Statiq's Sneaky Service Fee on Own EV Chargers Draws Ire: Is ₹13.26 Justified in a Self-Service World?

Statiq's new ₹13.26 service fee on self-operated EV chargers ignites debate: Why charge extra when customers self-handle everything? Exclusive insights from ExpWithEVs highlight the growing frustration in India's EV charging ecosystem.

In a move that's ruffling feathers across India's burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) community, charge point operator (CPO) Statiq has quietly rolled out a "service fee" on its own branded charging stations—adding an extra ₹13.26 per session to already burdened EV owners. The revelation, first highlighted by popular EV enthusiast and content creator ExpWithEVs (expwithevs.in), exposes a potential shift in how CPOs monetize infrastructure, raising questions about transparency and fairness in the EV ecosystem.

The fee appeared in a recent charging session at Statiq's Sheraton New Delhi station, where Priyans (founder ExpWithEVs) an MG ZS EV owner was charged ₹318.12 for energy, plus the ₹13.26 service fee (total base ₹331.38), with 18% IGST applied on the entire amount, bringing the final bill to ₹391. While Statiq positions this as a nominal operational charge, critics argue it's an unnecessary layer of profiteering, especially since customers already foot the bill for electricity, site rent and maintenance through per-unit rates.

The Post That Sparked the EV Charging Fee Controversy

Credit goes to ExpWithEVs (@ExpWithEVs on X), whose December 9 post dissected the billing screenshot with razor-sharp commentary: "This is how the CPO aggregators will start making money. @StatiqIndia has, very slyly, introduced a service fee. I get why they would want to do it on roaming chargers, but on their own chargers too?" The post quickly ignited a thread of frustration.

ExpWithEVs, known for their in-depth EV road trips, data-driven insights, and community-focused content on expwithevs.in, has once again proven invaluable in holding the industry accountable. Their work empowers EV adopters to navigate the charging maze more astutely.

Why a Service Fee on Own Chargers Feels Like a Raw Deal: A Compelling Case Against It

At first glance, ₹13.26 might seem trivial—less than the cost of a roadside chai. But zoom out, and it paints a troubling picture for EV owners already grappling with range and charging station anxiety, inconsistent infrastructure, and premium pricing for green mobility. Here's why imposing a service fee on a CPO's proprietary chargers is not just unideal but potentially counterproductive to India's EV ambitions:

1. Upfront Pricing Already Covers the Basics: Statiq's per-kWh rates (typically ₹15-20 in urban hubs like Delhi) are designed to encompass electricity procurement, site rental, equipment depreciation, and network maintenance. These are passed directly to consumers via app-based billing. Adding a "service fee" feels like double-dipping—much like a restaurant slapping on a "table service charge" after you've already paid for the meal. Where does the line blur between operational recovery and opportunistic upselling?
2. Zero Hands-On Service Provided: Unlike fuel stations with attendants who pump gas, deter non-customers, or troubleshoot issues, EV charging is a solitary affair. Owners must:
   - Scout for available spots amid ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles hogging bays.
   -Plug in the gun themselves.
   -Top up their app wallet, scan QR codes, and initiate sessions without guidance.
   -Monitor progress via apps, often contending with payment glitches or slow speeds.
   No valet to shield your spot from encroaching SUVs. No staff to unplug and clear the bay post-charge, freeing it for the next user. In fact, a 2025 FICCI-EY report notes that 68% of Indian EV owners report "ICE blocking" as a top pain point—yet CPOs like Statiq rarely deploy attendants. Charging a fee for non-existent service erodes trust and stifles adoption.
3. Roaming vs. Owned: A Slippery Slope: ExpWithEVs rightly distinguishes: Fees on third-party "roaming" chargers (via apps like PlugShare) make sense to cover interoperability commissions. But on home turf? It's akin to Uber charging drivers a "ride facilitation fee" on their own app. This could set a precedent, inviting rivals like Jio-bp Pulse or Tata Power or ChargeZone to follow suit, fragmenting the network and driving users toward home charging or subsidized fleets.

In essence, this fee doesn't enhance service—it extracts value without delivering it, risking a backlash that could slow EV momentum.

EV owners, share your billing stories—has any CPO dinged you with hidden fees?