It’s the first question every charging-infrastructure investor asks: which fast charger earns the most? The surprising answer is that more power doesn’t automatically mean more return. What matters is the ratio between revenue and total investment.
Return is revenue relative to your investment
A 400 kW charger brings in higher absolute revenue, but it also costs far more: a heavier grid connection, pricier hardware, more cooling and installation. Factor in that full investment cost and the picture shifts. Return is measured in percentages, not in kilowatts.
Why an 80 kW charger often wins on percentage
An 80 kW charger needs far less capital and a lighter grid connection, while being plenty fast for most passenger cars. In a well-chosen location it runs high occupancy against a low investment — exactly what produces a strong return percentage. The payback time is usually shorter than for the heaviest chargers.
When a 400 kW charger is very profitable after all
In high-traffic locations — motorways, large car parks, transport routes — a 400 kW charger can perform superbly. There the number of sessions and the volume charged are so high that the larger investment is amply recouped, and you also attract vehicles that genuinely need to charge fast.
The real key: capitalise on your return and make it recurring
Whatever power you choose, the profit lies not just in the kilowatts but in your revenue model. With Proxilink you get more from the same charger: sharp QR rates with no e-MSP fees, memberships with a fixed monthly fee, and reservations for your busiest hours. That turns one-off sessions into a predictable, recurring income stream — raising the return of both an 80 kW and a 400 kW charger.