The best UK rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks revealed

Zapmap has published its annual satisfaction rankings for electric vehicle (EV) rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks in the UK. 

Tesla scored highest in the ‘large’ network category, while Fastned was highest ranked in the ‘medium’ network category.

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and chief operating officer at Zapmap, said: “This year has seen another huge increase in charging provision across the country, particularly for the ultra-rapid (150kW-plus) chargers, and charging hubs; and it is fantastic to be able to highlight and celebrate the UK’s best EV charging networks, as chosen by EV drivers.”

The league table is generated from driver responses to Zapmap’s annual EV charging survey, conducted during October 2024, which generated responses from more than 3,700 battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers. 

For the first time, given the growing range of networks in the UK, Zapmap has grouped rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks into two categories, based on the size of the network. 

Networks have been grouped into either ‘medium’ (networks with between 100 and 300 charge points) or ‘large’ (networks with more than 300 charge points). 

Zapmap awards a ‘Best EV Charging Network’ accreditation to the top scorer in their category, with other top performers, who achieve at least a 3.5 star overall rating receiving an ‘EV Driver Recommended’ title. 

It also awards an ‘Up and Coming Network’ accreditation for smaller, emerging networks.

As part of the survey, respondents rated their overall satisfaction for the networks they use regularly, which is then used to rank each network out of a maximum of five stars. 

They also rated their level of satisfaction with the networks in five key areas: reliability, ease of use, customer support, value for money, and payment options.

In first place in the ‘Large rapid/ultra-rapid network’ category this year was Tesla. Previously excluded from the charging networks rankings table as it was a closed network exclusively for Tesla drivers, the network has been included this year after opening up many of its charge points for use by drivers of other, non-Tesla EVs. 

With 860-plus Tesla chargers in more than 80 charging hubs now available for wider EV use, the network scored well on reliability, cost, and ease of use. 

Drivers most appreciated the Tesla network’s value for money, which offers “significantly” lower prices than many rapid/ultra-rapid networks. 

MFG EV Power came second and Osprey Charging was ranked third in the category, and were both awarded the ‘EV Driver Recommended’ title for the 2024/25 rankings (awarded to networks with higher than 3.5 star overall ratings), alongside BeEV in fourth place.

Ian Johnston, CEO at Osprey Charging said: “Osprey has installed more new rapid charge points than any other network in both 2023 and 2024, whilst continuing to prioritise reliability and ease of use.

“This recognition as a Zapmap Recommended Network five years in a row is testament to the quality that customers experience across our ever-expanding network.”

The top-ranked network in the ‘Medium rapid/ultra-rapid network’ category this year was Fastned.

Fastned topped the leaderboard in last year’s rankings and has now grown to 26 locations across the UK with over 150 devices. 

The network scored very highly for reliability, ease of use and the payment options offered.

Tom Hurst, UK country director at Fastned, said: “EV drivers are at the cutting edge of the e-mobility transition. They know what makes an excellent charging network, so sharing their opinion via Zapmap’s survey really matters. 

“I’d like to thank everyone for voting us as one of the best ultra-rapid charging networks in the UK for the third year in a row. This lets us know we’re on the right track, and I can promise we'll continue to listen to drivers to make sure our network meets their needs today, tomorrow, and into the future.”

In second place in the medium category was Ionity, with drivers appreciating the network’s reliability. 

Ionity currently has 270 devices across 37 locations around the UK and was awarded the ‘EV Driver Recommended’ title in this year’s rankings.

Zapmap has also awarded an ‘Up-and-coming network’ winner, with this category covering those networks that do not meet the minimum inclusion criteria, but have made a mark on the charging landscape and have had positive feedback from EV drivers. 

The ‘Up-and-coming network’ this year is Sainsbury’s Smart Charge. 

Smart Charge was only launched in January 2024 but has made an impressive start to the roll out of its 150kW hubs at Sainsbury’s sites across the UK, said Zapmap. It has installed hubs at 62 stores to date.

Shufflebotham said: “A record 17 networks are on the rankings table, and it is clear that reliability in the broadest sense remains key with EV drivers showing appreciation for networks rolling out consistent, reliable charging hubs which provide convenience and charging confidence. 

“Whilst excellent payment options, customer support and ease of use are all highly valued, this year value for money, is an increasingly important consideration.

“Many congratulations to all the networks, particularly Tesla and Fastned topping the rankings in their respective categories, and we look forward to the continued growth of a reliable, cost-effective charging network to support the ever-growing number of EV drivers.” 

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