Charge, ChargeZone, Statiq, or BPCL.

💡 Key Insight: The EV charging ecosystem is not just about selling electricity — it’s about selling convenience, trust, and access.

You may also like to read: China’s WTO Complaint: Why It Could Be Good News for EV Battery Manufacturers in India

Investment & Profit Potential of ev charging stations

Approximate, based on utilization and tariff margins.

MSMEs can earn through:

• Charging fees per kWh (₹15–₹25 range)
• Franchise revenue sharing (30–40% margins possible)
• Advertising / retail tie-ups (cross-selling at charging hubs)
• Battery swapping and service add-ons (extra revenue)

⚡ A small-town entrepreneur installing 4 slow chargers at ₹6 lakh total could break even within 2–3 years, depending on footfall and partnerships.

Business Models of ev charging stations MSMEs Can Adopt

1. Franchise Partnership Model
   Join existing CPOs (Charge Point Operators) like Tata Power, Statiq, or Jio-BP.
   • They provide hardware + backend software.
   • You provide land, connectivity, and maintenance.
   • Revenue is shared (usually 60–40 or 70–30).
2. Independent MSME-Owned Model
   Buy chargers directly, get government subsidy under FAME II or PM e-Drive, and run it independently.
   You control pricing and partnerships.
3. Community Charging Hub
   MSMEs in smaller towns can combine efforts — one provides land, another invests, another markets.
   Great for co-operative or rural clusters.
4. Charging + Retail Model
   Integrate a café, convenience shop, or local service station with the charger.
   The real business lies in customer waiting time — monetize those minutes.

Government Support & Subsidies on ev charging stations

The Indian government actively supports the EV charging business through:

• FAME II Scheme — capital subsidy for setting up public charging stations.
• State EV Policies — many states (Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu) offer additional subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, and property tax exemptions.
• Priority Sector Lending (PSL) — RBI has included EVs & charging infra under PSL; banks can offer easier loans for MSMEs in this sector.
• GST Reduction — EV chargers attract only 5% GST.

🏆 In short: easier financing, lower taxes, and faster approvals — everything MSMEs have been asking for.

MSMEs: The Backbone of India’s ev charging stations Ecosystem

MSMEs are perfectly positioned to lead this transition because:

• They already dominate India’s auto components, electrical, and fabrication industries.
• They have local networks and community trust.
• They are agile — can adapt faster than large corporates.

From local garage owners adding a small charging unit, to regional entrepreneurs building EV plazas — this is inclusive growth powered by green innovation.

“When India’s small businesses go electric, India’s mobility becomes unstoppable.” — BusinessZindagi

The Road Ahead: From MSMEs to Green Giants

By 2030, the EV charging market in India could be worth $20 billion.
Even if MSMEs capture just 25% of that value, it’s a ₹4-lakh-crore opportunity.

Beyond profit, MSMEs entering EV charging will also:

• Create local jobs (technicians, service staff, electricians)
• Promote clean energy awareness
• Strengthen energy independence in rural and semi-urban India

This is not just a business opportunity — it’s a chance to build the future.

Conclusion

The EV charging business in India for MSMEs isn’t a dream — it’s already happening.
From Delhi to Dindigul, from malls to mandis, small entrepreneurs are electrifying India’s roads one plug at a time.

If you’re an MSME owner looking for your next growth opportunity, this might be the plug that powers your future.

BusinessZindagi takeaway:

“When innovation meets local ambition, every small business can build a cleaner, richer tomorrow.”

🔗 Sources & References

1. NITI Aayog – Handbook on EV Charging Infrastructure (2023)
2. IEEFA Report – Upgrading India’s Public EV Charging Experience (2024)
3. FAME II Scheme – Ministry of Heavy Industries
4. Tata Power EZ Charge Franchise Model
5. ChargeZone & Statiq Franchise Details | https://www.statiq.in/
6. RBI Circular on Priority Sector Lending for EV Infrastructure (2023)