Ask any seasoned electric car owner and they will tell you that the public charging network is a reliability lottery.
While some operators provide fault-free devices that are always dependable, others have chargers that typically aren’t functioning, refusing payment or not providing the charging speeds advertised.
Fortunately, those who have experienced the best and worst of Britain’s EV charging infrastructure can have their say on which networks are best and worst.
Every year, leading charge point mapping and data service Zapmap announces the results of its annual satisfaction rankings for rapid and ultra-rapid charging public networks in the UK. And this year a supermarket charging network is leading the way, along with a very famous ultra-rapid charging network.
Rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks are split into two categories, based on the size of the network, with both categories swelling each year as the network expands rapidly and adds more devices.
The league results are then based on thousands of responses to Zapmap’s annual EV charging survey, which is now in its eighth year.
Conducted between September and October 2025, 3,976 EV drivers gave their thoughts, feeling and findings on which chargers powered them up and which let them down.
And we can now reveal the results…
The Tesla Supercharger network is the best ‘large’ rapid/ultra-rapid charging provider in the UK, Zapmap’s annual survey of EV drivers has confirmed for the second year in a row
Best large networks (500 rapid/ultra-rapid devices)
Due to the expansion of the charging network, large networks are now defined by having 500 or more rapid or ultra-rapid devices, up from 300 last year.
And the winner this year is no stranger to the top step of the podium because it was also there last year.
Receiving the highest score of a large network, Tesla Superchargers have been crowned the best large network.
The Elon Musk owned charging network was awarded a star rating of 4.8 out of five, up from 4.7 last year when it clinched the title.
Tesla was only included in the ranking last year after its decision to open up many of its charge points for use by non-Tesla drivers, and its proved to be as much of a hit with EV owners this year as last.
Tesla continues to offer significantly lower prices than most rapid/ultra-rapid providers, with drivers also appreciating its reliability.
Even more of the Tesla Supercharger network is expected to become open to the public in the coming months (currently its around 54 per cent) and tech partnerships with providers like EV on the Move will see more of Tesla’s new V4 Superchargers added to other networks.
Ollie Dodd, Senior Regional Manager, Northern Europe Charging, Tesla said: ‘We’re thrilled to win Zapmap’s Best EV Charging Network for the second year in a row. Being recognised by the drivers themselves shows that our customer-centric and data-driven approach to building sites is well received.
‘We look forward to showcasing more customer-centric features in 2026 as we expand the network further and look towards new initiatives in roaming and payment methods.’
MFG – Motor Fuel Group – took second in the large poll with a rating of 3.9, with customers happy with its reliability and wide range of ways to pay
In second place is MFG EV Power for the large category, with a star rating of 3.9.
While much lower than Tesla, it still takes silver and is a ‘EV driver recommended’ provider.
Drivers say they particularly appreciate MFG EV Power’s reliability, ease of use and wide range of ways to pay.
Its branding, blue and green, is highly visible and manned locations help ensure swift problem resolution.
This year MFG EV Power has expanded from its base of fuel forecourt sites to include 300 Morrisons supermarkets in its network. It now has more than 1,300 chargers across 522 locations, a year on year increase of 68 per cent.
Martin Symes, EV Director at MFG said: ‘We are delighted to once again be recognised in Zapmap’s annual EV driver survey as the highest-ranked, fully accessible, Large Rapid and Ultra Rapid Charging Network. Our commitment remains firmly focused on providing convenient, reliable, and high-quality EV charging experiences for drivers across our nationwide network.’
Ionity and Osprey share third place, also being driver recommended.
Both providers were awarded 3.8 in the star rating, with Ionity getting the seal of approval from drivers due to its reliability, ease of use and wide range of ways to pay.
Osprey got its 3.8 rating because of its excellent customer service – joint highest alongside Tesla – and ease of use and reliability.
Ionity drew third place getting the seal of approval from drivers due to its reliability, ease of use and wide range of ways to pay
Osprey got its 3.8 rating and joint third place because of its excellent customer service – joint highest alongside Tesla – and ease of use and reliability
Both networks are expanding quickly, with Ionity growing 110 per cent over the 12 months and going from a medium to large network since last year’s results, and Osprey rolling out new thoughtfully placed hubs including Merseyside, Watford, South Wales, Glasgow and Bognor Regis locations.
