What does charging infrastructure really cost? Let’s look at the whole ownership.
For those of you who manage many properties and hundreds of parking spaces, it is the total cost of ownership that decides – not the price in the quote. Here is what actually drives the cost over time.
Most charging projects are evaluated on purchase price. That is understandable, but it is also misleading. A low-priced wallbox can quickly become expensive once you factor in service, support contracts, downtime, replacements and the grid upgrades that could have been avoided. All of that ends up in a line item that never appeared in the original calculation.
Amp5 was designed on a different premise: total cost of ownership over time. This shows in three areas that together make the biggest difference for a property manager running many charging points.
The operation looks after itself
Traditional wallboxes are standalone units. When one stops working, no one knows until someone complains – and then a service case kicks off, with a call-out, travel time and uncharged cars in the meantime.
Amp5 is a connected system with central control that continuously monitors the entire installation. If something deviates, the system can restart itself at processor level, often before the user notices anything. With redundant connectivity via both LAN and 4G, the system reaches at least 99.9% uptime. Fewer site visits, fewer support cases, lower operating costs.
The power goes further than you think
Many expansion projects are halted with the argument “we don’t have the capacity”. But the problem is rarely a shortage of power – it is that the power is not distributed intelligently. Amp5 uses dynamic load balancing, which monitors the property’s total power draw in real time and adjusts the charging output to minimise the risk of exceeding the main fuse. This means you can often install considerably more charging points within your existing capacity and postpone or avoid altogether a costly grid upgrade.
You own the system – not the other way around
A cost that rarely becomes visible until it is time to switch: lock-in. Many wallboxes communicate via the manufacturer’s own servers, which ties you to one supplier even after the agreement has become more expensive or worse. Amp5 uses pure OCPP and communicates directly with any charging service. You can change operator without changing hardware.
Built to grow
Amp5 is modular. New charging points are added without tearing out or replacing the existing installation – up to 54 outlets per SmartHub, and more when needed. The enclosure is made from recycled aluminium (Hydro Circal), with a five-year warranty and an estimated service life of at least 20 years. An installation done right today does not need to be redone in 2030.
The sum of it all: lower operating costs, deferred grid investments, a free supplier market and a service life that genuinely justifies the investment. That is what TCO looks like when you calculate on the whole ownership.
FAQ
What is TCO for charging infrastructure?
TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) is the total cost over time: purchase, installation, operation, service and future upgrades. It gives a more accurate picture than the purchase price alone, especially for large-scale installations.
Can we install more charging points without upgrading the grid?
Often, yes. With dynamic load balancing, Amp5 adjusts the charging output in real time according to the property’s total consumption, which means more charging points fit within the existing capacity.
What does a modular charging system mean for a property owner?
That the system can be expanded in stages. New charging points are added without tearing out or replacing the existing installation, which makes future expansion cheaper and more predictable.
How long does an Amp5 system last?
The estimated service life is at least 20 years, with a five-year product warranty. The enclosure is made from recycled aluminium (Hydro Circal) and withstands tough outdoor environments.