How to invest in electric charging stations, explained

Here are five investment options in electric charging stations, along with specific examples:

1. Develop Your Own Charging Stations:
   • Example: You could partner with local businesses or property owners to set up charging stations in their parking lots. Offer to handle the installation, maintenance, and operation of the stations in exchange for a portion of the revenue generated.
2. Invest in Charging Network Operators:
   • Example: Invest in companies like ChargePoint or EVgo that specialize in building and operating charging networks. ChargePoint is one of the largest charging network operators, providing charging solutions for various sectors, from residential to commercial.
3. Invest in Real Estate with Charging Infrastructure:
   • Example: Purchase a commercial property in a high-traffic area and install charging stations in the parking lot. The property’s value could increase due to the added amenity of EV charging.
4. Invest in Renewable Energy Infrastructure Funds:
   • Example: Invest in funds that focus on renewable energy infrastructure, including electric vehicle charging. These funds may invest in various projects, such as solar-powered charging stations. One such example is the Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF (DRIV), which invests in companies involved in the EV ecosystem, including charging infrastructure.
5. Public-Private Partnerships:
   • Example: Collaborate with local governments or municipalities to create public-private partnerships for charging station deployment. The government provides incentives or grants, while you handle the installation and management of charging infrastructure.

Remember that the success of your investment will depend on factors such as market demand, location, regulatory environment, and your ability to provide reliable and convenient charging solutions. Conduct thorough research and due diligence before committing to any investment opportunity.

The history of electric charging stations

Electric charging stations, in various forms, have been around for several decades, with the earliest forms dating back to the development of electric vehicles (EVs) in the late 19th century. However, the concept of modern electric vehicle charging stations as we know them today has evolved over time. Here’s a brief timeline:

• Early 20th Century: The first half of the 20th century saw the emergence of early electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Cities like New York had charging stations for electric taxis.
• Mid-20th Century: With the rise of internal combustion engine vehicles, gasoline-powered cars became more popular, and electric vehicles fell out of favor. This led to a decline in the demand for electric charging infrastructure.
• Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century: Interest in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure began to resurface due to concerns about pollution and energy dependence. During this time, limited charging stations were available, often at research institutions and universities working on EV technology.
• Mid-2000s: As hybrid and all-electric vehicles started gaining traction, a need for charging infrastructure became more apparent. Some early EV enthusiasts and businesses began installing charging stations, albeit on a small scale.
• Late 2000s to Early 2010s: The introduction of electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Roadster sparked greater interest in EVs and charging infrastructure. Tesla’s Supercharger network, introduced in 2012, was a significant development for high-speed charging.
• Mid-2010s to Present: The mid-2010s marked a turning point in the expansion of electric charging stations. Governments, businesses, and utilities started investing in charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. The availability of Level 2 charging stations (AC charging) and DC fast charging stations (for quicker charging) increased significantly.

Today, electric charging stations are an integral part of the electric vehicle ecosystem. They range from home charging units to public stations at shopping centers, parking lots, rest areas, and highways. Governments and private companies continue to invest in charging infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s important to note that while the idea of electric charging stations has a long history, the modern proliferation of charging infrastructure is a relatively recent phenomenon, driven by advancements in EV technology, changing environmental concerns, and improvements in charging speed and accessibility.