What does Roaming Card mean?

Explanation

A roaming card is a physical RFID card issued by an eMSP that works at chargers operated by many different networks. Instead of carrying a separate card for every charging network, you carry one roaming card and use it almost everywhere. The card communicates your account details to the charger, which routes the transaction through a roaming platform like Hubject or GIREVE.

Popular roaming cards in Europe include Chargemap Pass, Plugsurfing, Shell Recharge, and EnBW mobility+. Each has different network coverage, pricing structures, and roaming markups. Some charge a monthly fee. Others are free with per-session pricing.

The trade-off with roaming cards is convenience versus cost. Using one card everywhere is simple, but you often pay more per kWh than you would with a direct account at each network. Many experienced EV drivers carry one or two roaming cards for broad coverage plus direct accounts with the networks they use most frequently.

For technical specifications, see EVRoaming Foundation.

Where you'll see this

• On the charger screen
• In charging network apps
• On your charging receipt

Common confusion

People sometimes think one roaming card covers every charger in Europe. Coverage is extensive but not universal. Always have a backup payment method (app or contactless payment) for networks your roaming card does not cover.

Example

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