February 6, 2025

Share Article

Navigating EV Charger Infrastructure: For Landlords, Property Managers, and long term tenants.

Navigating EV Charger Infrastructure: For Landlords, Property Managers, and long term tenants.

Deciding whether to own or lease EV charging stations is a critical choice for landlords and property managers interested in enhancing property value and sustainability. Here’s an in-depth look at both options, including financial incentives:

Owning EV Chargers

Ownership involves purchasing and maintaining the EV chargers yourself, giving you complete control over the infrastructure.

Pros of Owning:

1) Higher Long-Term ROI: By owning, all revenue generated from chargers stays with you, potentially leading to significant long-term profitability.

2) Complete Control: You dictate pricing and can integrate features that cater specifically to your tenants or customers.

3) Provincial and Federal Rebates:

  • Federal: Programs like the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) can cover up to 50% of eligible costs.
  • Provincial: In British Columbia, you might receive rebates up to $2,000 per charger, with a cap at $56,000 per workplace for multiple installation.

4) Tax Benefits:

  • Accelerated Depreciation: EV chargers can qualify for accelerated capital cost allowance, reducing your taxable income.
  • Carbon Tax Credits: Ownership can lead to earning carbon credits, which can be sold or used to offset your carbon footprint. For instance, owning an EV fleet can earn you valuable carbon credits, which can be sold for revenue or used to offset your emissions.

A sample of how much potential revenue an EV fleet can earn.

Cons of Owning:

1) High Initial Investment: The upfront capital required can be substantial, though offset by various rebates.

2) Maintenance Responsibility: All costs for maintenance, repairs, and downtime fall on the charging asset owner – Thanks to Thrive Electrify – we offer O&M 5-year or 10-year installation warranty to mitigate these concerns.

3) Space Utilization: Depending on the property layout, installing chargers might mean allocating space reducing the available number of regular stalls.  

Leasing EV Chargers

Leasing involves partnering with a third-party provider who owns and manages the charging equipment. This option allows businesses to minimize upfront costs and avoid the responsibilities of ownership, in exchange for sharing a portion of the profits over a 10-year agreement.

 

Pros of Leasing:

  • Lower Upfront Costs: Leasing reduces the immediate financial burden, making it feasible for businesses with limited capital.
  • Maintenance Included: Lessors typically handle maintenance, reducing your operational overhead.
  • Tech Updates: Leasing agreements often include technology upgrades, keeping your infrastructure current without extra investment.

Cons of Leasing:

  • Limited Control: You have less say in how the chargers are operated or customized to fit your specific needs.
  • Higher Long-Term Costs: Over time, leasing might be more expensive due to continuous monthly payments.
  • Dependency: Relying on a third party for maintenance can lead to service delays or issues with service quality.

 

 

Here is a quick reference chart summarizing both options :

Equipment Leasing Interest Rates in Canada

Leasing rates for equipment in Canada vary based on credit history, lease amount, and asset type. For businesses with strong credit, rates typically range from 7% to 9% on leases under $100,000, while larger leases or exceptional credit can secure rates as low as 4.99%.

Understanding these variations is crucial when comparing leasing to ownership, especially when green financing options offer significantly lower interest rates.

Contact Thrive Electrify to guide you through the discovery phase, helping you define your business goals, budget, and operational preferences.

Structuring Deals with Landlords for EV Sites

When it comes to structuring deals for EV charging infrastructure, there are several options to consider. The ideal structure depends on the landlord’s goals, as well as how the tenants plan to use the charging stations. By understanding these factors, we tailor the deal to meet everyone’s needs.

Infrastructure & Installation Cost Responsibilities  

Here are some common scenarios for assigning costs:

Landlord Responsibility

In cases where the EV chargers enhance property value or serve as workplace amenities for tenants and their employees, the landlord may take on full responsibility for the infrastructure and installation costs.

Tenant Responsibility

If the chargers are primarily for fleet operations or are intended for tenant-specific use, the tenant may cover the costs of installation.

Shared Responsibility

A hybrid model, where both the landlord and tenant share the costs, is also a popular option. This approach ensures that both parties contribute based on the specific benefits they will gain from the installation.

By collaborating closely with both landlords and tenants, we can create tailored, mutually beneficial solutions that align with each party’s goals. Contact Thrive Electrify to assist you through the discovery phase and help you identify the best approach for your EV charging needs.

Revenue Models

Revenue models are vital for the success and sustainability of EV charging infrastructure investments. A well-structured revenue model ensures profitability, attracts tenants, and enhances property value. It also encourages optimal charger utilization, maximizing ROI by aligning incentives for all stakeholders.

Here are some effective revenue models that landlords can leverage:

Revenue Sharing

How It Works:  Landlords earn a percentage of the revenue generated by EV chargers.

Benefits:

  • Encourages collaboration between landlords and tenants to drive charger utilization.
  • Aligns incentives for all parties to maximize usage and revenue.

    Hybrid Models

    How It Works: Combines revenue sharing with fixed payments to provide a balanced approach.

    Benefits:

    • Guarantees a steady income through fixed payments.
    • Allows landlords to benefit from higher revenues as charger utilization grows.

      Fixed Payment per Stall

      How It Works: Landlords may receive a fixed monthly fee per EV charging stall which the tenant typically covers.

      Benefits:

      • Provides predictable, steady income for landlords.
      • Simplifies financial planning with consistent revenue regardless of charger usage.

        No Fee

        How It Works: Some landlords opt not to charge tenants for using the EV chargers and instead offer them as a workplace perk.

        Benefits:

        • Enhances tenant satisfaction by providing added value without extra costs.
        • Utility payments are often covered by the tenant, minimizing the landlord’s financial responsibility.

        Whether you want to maximize revenue or offer charging at no cost, the choice is entirely yours.

        Thrive Electrify does not benefit directly from your EV charger revenues—unlike some companies. By working directly with us, you can avoid high transaction fees, rigid pricing structures, and delayed payouts often associated with third-party networks. We offer flexible solutions that put you in control, ensuring you can tailor your charging infrastructure to align with your business goals and maximize your ROI.

        Access Control via Service Platforms for EV Chargers

        Access control systems help businesses ensure that only authorized users, such as employees who have paid for a designated parking spot, can access EV chargers. Businesses can set up control features that allow site managers to assign specific chargers to parking spots, with users authenticating via mobile apps, RFID cards, or key fobs.

        User Authentication

        Only authorized users can access designated chargers, using secure login methods.

        Dedicated Spots

        Charging spots are linked to specific parking spaces, reducing the risk of unauthorized use.

        Real Time Monitoring

        Site managers can track charger usage and ensure efficient resource utilization.

        Automated Billing

        Payments are automatically processed, ensuring users are billed for their charging sessions.

        Benefits: 

        1. Prevents Unauthorized Use: Ensures only paying users have access to chargers.
        2. Optimizes Usage: Maximizes charger utilization by preventing misuse.
        3. Improves User Experience: Simplifies access for authorized users.
        4. Data Insights: Provides valuable usage data for future planning.
        5. Scalable: Easily expandable as needs grow.

        Want to Learn More?

        • Explore Your Options: Let Thrive Electrify help you understand which model suits your business best. Contact us for a free assessment.

        • Maximize Your Incentives: Learn how to leverage federal, provincial, and carbon credit benefits. Request a Quote to see how we can turn these incentives into your advantage.

           

        • Future-Proof Your Investment: With our expertise, ensure your EV infrastructure remains cutting-edge. Visit Thrive Electrify’s website or call us at 604-372-4596.