Roaming lets a driver who belongs to one charging network start and pay for sessions on another operator’s chargers. For a site running dual-connector AC stations like the EV-AC03201T, roaming is handled by the back-office platform, not the charger itself: the charger talks to its platform using OCPP 1.6J, and the platform connects to other networks or a roaming hub using a separate inter-network protocol. Choosing a platform that supports roaming is the key decision.
Key Takeaways
- Roaming happens between platforms, not inside the charger.
- OCPP connects the station; other protocols connect networks.
- Roaming widens access and can raise utilization.
- Offer ad hoc payment for drivers without accounts.
How Roaming Works, Layer by Layer
| Layer | What it does | Protocol example |
|---|---|---|
| Charger to back office | Start/stop sessions, meter values, status | OCPP 1.6J |
| Back office to other networks | Share locations, tariffs, authorize foreign users, settle sessions | OCPI or a roaming hub’s protocol |
| Driver app or card | Identifies the driver and their home network | App account, RFID card |
| Settlement | Networks bill each other for roaming sessions | Agreements between operators |
Why Offer Roaming
- More drivers can use your chargers without downloading a new app.
- Your locations appear in more apps and maps.
- Utilization often rises, which improves the return on hardware.
- Some public funding programmes and regulations expect open access. In the United States, NEVI-funded chargers must accept contactless card payment and must not require a membership.
Read whether you can use any charging station and whether stations take credit cards for the driver’s view.
What the Site Operator Needs
- A platform that supports roaming connections and publishes accurate location and tariff data.
- RFID support on the station so roaming cards can be read.
- Reliable connectivity at the site.
- Clear pricing for roaming users, displayed in apps and at the station.
- Agreements covering fees and settlement with the roaming partners.
Ad Hoc Payment as a Complement
Roaming covers drivers with network accounts. Ad hoc payment, such as a card reader or a web payment page, covers drivers who have no account at all. Many operators offer both. Together, roaming and ad hoc payment mean almost any driver who pulls into the bay can charge, which is the outcome that matters for utilization and for the site’s reputation in driver reviews and charging maps. Our article on how to use a public charger shows what drivers expect.
The EV-AC03201T is a floor-standing dual-connector AC station with two Type 2 connectors, up to 43 kW shared (22 kW per connector), a 7-inch touchscreen, RFID, OCPP 1.6J and IP54 protection. Because it uses open OCPP, it can connect to platforms that offer roaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the charger itself handle roaming?
No. The charger talks to its back office via OCPP; the back office handles roaming with other networks.
Do I need roaming for a small site?
Not always, but it widens your user base and helps utilization. Ad hoc payment is another option.
Who sets the price for roaming users?
The site operator sets tariffs, and roaming agreements determine how fees are shared between networks.
Related Reading
- Can You Use Any EV Charging Station?
- Do EV Charging Stations Take Credit Cards?
- How to Use a Public EV Charger (and How to Stop It)
- OCPP Explained: What Charge Point Operators Need From EV Charger Hardware
