Roaming expands a CPO's reach, increases charger utilisation, and opens new revenue streams. But choosing the wrong roaming platform or partner can mean lost revenue, operational headaches, and limited growth. This article explains how to evaluate roaming hubs and partners, what to look for in technical and commercial terms, and how to make a decision that supports scalability.

TL;DR - key takeaways on how to choose a roaming platform

• Roaming platforms connect CPOs to eMSPs and other networks so drivers can charge across different operators.

• Major hubs like Hubject, Gireve, and platforms like Virta offer different strengths in reach, regions, and services.

• The right partner should match your business goals, geographic priorities, technical capabilities, and back office needs.

• Evaluate partners on network reach, technical reliability, clearing and settlement, pricing, support, and contractual terms.

• Use a structured checklist to compare platforms before committing, and pilot where possible.

EV roaming lets drivers use chargers from different networks with one account, app, or card. For CPOs, it means access to a wider pool of drivers, better utilisation, and the ability to offer a more attractive network to fleets and large customers. It also makes your chargers visible in major eMSP apps and navigation tools, which can significantly increase session volume.

Roaming is not just a technical feature; it is a commercial strategy. The right partner can help you scale faster, enter new markets, and reduce operational burden. The wrong one can lock you into poor terms, limit your reach, or create unpredictable revenue.

Major roaming hubs and how they differ

Several roaming hubs dominate the market, each with different strengths.

Hubject (Hubject GmbH, associated with EnBW and European networks)

• One of the largest European roaming hubs with strong CPO and eMSP coverage.
• Well established connections to major European networks and eMSP apps.
• Often chosen by CPOs focused on Europe and cross border travel.
• Provides message routing, clearing, and settlement services.

Gireve (France based hub, strong in Europe and parts of APAC)

• Broad European footprint with connections to many eMSPs and CPOs.
• Known for strong data services, such as availability and location information for navigation partners.
• Offers clearing and settlement, as well as support for OCPI and other protocols.
• Frequently used by CPOs seeking both roaming and data visibility.

Virta (Managed roaming platform)

• Acts as a managed roaming layer on top of hubs like Hubject and Gireve.
• CPOs sign one contract with Virta and gain access to multiple hubs and eMSPs.
• Handles technical integration, partner management, and dispute resolution.
• Transparent fee structure, no setup fees, and monthly payouts for roaming activity.
• Suitable for CPOs who want to outsource operational complexity and focus on hardware and site operations.

Other platforms and regional hubs also exist, and some CPOs combine direct OCPI connections with one or more hubs. The best choice depends on your target markets, how much operational control you want, and whether you prefer a single managed partner or multiple direct connections.

What CPOs should look for in a roaming partner

When evaluating a roaming platform or partner, look beyond brand names and focus on what actually drives value for your business.

1. Network reach and coverage

The primary value of a roaming hub is access. Ask how many eMSPs and CPOs are connected, where they operate, and whether they cover your priority markets. A hub with strong European coverage may be less useful if you plan to expand in Asia or the Middle East. Check whether the hub is growing and whether it aligns with your expansion plans.

2. Technical reliability and support

Downtime means lost sessions and frustrated drivers. Evaluate uptime SLAs, monitoring capabilities, and incident response. Check which OCPI versions they support and how they handle upgrades. Reliable 24/7 technical support matters, especially if you operate across time zones.

3. Clearing and settlement services

Some hubs only route messages; others provide full financial clearing, invoicing, and settlement. If they handle clearing, you save significant back office effort and reduce disputes. Understand how often settlements occur, how discrepancies are handled, and what reporting you receive.

4. Transparent pricing model

Roaming fees can quickly erode margins if they are unclear. Understand whether the partner charges per transaction, monthly subscriptions, setup fees, or revenue share. Ask about hidden costs such as token management, charge data record (CDR) handling, or premium support. A transparent pricing model makes it easier to forecast revenue and profitability.

5. Service quality and track record

Evaluate the partner's track record on service quality, customer support, and network uptime. Talk to existing CPO customers about their experience with onboarding, issue resolution, and payment reliability. A partner that is responsive and easy to work with can save your team significant time.

6. Contractual terms and flexibility

Review contract length, termination clauses, exclusivity, and data ownership. Some partners may try to lock you into long terms or restrict your ability to work with other hubs. Look for flexibility to add or remove sites, adjust volumes, or change partners as your business evolves.

Checklist for evaluating platform features and business terms

Use this checklist when comparing roaming platforms or partners.

How to structure your decision process

Start by clarifying your goals. Are you trying to expand quickly across Europe, test roaming in one region, or outsource operational complexity? Then shortlist two or three partners that match those goals. Request demos, talk to existing clients, and ask for references in similar markets.

Where possible, pilot with a small subset of your network. Test a few sites with one or two partners before committing your entire portfolio. This helps you validate technical performance, settlement accuracy, and operational fit without taking on too much risk.

Finally, treat roaming as a strategic partnership, not just a vendor contract. The right platform can become a growth engine for your network. The wrong one can hold you back for years. Take the time to choose carefully.

FAQ - how to choose a roaming platform for CPOs

Q: What is the difference between a roaming hub and a managed roaming platform?

A roaming hub (e.g., Hubject, Gireve) provides the infrastructure for connecting CPOs and eMSPs. A managed roaming platform (e.g., Virta) sits on top of hubs and handles contracts, integration, and operations for you.

Q: Which roaming hub is best for CPOs in Europe?

Hubject and Gireve are both strong in Europe. Hubject has deep connections to major European networks, while Gireve offers strong data services and eMSP visibility. The best choice depends on your specific markets and strategy.

Q: Do I need to choose only one roaming partner?

No. Many CPOs use multiple hubs or combine direct OCPI connections with one or more hubs to maximise reach and flexibility.

Q: What is the typical pricing model for roaming platforms?

Models vary. Some charge per transaction, others use subscriptions or revenue share. Some managed platforms have no setup fees and charge a transparent fee per roaming session.

Q: How long does it take to onboard a roaming partner?

Onboarding can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on technical readiness, partner complexity, and the hub's processes.

If you want to turn roaming into a growth channel instead of an operational burden, Eigen Digital can help you design a more scalable charging experience. See how Eigen Digital can support your growth

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