What is an EV charging site host?

A site host provides the location for chargers run by another organisation. An owner-operator also runs the charging service. Your agreement should distinguish those roles and allocate control of prices, access and maintenance. The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 define the operator role; owning land alone does not settle who performs it [S1], [S2]. Checked October 2026.

Last checked 19 October 2026

What does being a site host mean?

A site host is the landowner or business providing a location for chargers operated by another organisation. An owner-operator combines equipment ownership with running the charging service. DfT guidance distinguishes ownership from responsibility for operating equipment [S1].

Why it matters for your site: providing bays does not tell you who can change prices, close the chargers or authorise repairs. Request a responsibility schedule before agreeing the land arrangements.

The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 place operating duties on the charge point operator, including where it acts on behalf of an owner [S2]. Have your solicitor check which role your business will actually perform. Use the operator definition for the other side of this relationship.

What should your host agreement put under your control?

Ask the project team to record these proposed contract checks:

• Which bays you provide, access hours and how ordinary parking is affected.
• Who pays for electricity, connection work, insurance and site damage.
• Who controls tariffs and customer discounts.
• Who arranges repairs and tells your staff about closures.
• What happens on redevelopment, early exit and equipment removal.

Do not assume every item remains under your control. Mark each as your decision, the operator’s decision or a joint approval, and ask your solicitor to review the result. Read host revenue-share agreements for income definitions and host contract negotiations for the wider checklist.

Does hosting always mean fully funded charging?

Keep the role and the funding proposal separate. Request written ownership and operating terms for fully funded, part funded or self funded proposals. DfT recognises that equipment ownership and operation can sit with different parties [S1]. Compare the actual proposal with your site income goal rather than treating the word host as an income forecast. Explore driver prices in the charging cost tool.

Next step

Bring your proposed bays and access conditions to get matched with an installer that covers your area.

Piggy Pineapple Ltd operates this referral service. We refer enquiries to installer partners and may be paid a fee. Our owner holds shares in at least one partner. Before sharing your details, we name the proposed partner and disclose any shareholding in it.