As an EV driver, you probably already know that each EV charging network offers a custom app that can help you find a charging station, check charger availability, or start and pay for your charging session. You probably use the ChargePoint app to charge your car at ChargePoint chargers and the Electrify America app to charge at Electrify America chargers. That means you're also probably familiar with the experience of popping up on a charger and downloading an app to charge or sifting through multiple apps to find the right one.
We want to let you in on a little secret: You may not know that many EV charging networks have special agreements, called roaming agreementsto each other to give drivers more freedom and flexibility. When completed and working, these roaming protocols allow you to use a single network application to communicate with a network charger.
Many consumers have already benefited from this ability in other industries, such as withdrawing money from an ATM regardless of where your bank is located or calling any mobile network.
What does this mean for EV drivers? Connect, pay, and start charging – using your preferred app. The idea behind these navigation protocols is to give drivers the convenience and flexibility to use any app that suits their preferences.
Currently, several leading charging networks have started to set up these agreements to increase the freedom and choice of the driver. The image below shows some of the agreements in effect in North America:
Left: ChargePoint and Shell Recharge deals, FLO, BC Hydro, EVgo, EVConnect, Electric Circuit || Right: FLO's agreements (which you can see on the FLO app) with BC Hydro, ChargePoint, Electric Circuit, Shell Recharge, eCharge Network
We are currently seeing the growth of this capability across markets, and our vision for the future is to see navigation agreements covering the entire EV market. Currently, the countries of the European Union provide an example of navigation on a scale. In France, the law from 2017 authority that any public charger should be accessible through direct payment or a roaming agreement at the discretion of the EV driver. The Netherlands was introduced navigation capacity in 2011, which has been increasing across the EU. In North America, California already requires charging companies to have navigation capabilities, and the California Energy Commission recently did. to test a way to promote increased mobility among industry players. It's safe to say that mobility opportunities will continue to increase across the US as more drivers go electric and the infrastructure continues to grow.
For that next road trip or a quick charge while grocery shopping, remember that you have access to more chargers than you might think and you can use your favorite charging app on several different networks.