Tesla's Lead Remains Unchallenged in U.S. Public Electric Vehicle Charging Rankings
In the latest J.D. Power EVX Public Charging Study, Tesla's Supercharger network has once again emerged as the highest-rated network for EV charging, despite a 22-point drop from last year to 709 out of 1,000 points [1][2][3][4][5]. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Tesla has taken the top spot since 2021.
The study highlights a growing pain point for both Level 2 and DC fast charging users: satisfaction with charging costs. Non-Tesla drivers using the Supercharger network report lower satisfaction, primarily due to higher charging costs and less streamlined payment processes [1][2]. Tesla's system, optimised for its own customers, results in a more seamless experience for Tesla owners.
One of the key factors contributing to the satisfaction decline is the higher prices for non-Tesla EV owners. They pay more per kilowatt-hour and encounter less user-friendly payment methods compared to Tesla owners [1][2]. Additionally, non-Tesla drivers express frustration with the processing and payments, which are not as streamlined as for Tesla owners [2].
Despite these challenges, Tesla's reliability remains strong with the lowest failure rates, and Tesla owners continue to enjoy a technically optimised charging experience [1][2][3]. Other manufacturer-operated networks like Rivian’s Adventure Network and Ford Charge have matched Tesla’s satisfaction scores but lack the scale to be ranked officially [1][4]. Public networks serving all EVs typically score lower due to greater challenges in reliability, speed, and pricing [3][4].
In the Level 2 charging category, Tesla's Destination Charging network outperformed the segment average of 607, scoring 661 [6]. ChargePoint followed with 619 points, Electrify America with 601 points, and EVgo with 579 points [6]. Blink trailed the pack with 501 points in the rankings [6].
The study also emphasises that speed isn't everything, with reliability, ease of use, and affordability being key as EV adoption grows. Only 14% of EV drivers reported an unsuccessful charging visit, the lowest rate since tracking started [7]. The 2025 edition of the survey shows that America's EV charging network is becoming more reliable overall [8].
Interestingly, Rivian's Adventure Network, Ford Charge, and Mercedes-Benz Charging Network matched Tesla's satisfaction score, but were excluded from the rankings due to their smaller footprint [1][4].
Tesla also received recognition for the quality of its EV mobile app and the EV home charging experience in the J.D. Power study [9].
In conclusion, while Tesla's Supercharger network is losing satisfaction points primarily because non-Tesla drivers are now using the network, Tesla still leads in customer satisfaction. The 2025 J.D. Power EVX Public Charging Study underscores the importance of reliability, ease of use, and affordability as EV adoption continues to grow.
[1] https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-jd-power-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study [2] https://www.tesla.com/support/charging [3] https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-jd-power-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-finds-ev-charging-network-reliability-improving-but-pricing-and-payment-frustrations-persist [4] https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1135458_rivian-ford-and-mercedes-ev-charging-networks-match-teslas-satisfaction-score-jd-power-says [5] https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-jd-power-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-finds-ev-charging-network-reliability-improving-but-pricing-and-payment-frustrations-persist [6] https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1135458_rivian-ford-and-mercedes-ev-charging-networks-match-teslas-satisfaction-score-jd-power-says [7] https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-jd-power-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-finds-ev-charging-network-reliability-improving-but-pricing-and-payment-frustrations-persist [8] https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-jd-power-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-finds-ev-charging-network-reliability-improving-but-pricing-and-payment-frustrations-persist [9] https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-jd-power-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-finds-ev-charging-network-reliability-improving-but-pricing-and-payment-frustrations-persist
- The breakdown in charging cost satisfaction among non-Tesla drivers highlights a need for improvement in the technology, possibly leading to more affordable electric vehicles (EVs) from other manufacturers.
- As electric-vehicle (EV) adoption grows, it's crucial for lifestyle adopters to consider not only the speed of charging but also the overall reliability, ease of use, and affordability offered by different charging networks like Tesla, Rivian's Adventure Network, Ford Charge, and others.
