EV Roaming Protocols: OCPI, OICP, OCHP, eMIP

What is EV Roaming?

EV Roaming refers to the ability of electric vehicle owners to charge their vehicles at charging stations operated by different charging network providers. It allows EV owners to access charging infrastructure beyond their home network, promoting convenience and flexibility. EV Roaming ensures that drivers can charge their vehicles at various locations without the need for multiple subscriptions or access cards.

Benefits of EV roaming

EV roaming has the potential to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and improve the charging experience for EV drivers, while also providing benefits for charging network operators and the environment.

Increased Access to Charging Infrastructure

EV roaming allows EV drivers to access charging infrastructure beyond their home network, increasing the range of travel and reducing range anxiety.

Interoperability

EV roaming enables interoperability between charging networks, allowing EV drivers to use different charging stations without the need for multiple membership accounts or payment methods.

Convenience

EV roaming simplifies the charging process by providing a seamless experience for EV drivers, eliminating the need to search for charging stations or carry multiple access cards or payment methods.

Cost Savings

EV roaming can reduce the cost of charging for EV drivers by enabling access to more affordable charging stations and eliminating the need for multiple memberships or payment methods.

Increased Revenue

EV roaming can increase revenue for charging network operators by enabling access to more customers and reducing the barriers to entry for new operators.

Environmental Benefits

EV roaming promotes the adoption of electric vehicles, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Models for EV Roaming

There are primarily two models for EV Roaming:

Hub and Spoke Model

In this model, a central hub acts as an intermediary between different charging network operators. The hub facilitates communication, data exchange, and billing processes between the involved parties, allowing seamless roaming for EV owners. The hub is responsible for handling the authentication and billing processes, ensuring that EV owners are charged for the energy consumed.

Peer-to-Peer Model

This model emphasizes direct communication between charging network operators. It enables bilateral agreements between operators, eliminating the need for a central hub. Peer-to-peer roaming simplifies the process and reduces costs associated with intermediaries. In this model, charging network operators establish direct communication channels to exchange information related to pricing, availability, and charging session data.

EV Roaming Protocols

Several protocols have been developed to facilitate interoperability and standardized communication between different charging networks. Let’s explore some prominent EV Roaming Protocols:

Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI)
OCPI is an open protocol that focuses on enabling communication between charging network operators. It allows for real-time data exchange, such as availability, pricing, and charging session information. OCPI supports both Hub and Spoke and Peer-to-Peer models.

Open InterCharge Protocol (OICP)
OICP is another widely adopted protocol that supports roaming between various charging networks. It standardizes communication for charging station management, pricing, and authentication. OICP is designed to support both Hub and Spoke and Peer-to-Peer models.

Open Clearing House Protocol (OCHP)
OCHP facilitates cross-network communication and roaming services. It enables charging network operators to exchange information related to authentication, billing, and charging infrastructure details. OCHP is designed to support Hub and Spoke models.

eMobility Inter-operation Protocol (eMIP)
eMIP is designed to enable interoperability between different eMobility service providers. It ensures seamless roaming by providing standardized interfaces for data exchange, billing, and authentication. eMIP supports both Hub and Spoke and Peer-to-Peer models.

The Differences Between Various EV Roaming Protocols

While all EV Roaming Protocols aim to facilitate interoperability and standardized communication between charging networks, there are notable differences between them. Let’s explore the unique features and characteristics of each protocol:

Conclusion:

EV Roaming is a critical aspect of the electric vehicle industry that promotes convenience and flexibility for EV owners. Different models and protocols enable seamless communication and data exchange between different charging networks, ensuring that EV owners can charge their vehicles at various locations without any hassle or inconvenience. As the electric vehicle industry continues to grow, it is essential to adopt standardized protocols that promote interoperability and ensure seamless roaming experiences for EV owners.