Electric Vehicle Charging Station Quote: Cost Optimization and Investment Benefits

Electricity pricing for electric vehicle charging stations has a unique pricing structure, depending on voltage level and usage hours. Investment costs include equipment, installation, and operation, optimized to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Electricity Pricing for Electric Vehicle Charging Station

From June 2025, electric vehicle charging stations will apply a specific electricity pricing based on voltage level and usage time. For medium voltage and above, prices range from 1,565 to 3,835 VND/kWh. For low voltage, prices range from 1,653 to 4,298 VND/kWh, highest during peak hours. These prices ensure a balance between providing charging services and fair business operations.

From June 2025, a separate electricity pricing structure is applied to electric vehicle charging stations, distinct from industrial or commercial customer groups, to accurately reflect service costs and promote a sustainable electric vehicle market in Vietnam. The new pricing structure is categorized based on two main criteria: voltage level and usage time.

For voltage level, the electricity pricing is divided into two groups:

• Medium voltage and above (over 1kV): Off-peak price at 71% of average retail price (1,565 VND/kWh), normal hours at 118% (2,601 VND/kWh), and peak hours at 174% (3,835 VND/kWh).
• Low voltage (below 1kV): Off-peak price is 75% (1,653 VND/kWh), normal hours 125% (2,755 VND/kWh), and peak up to 195% (4,298 VND/kWh).

Usage time is defined with three main periods: off-peak, normal, and peak hours, to reduce grid load during peak hours and encourage efficient electricity use. These prices, specifically higher than production customers but lower than business groups, aim to ensure fairness.

The objective of this pricing regulation is to facilitate the development of the electric vehicle market. Separate pricing for charging stations increases transparency in service pricing and encourages investment. Accurately reflecting service costs also helps reduce cross-subsidies from residential, production, and business customers.

From a professional perspective, this new policy lays the groundwork for sustainable electric vehicle infrastructure development, attracts investment, and reduces urban transportation emissions. However, peak hour pricing may affect the operating costs of small charging stations but simultaneously encourages businesses to invest in medium voltage systems to optimize costs.

Investment Cost and Equipment for Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Investment costs for electric vehicle charging stations include purchasing equipment and installation and operation expenses. Slow charging poles start at 11 million VND, while premium fast-charging poles like 250kW can reach 3.272 billion VND. Installation requires a transformer station costing 300-500 million VND and renting space from 10-50 million VND/month.

Factors Influencing Investment Costs of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Investment costs for electric vehicle charging stations not only involve purchasing equipment but also various other factors such as capacity, installation location, and existing infrastructure. Specifically, the type of charging station—basic or fast—significantly affects the overall cost.

Types of Charging Stations and Specific Investment Levels

Electric vehicle charging stations can be divided into three levels:

1. Level 1 Charging Station: Uses 120V power, suitable for home installation with a total cost from 7 – 10 million VND (280 – 400 USD).
2. Level 2 Charging Station: Uses 240V power, suitable for households and small businesses, total cost from 15 – 25 million VND (600 – 1,000 USD). Internationally, hardware prices range from 200 – 1,000 USD depending on capacity and features.
3. DC Fast Charging Station (Level 3): For public areas or transit stations with large capacities and costs from $30,000 – $100,000+.

Detailed Cost Components

When calculating the cost for electric vehicle charging stations, the components cannot be ignored:

• Survey and consultation: about 500,000 VND.
• Outlets and electrical system upgrades: 3 – 7 million VND.
• Wiring, accessories: 1 – 3 million VND.
• Installation labor: 2 – 5 million VND.
• Solar integration and energy storage systems: 20 – 50 million VND and 15 – 40 million VND respectively.
• Charging maintenance costs: 1 – 3 million VND/year.

Operation and Maintenance of Charging Stations

Beyond initial investment costs, electric vehicle charging stations incur annual operating expenses such as network connection fees, management software, and maintenance costs.

• AC Charger Equipment (Level 2) typically costs from $700 – $1,500/year.
• DC Charger Equipment (Level 3) costs from $1,500 – $4,000/year.

Additional Considerations

To optimize investment, it’s necessary to consider the impact of electrical infrastructure complexity, installation location, and software features if needed. While upgrading charging stations combined with renewable energy may increase initial investment costs, long-term electricity savings potential is significant.

Investing in an electric vehicle charging station is a strategic and sustainable investment, given the growing focus on clean and renewable energy.

Summary of Electric Vehicle Charging Station Costs

The electric vehicle charging station quote focuses on electricity pricing and equipment costs. Electricity pricing for charging stations is lowest at 1,565 VND/kWh and highest nearly 4,300 VND/kWh. Equipment investment costs vary greatly from 11 million to over 3 billion for 250kW fast charging poles.

Investing in an electric vehicle charging station requires thorough consideration of charging station costs, including both charging poles and supporting infrastructure.

Charging Pole Equipment Costs

• Slow charging poles (AC, 7.4 – 11 kW): Prices range from about 10.3 to 17.6 million VND per pole.
• Fast charging poles (DC): Costs depend on capacity. For example:
• 30 kW: About 143 million VND
• 60 kW: About 278 million VND
• 120 kW: 416 million VND
• 150 kW: 676 million VND
• 250 kW: Nearly 3,300 million VND

A station with 4 fast charging poles can cost about 2 billion VND. This is a significant cost for businesses planning to invest in charging stations.

Auxiliary Infrastructure Costs

• Transformer stations: This is a key component and can be expensive, sometimes reaching billions, especially for stations requiring three-phase power in urban areas.
• Distribution cabinets, power cabinets, and cables: Total estimated cost ranges from 100 – 150 million VND for systems connecting from transformers to charging poles.
• Land: Requires a minimum area of 100 m² with types like commercial or residential land. Land rental cost a minimum of 10 million VND/month, not counting renovation costs as required.

Operating Costs and Charging Revenue

Electricity pricing for vehicle charging in Vietnam is currently among the lowest globally, about 750 VND/kWh if the project funds its charging poles. Revenue per charge can range from 15,000 to 90,000 VND depending on the vehicle and battery capacity. A typical station with 3-4 poles, operating efficiently, can generate income from 1 to 2 million VND per day, equivalent to over 20 million VND per month. The average payback period for this investment is about 2-3 years.

Home Charging Station Installation

For individuals wishing to own a charging station. Cost for an AC charging station starts at 600 USD (approximately 14 million VND) and a DC charging station from 3,000 USD (over 70 million VND) depending on capacity and brand of the device.

Key Features to Consider When Investing in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

• The major cost is centered on transformer stations and three-phase power systems.
• High-capacity fast charging poles have significant costs.
• Strong profit relies heavily on the frequency of electric vehicle usage.
• The payback period ranges from 2 to over 3 years, due to the prevailing low electricity prices.

Investing in electric vehicle charging stations demonstrates a strong strategic benefit through optimizing electricity costs, diverse equipment investments, and potential for electric vehicle market growth. This is an ideal phase to upgrade charging facilities to meet both personal and commercial needs.

Contact QuangAnhCons to develop intelligent electric vehicle charging stations and save costs – Hotline: +84 9 1975 8191.

QuangAnhCons specializes in providing construction and installation services for electric vehicle charging stations with optimal solutions, ensuring to meet market and advanced technical demands.