Financing EV Charging Stations for Businesses

As more electric vehicles (EVs) hit Canadian roads, one thing becomes clear: charging infrastructure is critical.

It’s not just governments and utilities investing—more private businesses are installing EV chargers at:

• Logistics yards
• Hotels and resorts
• Office parks
• Dealerships and garages
• Retail storefronts and malls

But there’s one challenge: EV charging stations can be expensive, especially when factoring in site upgrades, permitting, and hardware.

That’s where smart financing comes in.

This guide will show you how Canadian businesses can:

• Finance the cost of EV charging installations
• Understand the ROI potential of adding charging access
• Navigate common cost categories (hardware, trenching, transformers)
• Position their business for sustainability—and future growth

Why Install EV Charging at Your Property?

✅ Customer and Tenant Demand

More drivers—especially corporate fleets—need charging access where they park, work, or shop.

✅ Futureproofing

Installing now lets you avoid higher costs later as demand grows and infrastructure standards tighten.

✅ Revenue Stream Potential

You can charge fees per kWh, by time, or as part of parking privileges—turning infrastructure into an income source.

✅ ESG & Brand Value

Charging access positions your business as forward-thinking and sustainable—often attractive to customers, investors, and staff.

True Costs of Installing EV Charging Stations

While the hardware may seem straightforward, the full cost often includes much more:

Total project cost for a small business installing 4–6 Level 2 chargers can easily hit $50,000–$100,000+.

Can You Finance EV Charging Stations?

Yes—and it’s becoming increasingly common.

Whether you're a private fleet operator or a public-facing business, commercial lenders and equipment finance brokers can structure loans and leases for:

• Charging hardware (Level 2, DCFC)
• Installation costs
• Site preparation and trenching
• Software, signage, or point-of-sale systems
• Permitting and inspection fees

Financing helps businesses:

• Avoid upfront out-of-pocket cost
• Spread payments over 3–7 years
• Align repayment with usage or revenue from the chargers
• Accelerate deployment without waiting for rebates or grants

Common Financing Structures

1. Equipment Loan

Best for businesses that want to own the chargers outright and depreciate the asset.

• Terms from 36–84 months
• Fixed monthly payments
• Possible to bundle install costs
• May qualify for CCA depreciation and interest deductions*

Explore: Financing & Leasing Options

2. Operating Lease

Similar to a rental—ideal if you’re unsure about long-term usage or want to upgrade frequently.

• Off-balance-sheet structure possible
• Lower upfront cost
• Maintenance may be included (depending on provider)

3. Leaseback of Existing Equipment

If you already paid for part of your charger install out-of-pocket, refinancing or leaseback can help recover cash flow.

Explore: Refinancing Options

Example Use Case: Hotel Adds Charging to Attract Guests

Business: Mid-size hotel chain in Ontario
Need: Install 6 dual-port Level 2 chargers for guest use
Challenge: Wanted to avoid a $78,000 capital hit in Q1
What They Did:

• Financed hardware + trenching + signage over 60 months
• Used a $0 down structure with deferred payments for 90 days
• Included POS system for guest billing

Outcome:
Installed in time for summer season. Average monthly usage covered 90% of monthly financing cost within 6 months.

What Lenders Look for When Financing EV Charging Stations

✅ Ownership or long-term lease of the property
✅ Business credit and operating history (or landlord guarantee)
✅ Clear equipment list and vendor quote
✅ Photos, site plan, or engineer’s drawing (in some cases)
✅ Breakdown of soft vs. hard costs for bundling

Tips for a Smooth Financing Process

✅ Get quotes from approved EV hardware vendors
✅ Bundle all costs into one invoice if possible
✅ Use a broker or analyst familiar with EV infrastructure
✅ Structure payments to align with expected usage
✅ Ask about residual or buyout options at end of term

FAQs: EV Charging Financing for Commercial Properties

Can I finance the charger and the installation together?
Yes—many lenders will bundle hardware, trenching, signage, and even POS systems.

What if I’ve already paid for part of the project?
You may be eligible for a sale-leaseback to recoup capital and spread out repayment.

Can I earn revenue from public charging?
Yes—many businesses charge per kWh, per hour, or offer loyalty-based access. Revenue can offset monthly financing costs.

Do I need perfect credit to qualify?
Not necessarily. Mehmi can help secure financing even for businesses with lower credit, especially if the site is owned or tied to revenue-generating activity.

Final Word: Plug into the Future—Affordably

EV charging is no longer optional for forward-looking Canadian businesses.
It’s how you attract customers, support staff and tenants, and futureproof your operations.

But it doesn’t have to drain your cash flow. With smart equipment financing, you can install charging stations today—and start benefiting from them immediately.

Looking to add EV charging to your property without the financial strain?
Speak to a credit analyst or use our calculator to explore customized financing options for charging infrastructure.

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