XCharge North America and Ascentium Capital Launch Innovative Leasing Program to Expand EV Charging Access and Profitability for Small Businesses
XCharge North America (“XCharge NA”), the North American subsidiary of XCHG Limited (NASDAQ: XCH) and a leading provider of high-power EV charging and battery-integrated solutions, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Ascentium Capital (“Ascentium”), a division of Regions Bank specializing in small-business equipment financing solutions. The two companies have partnered to launch a first-of-its-kind leasing initiative that is set to accelerate the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the United States.
The program is designed with a central mission: make EV charging more accessible and profitable for small-business owners by eliminating high upfront costs and offering new revenue opportunities.
Addressing the EV Infrastructure Challenge
The U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market continues to experience rapid growth, with millions of consumers expected to make the shift to electric mobility over the coming decade. However, the charging infrastructure needed to support these vehicles remains insufficient, especially in small towns, suburban centers, and community-based businesses.
Public DC fast chargers—which allow drivers to recharge in minutes rather than hours—are seen as critical for long-distance travel, fleet electrification, and consumer adoption. According to industry forecasts, the U.S. DC fast-charging segment is projected to grow at a 14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2040, reaching an estimated $3.3 billion in annual market value. Despite this growth trajectory, most small-business owners and property operators have been unable to participate meaningfully in this market due to high installation costs and complex ownership models.
This is the gap that XCharge NA and Ascentium aim to close.
A Leasing Model Inspired by the Automotive Industry
At the heart of the initiative is a unique financing structure modeled after leasing programs in the automotive sector, designed to provide flexibility and reduce risk for small-business operators.
Traditional EV charging business models—such as Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS)—typically involve third-party charge point operators (CPOs) retaining ownership of the equipment and sharing only a percentage of revenue with site hosts. While this reduces responsibility for the business owner, it also limits profit potential.
By contrast, the XCharge-Ascentium program gives lessees full ownership of the charging revenue. Small businesses, commercial real estate owners, and even franchise operators can now procure EV charging stations through affordable monthly payments rather than investing large amounts of capital upfront. This shift ensures that the financial upside of the growing EV charging market flows directly to the businesses providing the service.
Program Features and Benefits
The leasing program incorporates multiple features designed to simplify deployment, reduce barriers, and maximize profitability:
- Affordable Procurement
Small-business owners can lease EV chargers at a predictable monthly rate, avoiding the high upfront costs traditionally associated with EV infrastructure. - Reduced Capital Expenditure
XCharge NA’s chargers are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing electrical infrastructure, minimizing the need for expensive civil works, transformer upgrades, or major grid reinforcements. - Faster Deployment
Chargers such as the GridLink and C6 models offer faster setup compared to conventional units, enabling small businesses to begin serving EV drivers and generating revenue more quickly. - Relocatable Hardware
Unlike permanent installations, the leased chargers can be moved between sites, allowing flexibility for businesses that want to test new markets or reallocate assets as EV adoption patterns shift. - All-Inclusive Bundling
The financing packages combine hardware, maintenance, and warranty services into a single contract. This approach removes operational complexity and allows small-business owners to focus on customer service and growth rather than technical management.
Empowering Small Businesses as EV Adoption Accelerates
For many small businesses, especially those located near highways, retail centers, or busy neighborhoods, offering EV charging is no longer just an added convenience—it is becoming an essential driver of customer traffic and loyalty. EV drivers often spend time shopping, dining, or utilizing services while waiting for their vehicle to charge, creating measurable economic value for host businesses.
By partnering with Ascentium, XCharge NA has ensured that even businesses without large capital reserves can now join this transformation.
“At our core, XCharge NA has always been focused on making EV charging more accessible for businesses of all sizes—from high-traffic airports to small-business owners,” said Aatish Patel, co-founder and president of XCharge NA. “Our new financing model was designed to mitigate risk for individuals looking to get into EV charging without significant upfront CAPEX. We knew we needed an experienced financial provider to help bring our vision to life, and our collaboration with Ascentium gives us confidence that our new financing structure—the first of its kind in the industry—will unlock new revenue streams for small-business owners and continue to accelerate EV adoption nationwide.
Financial Expertise Meets Clean Technology
Ascentium Capital brings decades of experience in providing specialized financing to small and medium-sized businesses across the U.S. Its partnership with XCharge NA ensures that financing solutions are not only accessible but also flexible enough to adapt to the evolving EV market.
“This is a solution built not only for today, but also for the future as charging capabilities and EV adoption rates continue to evolve,” said Stephen Interlicchio, Senior Vice President of Strategic Services for Ascentium Capital. “This type of flexible capital option is exactly what the industry needs now, especially to empower small businesses and real estate owners that don’t have the ability to pay significant costs up front but are committed to participating in the EV transition.
Industry Context: Why Now?
The launch of this program comes at a pivotal moment for the EV sector:
- Federal and State Goals: The U.S. government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption, aiming for 50% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. While federal incentives exist, they are often complex and limited in scope, leaving many small-business owners unable to benefit directly.
- Grid Modernization: Battery-integrated solutions like those offered by XCharge NA not only support charging but also strengthen the grid by providing load-balancing and energy storage functions. This dual value proposition enhances resilience at both the local and national levels.
- Market Demand: As EV sales surge, consumers increasingly expect convenient charging options wherever they shop, dine, or travel. Businesses that adopt early can establish a competitive edge.
By addressing financing challenges head-on, XCharge NA and Ascentium are paving the way for broader participation in this emerging market.
The partnership between XCharge North America and Ascentium Capital represents more than a new financing option—it symbolizes a shift in how EV infrastructure can be democratized. Instead of being concentrated in the hands of large corporations and utilities, EV charging can now become a viable business venture for local entrepreneurs, retailers, and property managers.
As EV adoption accelerates, programs like this will play a critical role in creating the nationwide charging network needed to support the next generation of transportation.
With innovative technology, flexible financing, and a focus on empowering small businesses, XCharge NA and Ascentium are not only fueling the growth of EV charging but also ensuring that the economic opportunities of this transition are widely shared.
