Types of EV Roaming: Peer-to-Peer, Hub-Based, and Network Roaming Explained

As electric mobility gains traction, the ability to charge seamlessly across networks is becoming essential. Roaming is no longer a "nice-to-have" but a foundational feature in creating a user-friendly and scalable EV ecosystem. This article explores the three primary models of EV roaming: peer-to-peer, hub-based, and single-network roaming. We also unpack the importance of interoperability, the role of protocols like OCPI and OCPP, and what Charge Point Operators (CPOs) need to consider when preparing their infrastructure for tomorrow’s interconnected EV charging landscape.

📌 TL;DR

• EV roaming enables cross-network charging access for drivers

• Three main types: Peer-to-Peer, Hub-Based, and Single-Network

• OCPI supports roaming; OCPP supports charger communication

• Interoperability increases utilization, revenue, and driver satisfaction

• CPOs should adopt open protocols to future-proof operations

Borderless roaming EV charging network

What Is EV Roaming?

For most EV drivers, the promise of freedom lies in being able to drive and charge without friction. But in reality, many charging networks still operate like closed gardens, if the driver is not part of a particular app or platform, access can be limited or require multiple logins, RFID cards, and payment methods.

Roaming is the digital bridge that solves this. It allows a driver who subscribes to one charging service provider (often called an e-Mobility Service Provider or EMSP) to charge at stations operated by different CPOs. For CPOs, enabling roaming improves the visibility and usage of their chargers while unlocking potential collaborations with fleets and aggregators.

Peer-to-Peer Roaming: Direct Agreements Between CPOs and EMSPs

In a peer-to-peer roaming setup, CPOs and EMSPs establish bilateral agreements. These are tailored contracts that allow mutual access and settle on pricing, data sharing, and transaction protocols directly between the two parties.

🔑 Key Features:

• Full control over pricing and terms

• No third-party intermediary

• Requires technical alignment between both parties

✅ Pros:

• Tailored agreements

• Direct relationship with partners

🚫 Cons:

• Not scalable beyond a few partners

• High admin and integration effort

The main advantage here is control. Each party can define the terms and curate the partnerships. This model often makes sense when the market is still maturing or when certain operators want to maintain exclusivity with partners. However, the approach can quickly become complex as the number of partners grows. Managing multiple agreements, ensuring consistent data formats, and reconciling financial transactions becomes burdensome without automation.

Peer-to-peer roaming can work well when supported by robust APIs and protocols like the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI), which simplifies the exchange of charging session data and authorisation requests between different platforms.

Hub-Based Roaming: The Clearinghouse Model

Hub-based roaming introduces a central platform, often referred to as a roaming hub or clearinghouse, that acts as the middle layer connecting multiple CPOs and EMPs. Think of it as the "payment network" for EV charging, akin to how Visa or Mastercard operate across banks.

When a CPO integrates with a hub, it immediately gains access to a wide network of partners already connected to that hub. This model significantly reduces the overhead of managing separate agreements. Data exchange, authorisation, billing, and even contract management can be handled by the hub operator.

🔑 Key Features:

• One integration gives access to many partners

• Standardized contracts and protocols

• Typically uses the OCPI protocol

✅ Pros:

• Highly scalable

• Easier integration for new roaming partners

• Centralized billing and reporting

🚫 Cons:

• Less control over individual pricing agreements

• May involve service or access fees

For growing markets, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, the hub-based model offers scalability without requiring CPOs to individually pursue every potential partner. It also supports smart charging functionalities, real-time availability status sharing, and pricing transparency across platforms.

However, participation often comes with fees, and hub policies may limit customisation of commercial terms. Still, for many CPOs, the reach and automation benefits often outweigh these constraints.

Single-Network Roaming: The Proprietary Ecosystem

In this model, roaming is enabled only within a single branded network that may span a wide geographic area. For example, a company like Tesla enables seamless charging within its Supercharger network using a closed-loop system controlled end-to-end. Users benefit from ultra-simplified access, but the trade-off is being locked into one system.

🔑 Key Features:

• Unified experience under one brand

• No third-party integration required

• May offer RFID or app-based access

✅ Pros:

• Complete brand control

• Simpler billing and operations

🚫 Cons:

• Limited convenience for drivers who travel

• Less exposure to new users or revenue streams

Some regional players attempt to build single-brand roaming by acquiring or partnering with local CPOs under a unified interface. This can work well in smaller markets or when targeting a niche (e.g., fleet-only charging). But it lacks the openness and interoperability needed to serve the broader public or collaborate with other energy ecosystems.

CPOs opting for this route must consider long-term scalability and how their customers may demand access beyond the proprietary walls.

Protocols That Power Roaming: OCPI and OCPP

Interoperability is what makes roaming work. And that’s where protocols come in. The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) enables communication between a charging station and a backend system. It ensures that different hardware vendors and software systems can "talk" to each other. OCPP allows for remote monitoring, firmware updates, and session control, all vital for operations.

Meanwhile, the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is the protocol that facilitates data exchange between CPOs and EMPs or hubs. It handles location data, real-time availability, pricing, session authorisation, and billing reconciliation. For a CPO aiming to join a roaming ecosystem, supporting OCPI is non-negotiable. It ensures the system remains open, secure, and efficient. CPOs must ensure that both their hardware and their backend management platforms are compatible with these protocols. This allows for future-proofing, third-party integration, and entry into more mature roaming partnerships down the line.

What This Means for CPOs Today

Whether you're a new CPO deploying your first few stations or an established player expanding your network, preparing for roaming is a strategic investment. Roaming-ready platforms improve charger usage by making them accessible to more drivers, reduce customer churn by improving convenience, and open doors to B2B partnerships with fleet managers, logistics operators, and even residential developments.

Eigen Digital is committed to supporting this transformation. While our platform currently focuses on charge point visibility, monitoring, and operational efficiency, our architecture is future-ready with integration capabilities that align with OCPI and other roaming protocols. We aim to help CPOs not just manage chargers, but grow their charging business intelligently and interoperably.

Roaming is the future of EV charging and the future is already arriving. As a charge point operator, it’s time to think beyond your own network. Embracing interoperability will not only make your stations more accessible but will also future-proof your investments as regulations and consumer expectations evolve. To learn how Eigen Digital can support your journey toward roaming-readiness and scalable network management, 📨 get in touch with us. Let’s build the infrastructure that makes EV adoption seamless for everyone, everywhere.