How to Price Your EV Charger as a Host (Philippines)

Setting a price for your EV charger is one of the first decisions you make as a host, and it is worth getting right rather than guessing. Price too high and drivers pass you by; price too low and you quietly subsidise other people's charging out of your own pocket. The reassuring part is that a fair rate is mostly arithmetic — your own electricity cost, plus a sensible margin. This guide walks through the two common models and how to land on a number you are comfortable with.

Per-kWh or per-session: which model fits?

Most hosts choose between charging for energy or charging for time, and each suits a different setup.

• Per-kWh pricing. You charge for the energy actually delivered, which drivers tend to see as the fairest option because they pay only for what they use. It needs a charger or app that measures kilowatt-hours accurately.
• Per-hour or per-session pricing. You charge for the time the car is plugged in, or a flat fee per session. This is simpler when you cannot meter energy precisely, though on a slow charger it can feel unfair to a driver who gains little range.

Whichever you pick, make the rate clear up front so there are no surprises when the session ends.

How do you work out a fair rate?

Start from what the electricity costs you, because that is the floor no price should fall below.

• Find your own cost per kWh. Check your Meralco or local utility bill for what you pay per kilowatt-hour, and confirm the figure with your provider, since tariffs change and vary by area.
• Add a margin, not a markup that scares people off. A modest margin over your cost covers wear on the equipment, your time, and the convenience you are offering. The guide to what charging an EV costs helps you sanity-check the energy side.
• Account for the extras you carry. Standby power, any platform fee, and the occasional maintenance call all sit on your side of the ledger, so let the margin absorb them.

As an illustration only, not a quoted rate: if your electricity were to cost around ₱12 per kWh, you might set a driver price a little above that to leave room for a margin. Treat it purely as an example and work from your real bill.

Should an AC home charger cost less than a faster one?

Usually yes, because the driver is buying something different in each case.

• AC home chargers. These are slower and suit overnight or top-up charging, so a lower price per kWh tends to make sense. Drivers accept the slower speed in exchange for better value.
• Faster chargers. These cost more to install and draw heavily on your supply, so they can command a higher rate because the driver is paying for speed and convenience. The difference between fast and slow charging explains why that premium is reasonable.

Staying competitive with nearby options

Your price does not exist in isolation, so look around before settling on it.

• See what is nearby. Check other hosts and public stations through the relevant charger app or network, which usually shows current rates.
• Price for your location and availability. A quiet neighbourhood with few options behaves differently from a busy district, and a charger free most evenings and weekends is worth more than one rarely available.
• Review and adjust. Your first price is not permanent. Revisit it as your costs and the local market shift, and see what hosting can realistically earn to keep your expectations grounded. When you are ready, you can list your charger and set your rate.

Frequently asked questions

Should I charge per kWh or per hour?

Per-kWh pricing is generally the fairest because drivers pay for the energy they actually receive, but it needs equipment that measures kilowatt-hours. Per-hour or per-session pricing is simpler when you cannot meter energy, though it can feel unfair on a slow charger. Pick the one your setup supports.

Is it ever sensible to price below my electricity cost?

As a rule, no, because you would be paying for strangers to charge. Your own utility rate is the floor, and anything below it means a loss on every session. Confirm your cost per kWh with Meralco or your provider before setting a price.

How big should my margin be?

There is no fixed answer; it depends on your costs, your location and what nearby options charge. A modest margin over your electricity cost that still looks fair to drivers is a reasonable starting point. Review it over time rather than treating any figure as settled.

Do I have to pay tax on what I earn?

Possibly, depending on how much you earn and your circumstances, so do not assume either way. Treat any income as potentially taxable and confirm your obligations with the BIR or a qualified accountant. It is far easier to organise this early than to sort it out later.