Andreas Atkins, Country Manager UK & Ireland, Ionity was enthusiastic about the expansion, saying: ‘That we’ve doubled our number of charging points for the second year in a row is a real testament to the strength of the EV community here.
‘We’ve partnered with nationwide organisations like Village Hotels to enable travellers across the country, and we’ve set new standards in underrepresented areas, from our site in Bodmin, Cornwall, to Wrexham in Wales, to Aberdeen in Scotland.’
Ian Johnston, CEO, Osprey Charging meanwhile says that large hubs have been popular with customers: ‘We are seeing the positive results of our shift towards deploying large hubs at premium retail and strategic road locations that drivers prefer; a shift that sees us in a group of mature and established nationwide networks at the top of the rankings, with Tesla, MFG and Sainsbury’s.’
Smart Charge came home for gold in the medium category, with a star rating of 4.4 – a big achievement for the supermarket charging network that only launched in January 2024
Medium networks ( 150-500 rapid/ultra-rapid devices)
Smart Charge came home with gold in the medium category, with a star rating of 4.4
Sainsbury’s network allows drivers to charge while they shop, and has proved an instant hit with EV owners.
Only launched in January 2024, it has grown 40 per cent and now has 335 rapid/ultra-rapid devices across 84 locations.
Also receiving an ‘Up-and-coming network’ award in last year’s ranking, Smart Charge is loved for its competitive pricing with partner offers that leverage the Nectar card rewards scheme. Its also liked for its reliability and ease of use.
Patrick Dunne, Chief Property & Procurement Officer at Sainsbury’s, MD Smart Charge said: ‘At Smart Charge, we’ve always believed that ultra-rapid charging should be simple, reliable, accessible and rewarding, and this award is a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust our customers place in us.’
Be.EV takes second place, just behind Smart Charge, with a 4.3 star rating.
Previously fourth in the large category, it now places in the medium category as it has 406 rapid/ultra-rapid devices across 84 of its 175 locations.
It’s ‘big green hubs’ increasingly reflect a focus on the whole charging experience: accessible bays, clear signage, locations that fit into drivers’ everyday lives and multiple ways to pay.
While other networks may have expanded faster this year, Be.EV received the highest rating of all networks in Zapmap’s league tables for customer support and also performed well for cost of charging.
Third in the medium category is Fastned with its distinctive yellow solar canopies which has increased its star rating – it’s now 4.2 up from 4.1 last year
Third in the medium category is Fastned with its distinctive yellow solar canopies which has increased its star rating – it’s now 4.2 up from 4.1 last year.
Fastned received the highest rating of all networks in the league tables for its range of ways to pay as well as particularly positive feedback for ease of use.
Over the past year, the network has expanded by 38 per cent to cover 199 devices across 34 location and has recently received planning permission for the UK’s first indoor drive through hub to be located in Aberdeen.
Arnold Clark is new to charging and yet customers love it because the network has been quick to introduce an optional booking system for its chargers as well as offering assisted charging. And pricing is on par with Tesla
This years best large charging networks are ranked by almost 4,000 EV drivers and Tesla scores top
Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has joined the best charging providers taking home gold for the medium category. Top 10 medium providers are ranked by EV drivers
Up-and-coming network
These networks did not meet minimum inclusion criteria, but received positive feedback from EV drivers.
This year’s recipient was Arnold Clark Charge, despite its sites opening to the public only in the second half of 2025.
And yet the car dealership’s network already extends across 57 locations, with ambitious plans for the year ahead.
Customers approve because the network has been quick to introduce an optional booking system for its chargers as well as offering assisted charging.
With pricing on a par with Tesla, Arnold Clark Charge secured impressive ratings across all five metrics and the highest rating of all networks for customer support.
Russell Borrie, Chief Executive Officer at Arnold Clark said: ‘We are delighted that Arnold Clark Charge has been recognised as the Up-and-coming Rapid/Ultra-Rapid Network in the 2025 Zapmap EV charging survey.
‘This recognition means a great deal because it comes directly from EV drivers. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we’re proud to offer them a reliable, easy and stress-free charging experience at locations across the UK.’
