Who sets the pricing and policies of SWTCH EV Chargers?

For most SWTCH EV chargers, the owner of the charging station (the "site host") sets the pricing for charging.

Here's why and how it works:

• SWTCH's Core Business: SWTCH primarily provides the technology and services (software platform, load management, support, etc.) that empower property owners and businesses to manage their EV charging infrastructure. They offer a comprehensive system, but the actual pricing decision largely rests with the entity that owns and hosts the chargers.
• Property Owner's Authority: As the owner of the station, the site host has the authority to establish the rules and regulations for their stations, including:
  • Access control: Deciding who can use the chargers (e.g., tenants only, employees, public).
  • Pricing rates: How much users will be charged.
  • Billing structure: How the charges are applied (e.g., per kWh, hourly, time-of-day).
• SWTCH's Role in Pricing: While the property owner makes the final decision, SWTCH does provide valuable assistance and tools:
  • Consultation: SWTCH can review the property owner's electricity bills and advise on charging rates that will help them recover their energy costs.
  • Market Analysis: They can also provide insights into comparable charging rates in the vicinity to help the owner set competitive prices, especially if the goal is revenue generation.
  • Flexible Billing Structures: SWTCH's software platform is sophisticated and allows property owners to set up various multi-tiered rate structures, such as:
    1. Different rates for residents vs. guests/public
    2. Variable rates based on time of day (e.g., peak vs. off-peak).
    3. Hourly rates (fixed or variable).
    4. Per kWh rates.
    5. "Loitering penalties" to discourage vehicles from occupying charging spots once their session is complete.
  • Dashboard Management: Property owners use the SWTCH online dashboard to configure these pricing structures and monitor their usage and revenue.
• Driver Transparency: For EV drivers, the pricing information for a specific SWTCH charger is available directly through the SWTCH mobile app or web app by entering the charger ID. This ensures transparency before a charging session begins.
   

In summary, SWTCH provides the tools and expertise, but the site host or property owner is the ultimate decision-maker when it comes to setting the charging prices on their SWTCH-powered chargers.