Why are some DC charging stations offered at such low prices?

What appears to be saving money now might actually lead to problems down the line.

As new energy vehicles rapidly increase in number, the demand for DC fast charging stations keeps growing. Charging stations with the same power output can vary in price by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Some manufacturers provide lower prices, seemingly offering "the same features for less," while others charge more, which naturally raises concerns among buyers.

However, the true cost is not just the initial purchase price but the total cost of ownership throughout the equipment’s entire lifecycle, including operational risks and future upgrade potential.

Let’s examine this from three key value perspectives to understand why "cheap charging stations" can become a financial pitfall.

I. Long-Term Costs and Lifespan (Total Cost of Ownership)

A lower upfront price does not necessarily mean lower overall costs.

High-quality DC charging stations typically:

• Are designed to last 10 to 15 years

• Use high-efficiency power modules (efficiency of 98% or higher)

• Feature strong heat resistance and stable casing and components

In contrast, low-cost products often:

• Have a lifespan of less than 5 years

• Use second-hand or less efficient power modules (efficiency between 80% and 92%)

This impacts not only how long the equipment lasts but also operating expenses:

• Differences in efficiency translate to varying energy consumption. A 10% difference in efficiency over many years can lead to electricity costs that far exceed the initial price gap.

• Shorter lifespans mean repeated replacements:
  Equipment may need to be replaced at least once within five years, causing cumulative costs that can match or surpass those of higher-quality products.

Therefore, buying cheap does not guarantee low operating costs.

II. Safety and Business Continuity (Risk)

Low prices often come at the cost of safety.

Safety is not an optional feature but a basic necessity. High-quality charging stations generally include:

• Certified and compliant contactors and circuit breakers

• Heat-resistant, flame-retardant charging cables with adequate wire gauge

• Comprehensive insulation, overvoltage, and overcurrent protections

• The ability to quickly disconnect power in case of faults

Common issues with low-cost stations include:

• Use of substandard or counterfeit components

• Poor electrical contacts causing severe overheating

• Absence of DC circuit breakers

• High failure rates

Safety risks lead not only to repair expenses but also:

• Fire hazards and associated liability

• Revenue losses due to downtime

• Damage to brand reputation

• Legal liabilities

For operators and commercial users, maintaining uptime is far more critical than saving on initial costs.

III. Technical Capabilities and Future Expansion (ROI)

Charging stations are not one-time installations but platforms that require ongoing upgrades.

As new energy vehicles, payment methods, and dispatch systems continue to evolve, charging stations must also continuously adapt.

High-quality charging stations offer the following advantages:
• Supports the OCPP protocol and can be upgraded remotely.
• Compatible with backend systems, facilitating the expansion of billing and dispatch functions.
• Provide a warranty lasting 2 to 3 years.
• Possess full CE, UL, and TUV certifications, along with engineering and export qualifications.

This means:
• Future upgrades and modifications will not require equipment replacement.
• Can adapt to a wider range of projects and policy requirements.
• Reduce operation and maintenance costs while improving utilization rates.
• Extend the overall return on investment (ROI) cycle.

Typical limitations of low-cost products include:
• Limited performance and basic functionality of the MCU control board
• Incomplete protocols prevent interfacing with the backend system.
• Difficult to upgrade or maintain.
• Short warranty period, ranging from six months to one year.

The money saved in the short term will be "paid back double" through future modifications or downtime.

Why are charging stations that are "slightly more expensive" a better choice?

In short:

Inexpensive charging stations reduce the initial purchase price, whereas more costly stations lower operating expenses, minimize maintenance risks, and decrease future upgrade costs.

Choosing low-cost equipment may seem like a way to save money; however, from a full life cycle perspective, true savings come from selecting a more reliable, efficient, and upgradeable charging station.

We recommend that customers focus on the following factors when choosing a DC fast charging station:
• Efficiency and module brand quality
• Heat dissipation design and lifespan considerations
• Safety components, such as cables and circuit breakers
• Support for the OCPP protocol and remote upgrades
• Certification qualifications and warranty period