What is peer-to-peer (P2P) EV roaming?
Peer-to-peer (P2P) EV roaming is a direct connection between a Charge Point Operator (CPO) and an e-Mobility Service Provider (eMSP) that allows drivers to access charging stations across networks without using a roaming hub. It is also called bilateral or direct roaming.
The two parties establish their own roaming agreement and exchange charging information directly, typically using the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) protocol.
How does peer-to-peer EV roaming work?
In a P2P roaming arrangement, the CPO and eMSP connect their platforms directly to exchange the information needed for EV charging sessions.
The process has four steps:
- Establishing a connection: The CPO and eMSP agree on commercial terms and connect their platforms using a roaming protocol such as OCPI.
- Sharing charging information: The CPO provides information about charging station locations, availability and tariffs.
- Authorizing charging sessions: The eMSP shares its drivers’ charging identifiers, such as RFID cards or app accounts, with the CPO. Depending on the setup, the CPO’s platform authorizes the charge from that list, checks with the eMSP in real time, or the eMSP starts the session remotely from its app.
- Exchanging session data: After charging, the CPO sends a charge detail record (CDR) for each session, which the parties use for billing and settlement.
During setup, the two platforms exchange credentials and agree on an OCPI version they both support. Because the version is agreed per connection, one partner can stay on OCPI 2.2.1 while another moves to 2.3.0, the current version, released in February 2025.
Peer-to-peer roaming vs. roaming hubs
CPOs and eMSPs can connect their charging networks in two ways: directly through P2P roaming, or through a roaming hub, an intermediary that links many partners through one connection.
| Aspect | Peer-to-peer roaming | Roaming hub |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Direct connection between CPO and eMSP | Connection through an intermediary |
| Agreements | Separate agreement with each partner | Partner agreements often still signed one by one, through the hub’s platform |
| Control | Greater control over partner relationships | Simplified access to multiple partners |
| Maintenance | Individual connections to maintain | One connection to the hub |
| Fees | No intermediary hub fees | Hub fees may apply |
What are the benefits of peer-to-peer EV roaming?
For CPOs and eMSPs, the main advantages are:
- Greater control: Partners negotiate their own tariffs, commercial terms and operating arrangements.
- Direct data exchange: Locations, tariffs, driver identifiers and CDRs move straight between the two platforms, so each side deals with one counterparty.
- Selective partnerships: Operators choose which partners get a direct connection.
- No hub fees: Direct connections avoid intermediary hub fees, although integration and maintenance costs still apply.
The trade-off is scale. Each additional partner requires its own agreement and technical connection, so the integration and maintenance work grows with every partner added. Some operators keep direct P2P connections for a few partners and reach the rest through a roaming hub.
How AMPECO supports peer-to-peer EV roaming
AMPECO’s EV charging management platform supports direct P2P OCPI connections with preferred networks as well as integrations with the roaming hubs Hubject and Gireve.
The supported hubs and connection options are described on AMPECO’s EV roaming page.
Related terms
- EV Roaming
- Roaming Hub
- OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface)
- Charge Point Operator (CPO)
- e-Mobility Service Provider (eMSP)
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a roaming hub for EV roaming?
No. CPOs and eMSPs can connect directly through P2P roaming, typically using OCPI. A roaming hub is an alternative that lets an operator reach many partners through one connection instead of building and maintaining a separate integration with each.
Is P2P roaming the same as OCPI?
No. P2P roaming is a way of connecting charging platforms, while OCPI is a communication protocol used to exchange information between them. OCPI supports both direct P2P connections and hub-based roaming; hub routing was added in version 2.2.
How are payments handled in P2P EV roaming?
The CPO and eMSP manage their financial relationship directly. Charge detail records are exchanged through the roaming connection, while invoicing, payment terms and settlement follow their bilateral agreement. Typically the CPO invoices the eMSP for its drivers’ sessions, and the eMSP bills its own drivers.
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