A Common Problem for EV Drivers
You’re on the road in your electric vehicle (EV). You stop to charge at a public charging station, only to find that your charging app isn’t accepted. Why? Because the charging station belongs to a different charging network.
This is a very familiar problem for many EV drivers today. Most EV drivers have experienced situations where they wear different hats for different networks—with different apps or cards, which can result in problems along the way that make the entire experience stressful and time-consuming.
However, the solution for this is EV Roaming, which allows EV drivers to charge at any public charging station—without needing to sign up for every charging network.
What Is EV Roaming?
EV Roaming enables electric vehicle drivers to use any public charging station, even if it is run by another company/charging network.
EV roaming is comparable to mobile phone roaming. When you visit a different city or another country, your mobile phone continues to work since your mobile provider has agreements with the local telecom providers. Similarly, EV Roaming allows your EV charging card/app to work across different networks.
Without EV Roaming:
- You may need several apps or RFID cards
- You may not be able to charge your EV at certain stations
- You may pay hidden or higher fees
- You may spend more time searching for available chargers
With EV Roaming:
- You can charge your EV at more stations
- You only need one app or card
- Billing is simple and clear
- Charging is faster, easier, and less stressful
EV Roaming makes owning and using an EV more convenient—especially for those who drive long distances or travel often.
The Subject Behind EV Roaming: Communication Between Networks
The main idea behind EV Roaming is the relationships between different systems. Each EV charging network has its own software system, and those systems need to communicate with one another for EV roaming to be able to operate.
This is where OCPI comes into play.
What Is OCPI?
OCPI stands for Open Charge Point Interface. Its a common language that lets different EV charging networks connect and share data. With OCPI, chargers from one network can work seamlessly with another. This means EV drivers get more charging options without switching apps or accounts.
You can think about OCPI like a language. Without OCPI, there is no way for two charging systems from different companies to understand each other. It enables system interoperability between 2 or more networks allowing the two systems to exchange information.
This seamless sharing of information makes EV Roaming possible.
Why OCPI 2.2.1 Is Important
OCPI has different versions. The latest and most advanced version is OCPI 2.2.1. It is designed to handle the growing needs of the EV industry and offers several new and improved features.
Here is a table that shows the key features of OCPI 2.2.1 and what they mean for EV users:
Feature | What It Means |
Smart Charging | Adjusts charging based on electricity use and network demand |
Real-Time Station Info | Shows which charging stations are available or in use |
Remote Start/Stop | Lets users start or stop charging from their app |
Secure Payment | Keeps billing and personal information safe |
Plug and Charge | Enables charging without cards or apps—just plug in and charge |
Session Logs | Gives clear records of where and how much you charged |
Better Error Messages | Helps drivers know exactly why a charging session failed |
OCPI 2.2.1 is becoming the standard for modern EV charging networks around the world.
How EV Roaming Works with OCPI 2.2.1
Let’s look at how EV Roaming works when OCPI 2.2.1 is used:
- You arrive at a charging station and plug in your EV.
- You start the charging using your app or RFID.
- OCPI connects the charging station to your charging service provider’s network.
- It checks whether you have permission to charge.
- Charging begins, and your usage data is sent back securely.
- Your provider sends you a bill for the charging session.
This entire process happens quickly, often in just a few seconds. You don’t have to download new apps or register with new networks.
Who Benefits from EV Roaming?
EV Drivers
- Can travel freely without worrying about charging
- Need only one app or card to access many chargers
- Get clear pricing and billing
Charging Station Operators
- Attract more users to their stations
- Increase revenue by allowing roaming customers
- Provide better service with fewer user issues
Environment
- Easier charging encourages more people to switch to EVs
- More EVs on the road means less air pollution
- Supports global clean energy goals
Countries Supporting EV Roaming
Several countries have already started using EV Roaming and OCPI. Here are some examples:
- Netherlands: More than 90% of public charging stations have implemented EV roaming.
- Germany: Charging networks are well connected using Roaming.
- France and the UK: Government policies are actively pushing for open networks.
- India: While it is still developing, the EV ecosystem is maturing very fast. The government agencies are now beginning to allow for open standards such as OCPI to promote wider EV adoption.
The aim is the same everywhere—to make EV charging simple, open, and universal.
A Real-World Example
Imagine you live in Delhi, and you plan to drive your EV to Jaipur. Along the way, you will see charging stations from three different companies. You’ve never interacted with their apps or web pages before.
Thanks to EV Roaming, you simply use your standard app or card with the charging stations. Your app or card works with all three networks. You plug in, charge, and you get the bill from your own provider.
This is the function of OCPI. It is working in the background to effortlessly and easily make your experience great.
The Road Ahead
The number of public charging stations will increase in correlation to the number of EVs on the road. However, even as new equipment comes online, if there isn’t any EV roaming, that equipment won’t be usable by everyone easily.
OCPI ensures connectivity and usability grow along with the expanded EV infrastructure. It allows different networks to combine in facilitating charging without an additional end-user requirement.
Charging your car should be as easy as charging your phone. EV Roaming and OCPI will help facilitate that.
To Wrap Up
EV Roaming enables electric vehicle drivers to charge on different networks, using only one app or one card, without the need to maintain multiple accounts. The meaning behind convenience is intercommunication between different charging systems, facilitated by OCPI, which is a communication protocol that allows other networks to interoperate securely and effectively. The most mature version of OCPI is 2.2.1, which allows for enhanced features including real-time updates, smart charging, and secure payments. The benefits of EV roaming for the driver are clear, as it allows for better access to charging locations; for the station operator, it allows for more usage, and for the environment, it expands on wider EV adoption. It is exciting that countries and companies are beginning to adopt OCPI for its potential to streamline and enhance the EV charging experience.
