EV roaming stands out as a game-changing feature, enabling users to tap into charging networks well beyond what any single provider can offer. This eliminates barriers by enabling customers to charge seamlessly on multiple networks, boosting asset utilization and enhancing business partnerships. Here, we focus on how the main roaming models impact commercial operations and strategy.

📌 TL;DR

• Enhanced Utilization: Roaming agreements open chargers to more users, raising utilization rates and customer satisfaction while reducing idle charging assets
• Three Distinct Models: Peer-to-peer roaming gives control and flexibility; hub-based roaming provides scale and speed; network roaming supports branded, closed ecosystems
• Strategic Alignment: Business model, customer access requirements, and collaboration goals determine which roaming type fits best for your commercial operations
• Revenue Optimization: Smart roaming deployment increases occupancy, extends retail dwell time, attracts quality tenants, and enables flexible B2B partnerships
• Future-Proofing: Roaming capabilities position charging infrastructure as strategic business tools rather than simple utilities

The Foundation of Charging Interoperability

EV roaming fundamentally transforms how electric vehicle drivers access charging infrastructure by creating seamless connectivity between different charging networks and service providers. Similar to mobile phone roaming, EV roaming enables drivers to use their preferred charging app, RFID card, or payment method across multiple charging networks without needing separate accounts or payment arrangements with each provider.

The technical foundation relies on standardized communication protocols such as Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI), which facilitates real-time data exchange between charging point operators (CPOs) and e-mobility service providers (EMSPs). This includes location data, pricing information, availability status, and transaction processing capabilities. Understanding these technical underpinnings helps commercial operators make informed decisions about compatibility, integration complexity, and long-term scalability.

There are 3 types of EV roaming models:

Peer-to-Peer:

Peer-to-peer roaming allows providers to tailor partnerships for strategic access, ideal for established operations with trusted local partners or premium offerings. This model requires active relationship-building and commercial negotiation. It’s best suited for sites seeking exclusive collaborations or wanting to create custom pricing and marketing arrangements.

Implementation Advantages:

• Direct commercial relationships enable negotiated pricing structures and revenue sharing arrangements
• Customizable service level agreements (SLAs) for uptime, maintenance, and customer support
• Selective partner networks that align with brand positioning and target customer demographics
• Enhanced data sharing capabilities for customer behavior analytics and demand forecasting
• Flexibility to terminate or modify partnerships based on performance metrics and strategic priorities

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Hub-Based:

Hub-based roaming is the preferred choice for operators aiming for rapid growth, broad customer access, and minimal technical maintenance. By connecting once to a central platform, commercial sites immediately expand their network’s user pool without needing multiple individual contracts or IT projects. This is especially valuable for malls, business parks, and utilities seeking to attract fleets, tenants, and transient public charging customers.

Scalability Benefits:

• Single integration point reduces technical complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements
• Automatic access to expanding partner networks without additional integration work
• Standardized pricing and billing processes simplify financial management and reporting
• Centralized customer support and dispute resolution mechanisms
• Rapid market entry capabilities for new geographical regions or customer segments

Market Access Advantages: Hub-based roaming platforms typically aggregate hundreds or thousands of charging networks, providing immediate access to diverse customer bases including fleet operators, ride-sharing services, and individual EV owners.

This is especially valuable for malls, business parks, airports, and utilities seeking to attract various customer types including commercial fleets, tenant vehicles, and transient public charging customers.

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Single Network:

Single-network roaming is about consistency and control. Commercial operators may select this model to lock in a branded experience, loyalty program, or specific identity for their sites. While this maximizes control and brand alignment, it inherently limits broader customer reach and may not scale as regulatory requirements and driver habits evolve.

Integration Advantages:

• Consistent user interface and customer experience across all charging sessions
• Integration with existing loyalty programs and customer relationship management systems
• Complete control over pricing strategies, promotional campaigns, and customer communications
• Aligned brand messaging and visual identity throughout the charging experience
• Enhanced customer data ownership and analytics capabilities

Strategic Use Cases: Network roaming works best for organizations with strong existing customer bases, such as retail chains, hotel groups, or automotive manufacturers seeking to provide exclusive charging benefits to their customers. Corporate campuses and fleet operators may also prefer this model to maintain complete control over access policies and cost management.

Long-term Considerations: As EV adoption accelerates and regulatory requirements increasingly mandate interoperability, single-network strategies may face sustainability challenges. Organizations choosing this approach should plan for eventual integration with broader roaming networks while maintaining their preferred level of brand control and customer experience consistency.

Strategic Benefits for Energy Providers and Commercial Sites

Choosing a roaming approach isn’t only about technical setup, it’s about aligning charger access with business goals. Smart deployment of roaming supports higher occupancy, greater retail dwell time, attractive tenant amenities, and more flexible B2B partnerships, turning charging infrastructure from a simple utility into a strategic business tool. Properties offering roaming-enabled charging become more attractive to EV-driving tenants, customers, and employees. This competitive advantage becomes increasingly valuable as EV adoption rates accelerate and charging availability influences location selection decisions for both residential and commercial properties.

For a deeper technical dive, see Eigen Digital’s detailed guide to EV Roaming here: Types of EV Roaming: Peer-to-Peer, Hub-Based, and Network Roaming Explained