Breaking Down the Economics of Leasing DC Fast Chargers

By EVWorld.com Si Editorial Team

By EVWorld.com Si Editorial Team

As EV adoption surges, small businesses are exploring new ways to tap into the charging economy. But with upfront costs for DC fast chargers often exceeding $50,000, many have been left out — until now.

XCharge North America, in partnership with Ascentium Capital, has launched a new leasing program that offers high-power DC fast chargers for $800/month, with no upfront capital and full revenue retention. It’s a bold move aimed at democratizing EV infrastructure. But does it pencil out?

The Math Behind the Charger

Let’s break down the ROI using a typical fast-charging scenario:

• Lease cost: $800/month
• Electricity cost: $0.13/kWh
• Charging fee to drivers: $0.40/kWh
• Session size: 50 kWh (20 minutes at 150 kW)

Net profit per session: $20 revenue − $6.50 electricity = $13.50

Break-even point: $800 ÷ $13.50 ≈ 59 sessions/month — just 2 sessions per day.

What the Leaders Say

“Our new financing model was designed to mitigate risk for individuals looking to get into EV charging without significant upfront [capital expenditure],” said Aatish Patel, co-founder and president of XCharge NA.

“This type of flexible capital option is exactly what the industry needs now, especially to empower small businesses and real estate owners,” added Stephen Interlicchio, Senior VP of Strategic Services at Ascentium Capital.

Company Backgrounds

XCharge NA is the North American arm of XCharge, a global leader in high-power EV charging and battery-integrated solutions. Founded in 2015, XCharge specializes in scalable, grid-friendly charging infrastructure. Their flagship products — GridLink and C6 — are designed to integrate with existing electrical systems, reducing installation costs and improving uptime.

Ascentium Capital, a division of Regions Bank, is a leading provider of equipment financing for small businesses. With deep experience in automotive and energy sectors, Ascentium brings the financial muscle and flexibility needed to make this leasing model viable.

ROI Potential: More Than Just Charging

Beyond direct revenue, chargers can:

• Boost foot traffic — EV drivers spend time and money while charging
• Enhance brand image — sustainability sells
• Enable partnerships — loyalty programs, bundled services, or cross-promotions

Risks & Realities

• Location is everything — low-traffic sites may struggle to break even
• Grid upgrades — some sites may still require electrical work
• Competition — pricing pressure could mount as more chargers pop up

The Bigger Picture

This leasing model could be a game-changer — not just for ROI, but for EV accessibility. By lowering the barrier to entry, it empowers small businesses to become part of the charging ecosystem.

And with just two daily sessions needed to break even, the math is surprisingly friendly.

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