What do roaming and e-roaming mean for your charging site?

EV roaming lets a driver use an account or charging card across connected networks. In-scope paid public charging operators must connect to at least 1 third-party roaming service [S1]. That does not mean every card works or every payment route has the same price. Ask for the accepted services, settlement method and customer support responsibilities in writing. Checked October 2026.

Last checked 16 October 2026

How does roaming work for EV charging?

Roaming, also called e-roaming in charging discussions, connects the driver’s payment relationship with the organisation running your chargers. The driver uses an accepted account or card, starts a session and receives the charge through that service. DfT describes the arrangement as using an app or charging card across networks [S2].

For your site, start with a practical question: which drivers can arrive and successfully pay? Ask for a current acceptance list and an explanation of how it is maintained. Avoid publishing a sweeping statement about all cards when the contract covers only specified services.

Keep the roles clear in your handover. The charge point operator runs the charging service. An e-mobility service provider manages a driver’s charging account. Your business may only host the equipment, but staff still need a simple way to direct a visitor whose account is refused. Read the e-mobility service provider glossary before comparing proposals.

Which public chargers need payment roaming?

The Public Charge Point Regulations require in-scope operators to provide access through an external roaming payment service. Exclusively workplace and domestic chargers are excluded, and most requirements have a micro-business exemption [S1]. The size of your pub or hotel alone does not determine the size or status of the organisation operating the equipment.

Ask your operator to record the classification and any claimed exemption. A customer restriction does not automatically settle whether a charger is public. Check the applicable guidance and have your solicitor confirm uncertain arrangements before you change access rights [S2].

For a fully funded proposal, ask who maintains compliance throughout the hosting term. For part funded or self funded proposals, establish whether you become the operator or appoint another organisation. Put responsibility for configuration changes, reports and customer communication into the agreement. Use the public charging checklist alongside that review.

Why can charging apps and roaming cards show different prices?

Do not assume your host agreement fixes every driver’s retail tariff. Ask the operator to explain the direct price, the roaming settlement price and any separate amount charged to the driver. Public pricing rules address how the maximum charging price is displayed [S1]. Obtain a worked settlement example before comparing offers.

For an illustration, assume a session delivers 20 kWh. At an assumed direct price of 50p/kWh it costs £10; at an assumed roaming price of 60p/kWh it costs £12. The difference is 20 × £0.10 = £2. These prices are arithmetic assumptions, not market averages or evidence of an actual surcharge.

For your host income, ask which transaction amount the revenue share uses. Is it driver spending, operator receipts or receipts after deductions? Request the invoice fields and a reconciliation example, including refunds. Our tariff guide explains the separate pricing decision.

Do charging apps, roaming and charger software use the same connection?

Different connections solve different tasks. Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) connects a chargepoint with its management system [S4]. Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) supports communication between charging service parties [S3]. Neither label by itself proves that a particular driver’s account has been enabled commercially.

Use this suggested proposal checklist rather than treating protocol names as a complete answer:

Ask what happens when the software contract ends. Request an export format for session records, a process for moving the chargers and an explanation of which roaming connections need to be set up again. Review the OCPP and OCPI guide and switching software guide before agreeing exit terms.

What changes if your chargers are free or a payment attempt fails?

The payment roaming duty does not cover free public charging. If you switch to paid charging, review the requirements before collecting payment [S1]. Include that future change in the initial equipment discussion so the launch offer does not leave an unresolved operational task later.

For failed sessions, agree a triage process between your staff, the operator and the driver’s account service. Record the charger identifier, time, displayed error and whether the vehicle received energy. Give drivers the correct support route without asking reception to collect payment card information.

During acceptance, test the advertised route with permission and retain evidence of starting, stopping and the resulting receipt. Ask who handles a duplicate charge and who reconciles a refund against your host statement. Make these responsibilities visible to staff, especially when your building closes before charging access ends.

What should you do next?

Take your access policy, proposed payment routes and questions about settlement when you get matched with an installer that covers your area. Ask for acceptance evidence and written responsibility for future changes.

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