What is a Roaming Hub?
A Roaming Hub in the EV charging ecosystem acts as an intermediary platform fostering interoperability between multiple charging networks and providers. This is enabled through EV roaming protocols, namely the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI), the Open InterCharge Protocol (OICP), the Open Clearing House Protocol (OCHP), the eMobility Inter-operation Protocol (eMIP), and custom API.
Why is a Roaming Hub needed in the EV charging ecosystem?
In the EV charging ecosystem, roaming hubs fulfill a critical role by enabling seamless interoperability between Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and Electro-Mobility Service Providers (eMSPs). These hubs address the challenge posed by the limited geographic and market reach of individual CPOs, which often operate within specific regions or use cases. In contrast, EV drivers expect a unified charging experience, allowing them to charge their vehicles across different networks without juggling multiple apps or subscriptions.
Key Functions of Roaming Hubs
- Interoperability: Roaming hubs act as intermediaries, facilitating communication and data exchange between CPOs and eMSPs. This capability ensures that EV drivers using one service provider can access chargers operated using a single app.
- Cross-Border Charging: Particularly in Europe, where numerous local CPOs operate within a small geographic area, roaming hubs enable these operators and service providers to “speak” across borders. This interconnected network supports a consistent and reliable charging experience.
- Uniform Customer Experience: By connecting various networks, roaming hubs allow drivers to rely on a single eMSP or CPO for charging needs, enhancing convenience and user satisfaction.
- Enabling Roaming Agreements – Acts as a neutral intermediary to broker agreements between CPOs and eMSPs, reducing the complexity of direct P2P(partner-to-partner) connections.
- Streamlining Billing and Settlements – Facilitates the exchange of payment and billing information between CPOs and eMSPs through their respective CPMS platforms, ensuring accurate and transparent transactions.
- Supporting Market Insights and Analytics – Collecting and analysis of reliable, comprehensive, and relevant data in the EV charging sector. Leveraging an established EV charging database for tailored reports and analytics designed to support companies in making informed choices aligned with their growth objectives.
Benefits to Stakeholders
Roaming hubs not only improve the user experience but also deliver tangible advantages to industry stakeholders:
- Expanded Customer Base: Roaming hubs connect multiple CPOs to a broad array of eMSPs, enabling CPOs to tap into the larger user base of their partners. This expanded reach allows for greater market penetration.
- Increased Charge Point Utilization: Chargers become accessible to a wider pool of EV drivers, reducing downtime and boosting the utilization of infrastructure. This increased usage translates into higher operational efficiency for CPOs.
- Enhanced Customer Loyalty: Drivers benefit from a seamless experience, eliminating the need to switch operators or apps when traveling outside their primary network. This builds trust and loyalty among users for both CPOs and eMSPs.
- New Revenue Opportunities: Roaming hubs unlock additional revenue streams by facilitating partnerships between networks. They pave the way for mutually beneficial financial models involving CPOs, eMSPs, and the roaming hubs themselves.
Alternatives for EV roaming hubs
CPOs and eMSPs can establish a direct peer-to-peer roaming connection through the OCPI protocol.
Related Terms for Roaming Hub
1. OCPI
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