How EV Roaming Creates the Freedom to Charge Anywhere

For many people, driving a car symbolizes independence – the freedom to go from one place to another. This sense of freedom also extends to the electric vehicle (EV) industry as well.

EV drivers want the confidence to travel long distances, knowing they can conveniently find and use charging stations wherever they are. To seamlessly charge an EV at different stations, however, drivers need access to a reliable and widespread charging infrastructure. This is where EV roaming plays a crucial role in the transition to electric mobility. Drivers are no longer confined to a single network or managing multiple membership accounts. Instead, drivers are free to use chargers from different providers using only one payment method, eliminating the need to carry multiple charging cards during a trip.

What Is EV Roaming?

EV roaming allows drivers to locate and charge their vehicles at various charging stations regardless of the EV charging network operating it. EV roaming also simplifies the charging process by using a single method of authentication or payment, eliminating the need for multiple RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards, memberships, and payment apps. Just as mobile phone roaming allows users to stay connected across different networks while traveling, EV roaming allows drivers to access charging stations without the hassle of finding a specific network or provider.

Four Main Communication Standards

For networked EV chargers such as Blink’s commercial Level 2 and DCFC, there are four standardized protocols which enable communications between chargers and networks:

• ISO 15118- A standard protocol for communication between electric vehicles and charging stations, facilitating vehicle-to-grid and plug-and-charge technologies.

• Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)- A standard protocol for communication between charging stations and charging network software.

• Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI)- A standard protocol for communication between charging networks.

• Open Automated Demand Response (OpenADR)- A standard for communication between electricity providers and electrical devices, such as EV chargers, to enable demand response.
  

Importantly, these standards are “open,” which means that they are not proprietary to a single manufacturer or network provider. ISO 15118 is the newest of the four, and automotive manufacturers are beginning to incorporate this standard into their new models.

“Enabling energy independence for all through global transportation electrification requires harmonizing the EV industry, which is the common goal that drives us forward.” - Brendan Jones, CEO of Blink Charging

How Does EV Roaming with OCPI Work?

EV roaming networks consist of interconnected charging stations accessible to EV owners through a single account. For example, a driver might sign up for a membership with a participating network, like Network A. Once a member, they can use their Network A account to charge at a station from Network B and pay using their Network A account.

What Are the Benefits of EV Roaming and Interoperability?

By enabling seamless charging across diverse networks, EV roaming offers several key benefits that enhance EV adoption and driver confidence.

Streamlines the Charging Process

EV roaming promotes interoperability, allowing drivers to easily access and pay at different charging stations. As a result, drivers are no longer confined to a single network or managing multiple membership accounts. Instead, drivers are free to use chargers from different providers using only one payment method, eliminating the need to carry a pocket full of charging cards during a trip.

Roaming Supports EV Adoption & Sustainability

As roaming becomes more widespread, EV charging becomes a benefit rather than a barrier for drivers. This supports the transition to electric vehicles, contributing to a more sustainable future with lower carbon emissions.

Interoperability Supports Grid Reliability

Interoperability is crucial to publicly funded programs such as NEVI and utility-led grid optimization. For example, all National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) installations must include OCPP and ISO 15118 capability. With standards like OpenADR and ISO 15118, utility providers and grid operators can create smart grids and demand response programs, managing power usage efficiently and even using EVs as bidirectional energy storage during peak energy events. Interoperability supports EV drivers and helps local governments, utilities, and communities utilize a more reliable electrical grid.

How Blink Supports EV Roaming

If EV roaming is a software capability that benefits EV drivers, how is roaming enabled at EV chargers?

Blink acts as both a Charge Point Operator (CPO) and an e-Mobility Service Provider (EMSP), providing charging station equipment, network services, and customer relationships. However, because each CPO must sign roaming agreements with every EMSP they wish to collaborate with, EV roaming is not yet universal in the United States. These agreements specify the information and features shared between CPOs and EMSPs. In a bilateral roaming agreement, for example, Blink drivers using the Blink mobile app can find and start charging at another CPO’s stations without switching apps or creating a new membership. Likewise, drivers using a third-party EMSP’s app can find and charge at Blink stations without switching to the Blink app or creating a Blink membership.

As part of our commitment to EV drivers, Blink’s software and engineering teams continue to build solutions that make EV charging easier. By fostering competition through bilateral roaming agreements, we strive to create the best EV charging applications, stations, and experience.

Conclusion

By expanding the charging network and providing a seamless charging experience, EV roaming is giving drivers the independence they need to travel and charge their vehicles effortlessly. With the interoperable Blink Network, our roaming technology enables a comprehensive, nationwide charging infrastructure that is both reliable and convenient, allowing EV drivers the freedom to drive and charge with confidence.