As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly prevalent, Charge Point Operators (CPOs) play a crucial role in providing efficient and accessible charging infrastructure. Data analytics is the backbone of CPOs' decision-making process, and while usage percentage is a widely used metric, it may lead to misleading interpretations when evaluating charging station performance and its impact on sales. In this article, we will explore the income structure formula for CPOs, address the limitations of relying solely on usage percentage, and shed light on vital aspects CPOs should prioritize for sustainable growth.
The income structure of a Charge Point Operator can be defined by the following formula:
Total Income = (Number of Charging Stations) x (Average Charging Sessions per Day per Station) x (Average Charging Price per kWh)
This formula highlights the three key factors influencing the CPO's revenue: the number of charging stations in their network, the average number of charging sessions at each station per day, and the average charging price per kilowatt-hour. Analyzing these components allows CPOs to identify growth opportunities and make strategic decisions to optimize revenue generation.
Usage percentage, a commonly used metric to assess charging station performance, refers to the percentage of time a charging station is actively used compared to its idle time. However, relying solely on this metric can lead to misinterpretation of the true impact on sales. Here are some reasons why usage percentage may not provide an accurate reflection of revenue generation:
Charging Duration: Different types of charging stations, such as AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current), have varying charging durations. High usage percentage at an AC charging station may not necessarily result in higher revenue if the charging sessions are significantly shorter compared to those at a DC charging station. The income generated in the same duration can vary significantly.
Charging Price: AC and DC charging stations often have different charging prices per kilowatt-hour. A DC charging station may have a higher usage percentage due to quicker charging times, but the lower charging price of AC sessions might still contribute to comparable or even higher revenue.
Charging Infrastructure: The availability of DC charging stations on major highways and long-distance routes might lead to higher usage percentages compared to AC charging stations in urban areas. However, urban AC stations might contribute more to the overall revenue due to higher pricing and increased charging sessions during peak hours.
To make informed decisions and avoid misleading interpretations of statistics, CPOs should focus on the following essential aspects:
Diversified Charging Infrastructure: CPOs should aim for a mix of AC and DC charging stations to cater to different customer needs and scenarios. Understanding the usage patterns and pricing dynamics for each type of station is essential for optimizing revenue.
Charging Session Duration Analysis: Instead of solely relying on usage percentage, CPOs should analyze the average duration and charging speed of charging sessions for both AC and DC stations. This data will provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences, enabling CPOs to adjust pricing strategies accordingly.
Dynamic Pricing Models: Implementing dynamic pricing models that consider factors such as location, time of day, charging speed, and demand can lead to maximizing revenue while ensuring customer satisfaction.
Customer Feedback and Experience: Regularly collecting feedback from EV users about their charging experience will help CPOs identify pain points, improve service quality, and enhance customer loyalty.
The difference in revenue between the AC and DC charging stations in this theoretical model is significant. Let's break down the calculations to understand why:
AC Charging Station:
Charging rate: 11 kW
Cost per kilowatt-hour: EUR 0.35
Occupancy: 10% (2.4 hours per day)
Revenue = Charging rate (kW) x Cost per kilowatt-hour (EUR/kWh) x Occupancy (hours) Revenue = 11 kW x EUR 0.35/kWh x 2.4 hours = EUR 9.24
DC Charging Station:
Charging rate: 80 kW
Cost per kilowatt-hour: EUR 0.49
Occupancy: 10% (2.4 hours per day)
Revenue = Charging rate (kW) x Cost per kilowatt-hour (EUR/kWh) x Occupancy (hours) Revenue = 80 kW x EUR 0.49/kWh x 2.4 hours = EUR 94.08
As we can see, the DC charging station generates significantly more revenue compared to the AC charging station due to its higher charging rate (80 kW) and a higher cost per kilowatt-hour (EUR 0.49/kWh).
The main reason for this substantial revenue difference is the higher charging rate of the DC station. It can provide much more power to electric vehicles in a shorter amount of time compared to the AC station. As a result, it can serve more customers and charge them at a higher rate, leading to increased revenue.
In the real world, charging stations' revenue will depend on various factors, including the demand for charging services, the location of the stations, pricing strategies, and the overall adoption of electric vehicles. However, the basic principle remains: higher charging rates and prices per kilowatt-hour can lead to higher revenue for charging station operators.
While usage percentage is a valuable metric, it should not be the sole basis for evaluating charging station performance and its impact on sales. By understanding the complexities of charging infrastructure, pricing dynamics, and customer behavior, CPOs can develop effective strategies and create a robust network that benefits both their business and the growing community of electric vehicle users. Data analytics, when used wisely and in conjunction with other relevant metrics, empowers CPOs to make informed decisions, optimize revenue, and contribute to the successful transition towards a greener and more sustainable future.
To learn more about Stuart platform (Web&App), including pricing and customization options, please reach out to our Sales division: hello@stuart.energy.
