The impact of electric vehicle roaming on the EV charging experience

Electric vehicles (EVs) are driving the transition to sustainable transportation. In this era of innovation, one concept stands out for its potential to transform how EV drivers charge on the go: electric vehicle roaming.

An electric vehicle roaming simplifies the charging process, acting as a key to smoother experiences. Switching between different apps and accounts can be a hassle. But with EV roaming, charging your EV is like using your phone with a roaming plan while travelling—convenient and hassle-free. Today, we're diving into the details of EV roaming and its potential to reshape the future of EV charging.

What exactly is electric vehicle roaming?

Imagine if charging your EV could be as simple as using your phone, where you seamlessly switch between networks without even thinking about it. That's the heart of what EV roaming is about. It's a smart solution connecting different charging networks, making life easier for EV drivers. Here's how it works in a nutshell:

• Single account access: Like having one key that opens multiple doors, EV roaming allows you to access numerous charging stations across different networks with just one account or app. This means fewer headaches and more convenience.
• Widespread compatibility: It ensures your EV can "talk" to various charging stations, broadening your charging options whether close to home or adventuring far and wide.

EV roaming is paving the way toward a more user-friendly EV charging infrastructure, where the focus shifts to simplicity and accessibility. It's an exciting development that promises to make electric vehicle ownership more appealing by taking the guesswork out of charging on the go.

Why EV roaming is important.

• Unified convenience: Navigating various apps and accounts might feel like trying to solve a puzzle. EV roaming brings the solution home by offering a single platform to access a wide range of charging networks, simplifying the charging process.
• Time efficiency: Having a consolidated source for all charging station information drastically reduces the time spent locating and using these facilities. This efficiency is particularly crucial for drivers on the go, who can now find charging stations swiftly and without fuss.
• Boosting EV adoption: One of the significant hurdles in EV adoption is range anxiety and the complexity of charging infrastructure. EV roaming directly addresses these concerns by lowering barriers to charging, essentially making EVs more approachable and convenient for a broader audience. According to our partners at ChargeLab, the growth in charging infrastructure and streamlined charging processes through EV roaming can significantly reduce the friction new adopters face, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
• Alleviating range anxiety: According to an S&P Global survey, 44% of potential EV drivers are concerned about charging station availability, and EV roaming provides much-needed reassurance. It not only enhances the density of accessible charging options through shared networks but also instills confidence in users that they can easily find and use charging stations without multiple apps.
• Fostering network collaboration: Adopting standards like the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) facilitates seamless interoperability between different charging networks. This opens the door for a more extensive, interconnected network of charging stations and supports automated transactions across networks, making EV charging more accessible and hassle-free for drivers.