Understanding Roaming with Ania
Planning an EV road trip across Europe? Heading for a family visit in another city? Or simply want the freedom to charge wherever you go? That's where roaming comes in – and it's easier than you might think. In this video series, Ania, Product Manager at Spirii, shares her expertise and answers some of the most common questions about EV roaming.
- EV roaming lets drivers charge across different charging networks using one app, charge card, RFID key, or account
- Behind the scenes, EV roaming connects Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and eMobility Service Providers (EMSPs) through shared standards that exchange charger locations, prices, authorisation, and charging session data.
- EV roaming reduces charging friction for drivers by removing the need for multiple apps, accounts, RFID cards, or charge keys when travelling across cities, countries, or charging networks.
- Spirii Go gives EV drivers access to more than 1,000,000 charge points across Europe, with upfront pricing, multiple payment method, overview of charging sessions, and 24/7 support.
- For smoother EV road trips, drivers should check prices before charging, understand charging speeds, save favourite stations, and use Spirii Go to find charge points along their route.
What is EV roaming?
Charging your EV should be simple: arrive at a charger, plug in, start charging, pay seamlessly and carry on your journey without worrying about who owns or operates the charger or which network it’s part of. That is what EV roaming enables.
EV roaming allows you to charge across different charging networks using a single app or charge key. Instead of signing up with several charging providers, carrying multiple charge keys, or downloading a new app every time you need to charge, roaming gives you broader access through one preferred provider.
In practice, it makes EV charging feel familiar - like using your mobile phone abroad. Most people use mobile phone roaming without giving roaming a second thought : you go abroad, your phone connects to a local network, and it works as usual - even though your provider doesn’t own that network.
EV roaming works in a similar way. You don’t need to know who owns each charger - only that your app or charge key gives you access.
How does EV roaming work behind the scenes?
You do not need to know every technical detail. But the basic process is useful to understand.
There are usually two main parties involved in roaming:
- Charge Point Operator, or CPO: The company that owns and/or operates the charging infrastructure.
- eMobility Service Provider, or EMSP: The company that provides the charging or roaming service, often through an app, charge key, or account.
When you start a charging session, your eMSP handles all communication and payment with the CPO. The systems check whether you are authorised to charge, the charger starts the session, and the charging data is shared between the two parties.
This works because different systems follow the same shared standards that let them exchange information - such as charger location, availability, prices, driver authorisation, and charging session details.
The result should feel simple: plug in, start charging, pay easily, and continue your journey.
Why does EV roaming matter?
Without roaming, EV charging can quickly become more complicated than it needs to be. You need multiple accounts and apps, carry several charge keys, check different charging networks and locations, compare prices across separate platforms, and worry about access before you even arrive.
EV roaming helps remove that friction.
When your eMSP and/or charging app supports roaming, you can access charge points from multiple charge point operators through a single service. That means greater convenience and flexibility wherever your journey takes you.
Before choosing an eMSP and/or charging app provider, it is worth checking:
- How many public charge points can I access?
- Can I charge across different networks and countries using the same app or charge key?
- Can I see pricing and charging costs clearly before starting a session?
- Is customer support available if something does not go to plan?
How Spirii Go makes roaming easy
One app, +1,000,000 charge points
With Spirii Go, you can access more than 1,000,000 public charge points across Europe. Whether you're navigating city streets, cruising along highways, or exploring the countryside, you're covered.
No surprises, just transparency
See charging prices before you plug in. No unexpected costs - just clear, upfront pricing so you can charge with confidence wherever you go.
One payment method, one overview
Keep track of every charging session in one place, regardless of network or location. Choose the payment method that works best for you with multiple in-app options, and enjoy a seamless charging experience without juggling accounts, cards, or receipts.
24/7 support
Whether you have a question or run into an issue while charging, our support team is available 24/7 to help. Wherever you are, you're never on your own.
Tips for your EV roaming trips
The best thing about roaming is that it requires almost no extra planning. Here are a few tips to make your journey even smoother:
Don't stress about range
With over a million of charge points available, you're never far from a charger. Open Spirii Go and find accessible charge points along your route.
Check the price in the app before you charge
Prices can vary by operator and location, and roaming prices may differ from a network’s own member rates. Always check the price shown in the app before you start a session.
Know your charging speed
Different charge points offer different charging speeds. If you're stopping for a quick coffee break, look for fast chargers. Taking a longer lunch? A standard or fast charger works perfectly.
Save your favourites
Found a great charging spot with a nice café nearby? Save it in the app for next time.
The bottom line for EV drivers
EV roaming is about more than convenience - it's about confidence. Confidence to travel further, explore new places, and drive across borders knowing you can easily find and access charging when you need it.
With Spirii Go, charging becomes simpler, so you can focus on the journey ahead.
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