Imagine driving your electric vehicle (EV) across India, from Pune to Delhi and realizing that every time you stop to charge, you need to download a different app, set up a new account, and struggle with payment compatibility.
That’s the reality many EV owners in India face today.

While India’s EV charging infrastructure has grown rapidly in the last few years, interoperability remains one of the biggest roadblocks to seamless EV adoption. The rise of multiple operators, differing payment systems, and non-standardized hardware has made charging more fragmented than convenient.

To build a truly connected EV ecosystem, India needs a shift towards EV roaming a framework that allows drivers to charge anywhere, on any network, with a single app or account.

This blog explores what EV roaming and interoperability mean, why they matter, and how manufacturers like Rudved EV can drive this change.

 

1. The Current State of EV Charging in India

India currently has over 20,000 public charging stations (as of 2025), a fivefold increase since FY22. Yet, the charging experience varies dramatically from one city or operator to another.

Each operator whether it’s Tata Power, ChargeZone, Statiq, or others has:

• Its own app and account setup
• Different payment systems (wallets, UPI, cards)
• Distinct pricing models (per kWh, per minute, or hybrid)
• Non-uniform data-sharing protocols

As a result, drivers often struggle to find available chargers, manage multiple logins, or even start a charging session without technical hiccups.

This fragmented approach discourages adoption and limits the ease of long-distance EV travel, which is critical for India’s electrification goals.

 

2. What Is EV Roaming and Why It Matters

EV roaming allows an EV driver to use any compatible charging station, regardless of the network or service provider, through a single platform or account.

Think of it like mobile network roaming, where your phone connects seamlessly across carriers without needing multiple SIM cards.

In the EV world, roaming ensures:

• Single login and unified billing across different networks
• Real-time data sharing on charger availability and pricing
• Simplified payments through one integrated platform
• Increased charger utilization for operators

This is made possible through interoperability standards, where hardware, software, and communication protocols work seamlessly together.

 

3. Interoperability: The Backbone of EV Roaming

Interoperability ensures that EVs, chargers, and networks can “talk” to each other. It includes three key layers:

a. Hardware Interoperability

Standardization of connectors and charging protocols ensures that different vehicles can use different charging stations.
For example:

• Bharat AC001/DC001, CCS2, and CHAdeMO standards are now being widely adopted in India.

b. Software Interoperability

Through open communication protocols like OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) and OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface), chargers can exchange real-time information on:

• Status (available, in use, offline)
• Pricing
• Session details
• Payment authorizations

c. Payment & Data Interoperability

A unified EV roaming network enables cross-network payments and transparent billing through a common digital layer, similar to UPI for banks.

With these systems in place, drivers can access multiple charging operators via one app, one account, one payment gateway.

 

4. Challenges in Achieving EV Interoperability in India

While the concept sounds simple, implementation is complex. Here’s why:

1. Proprietary Systems

Many charging operators use closed, proprietary software, making it difficult to integrate with others.

2. Lack of Unified Standards

Despite Bharat and CCS standards, connector types, data protocols, and communication APIs still vary widely.

3. Fragmented Payment Ecosystem

No centralized mechanism yet exists for inter-operator payments or settlement systems.

4. Data Sharing Concerns

Operators are hesitant to share usage and location data due to competition and privacy concerns.

5. Policy Gaps

While the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Ministry of Power (MoP) have initiated discussions, formal interoperability regulations are still evolving.

 

5. Global Lessons: How Other Countries Solved It

Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway have implemented EV roaming networks successfully.

They use Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) and hub-based models where all operators connect to a common platform (like Hubject in Europe).
This allows users to find, access, and pay across networks with ease.

The result?

• Higher charger utilization rates (up to 70%)
• Increased user confidence
• Accelerated EV adoption

India can take cues from these models to build a national EV roaming platform connecting all charging operators.

 

6. Opportunities for Manufacturers Like Rudved EV

For hardware manufacturers, interoperability is not just a compliance requirement, it’s a competitive advantage.

Rudved EV, as a leading Indian manufacturer, can play a pivotal role by:

a. Building OCPP-Compliant Chargers

Designing OCPP 1.6 or 2.0.1-compliant chargers ensures compatibility with any back-end management software or network.

b. Enabling Open APIs

Supporting open data and API integration allows easy communication between Rudved chargers and third-party platforms.

c. Supporting Payment Interoperability

Integrating UPI, RFID, and mobile wallet payments helps users charge and pay seamlessly.

d. Partnering with CPOs and Roaming Networks

Collaborating with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and Mobility Service Providers (MSPs) will allow Rudved EV’s hardware to be part of larger interconnected ecosystems.

e. Future-Ready Design

Preparing for upcoming standards like IS 17017 (Indian EVSE standard) and OCPI-based roaming ensures Rudved EV’s products remain relevant and scalable.

By embracing open standards and future-ready designs, Rudved EV can position itself as a trusted enabler of nationwide charging connectivity.

 

7. Benefits of a Unified Roaming System

A fully interoperable EV ecosystem brings benefits across stakeholders:

For EV Owners:

• One app for all charging networks
• Transparent, consistent pricing
• Access to the nearest available charger in real time

For Operators:

• Better charger utilization
• Easier customer onboarding
• Reduced transaction complexity

For Manufacturers:

• Wider market compatibility
• Simplified installation processes
• Enhanced brand trust through open compliance

For India’s EV Ecosystem:

• Faster infrastructure expansion
• Smoother long-distance EV travel
• Improved user experience and adoption rates

 

8. Policy Push & Future Outlook

The Indian government is already taking steps toward EV roaming and interoperability:

• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has proposed a National Online Platform to integrate public charging data.
• The FAME-II Scheme encourages use of Bharat-compliant chargers with standard connectors and protocols.
• The MoP’s 2024 draft guidelines recommend open communication standards (OCPP, OCPI) for all public chargers.

As India’s EV market crosses 10 million vehicles by 2030, seamless charging across networks will become essential.

 

The Road to Seamless EV Charging

EV roaming in India is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for scaling sustainable mobility. Interoperability across networks will ensure that EV drivers can charge anywhere, anytime, effortlessly.

Manufacturers, operators, and policymakers must now collaborate to establish open, standardized, and connected infrastructure.

With its OCPP-compliant technology and commitment to open innovation, Rudved EV is poised to power this transformation helping India move toward a truly unified EV charging experience.