Choosing an EV charging provider involves more than comparing charger prices. The hardware matters, but so do the software, payment process and support your guests will rely on once the chargers are live.

If you run a hotel, pub, holiday park or visitor attraction, use these eight questions to compare commercial EV charging companies. Ask each provider for answers in writing so you can compare the full service, not just the initial quote.

1. What will you pay upfront?

Ask for an itemised quote covering the chargers, installation, cabling, any groundworks, signage and payment equipment. A low charger price may look less attractive once everything needed to operate it is included.

Your site layout will affect the final cost. For example, a charger close to a suitable electrical supply may be simpler to install than one at the far end of a car park. A site survey should help establish what work is actually required.

Ask: What is included in the quote, and what could change after the survey?

2. Are there monthly fees?

Some EV charging providers charge a regular fee for software, connectivity, maintenance or support. Others charge according to usage. Neither figure tells you enough on its own: you need to know what you’ll pay when the chargers are busy and when they are quiet.

This is especially useful for seasonal venues. A holiday park, for example, may see very different charging demand in August and January.

Ask: What would we pay in a month with no charging sessions?

3. What happens to the income from each charge?

Check whether the provider takes a percentage of charging income, a fixed transaction fee or both. Ask when you receive payments and whether you can see a clear record of each session.

Compare the total cost over time, including your electricity costs, rather than choosing solely on the lowest advertised fee. A provider should be able to explain its charges in plain English.

Ask: If a driver spends £10 on charging, how much do we receive and what fees are deducted?

4. How long is the contract?

Read the agreement before committing. Check its length, renewal terms, cancellation fees and what happens if the service no longer suits your venue.

It’s also worth asking whether prices or fees can change during the agreement, and whether you can move your chargers to another software provider if you decide to switch later.

Ask: What would it cost and involve to leave after one year?

5. Who owns the chargers and controls the parking spaces?

Some arrangements involve the venue buying the equipment. Others involve a provider installing and operating chargers under a lease or site agreement. Make sure you understand who owns the hardware, who pays to maintain or replace it, and what rights the provider has over your parking spaces.

Ownership can also affect your ability to set prices, choose opening hours or change providers later.

Ask: Who owns the chargers, and who decides how the spaces are used?

6. How can drivers start and pay for a charge?

A payment process that works for your team may still frustrate a guest arriving late at night. Check what a driver needs to do at the charger. Can they pay without downloading an app? Is there a QR code or contactless option? Are the price and instructions easy to find before they plug in?

Think about the people visiting your venue. Overnight guests, restaurant customers and passing drivers may all want a quick way to start charging.

Ask: Can you show us the exact steps a first-time driver takes to start and pay?

7. What happens when a charger goes offline?

Ask how the provider monitors its chargers and who responds when one stops working. Find out whether they can diagnose problems remotely, when an engineer may be needed and how you’ll know the charger is back in service.

Rather than accepting a broad promise about reliability, ask what support and response arrangements are included in the agreement.

Ask: If a charger fails on a Saturday evening, what happens next?

8. Who supports the driver?

Your reception or bar staff should know where to direct a driver who needs help, but they shouldn’t have to troubleshoot a charging session during a busy shift.

Check whether the provider offers a driver helpline, what hours it operates and whether the number is displayed at the charger. Ask who handles payment questions and failed sessions as well as technical faults.

Ask: Does the driver contact your team directly, and is support available outside office hours?

Compare the whole service

Before choosing a commercial EV charging provider, put the answers side by side. The most useful comparison covers:

• The full installation cost
• Monthly and per-session fees
• Contract length and exit terms
• Charger ownership and control of parking
• Driver payment options
• Fault response and maintenance
• Driver support hours

The right setup should work for your venue and be straightforward for guests to use. A clear quote and a demonstration of the driver experience will tell you more than a headline charger price.

Commercial EV Charging Provider Checklist: What to Compare

How does voltshare work?

With voltshare, your venue owns its chargers, sets its charging prices and earns from successful sessions. There are no monthly fees or long-term contracts; voltshare charges a 15% fee per successful charge. Drivers can start through the app or by scanning the charger’s QR code without installing one, with contactless payment available where a terminal is fitted. Our team also handles payments and provides 24/7 driver support.

If you already have compatible chargers and are considering a change of software provider, you may also be able to migrate your existing chargers to voltshare.

To see how the complete setup could work at your site, explore EV charging for hospitality venues or book a free survey.