What does eRoaming mean?

Explanation

eRoaming allows you to charge at stations operated by different networks using a single account, card, or app. Without eRoaming, you would need a separate app and account for every charging network you visit, which was the frustrating reality of early EV charging.

The concept works like mobile phone roaming. Your home network (your charging app or card provider) has agreements with other networks through a roaming platform. When you plug in at a partner network's charger, the roaming platform handles authentication and billing, and you see the charge on your regular account.

There is a catch: roaming prices are often higher than direct prices. If you charge on Network A using your Network B card via roaming, you might pay a markup of 10-30% compared to what Network A's own customers pay. For occasional use, the convenience is worth it. For chargers you visit regularly, it may be cheaper to sign up directly with that network.

For detailed documentation, see EVRoaming Foundation.

Where you'll see this

• In charging network apps
• On your charging receipt

Common confusion

People often do not realize that roaming prices can be significantly higher than direct network prices. The convenience of one card everywhere comes at a cost. Checking direct pricing for your most-used networks can save real money.

Example

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