The latest findings from the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study show that America’s EV charging network is becoming more dependable, with Tesla’s Supercharger network continuing to set the benchmark for the fifth consecutive year.
The study reveals that only 14% of EV drivers reported visiting a public charger without successfully charging—a five-point improvement from 2024 and the lowest failure rate since tracking began in 2021.
Tesla Superchargers Tops Satisfaction Rankings
Tesla’s Supercharger network once again secured the highest satisfaction rating among DC fast charging provider, earning 709 points out of a possible 1,000. This score, however, represents a 22-point drop from last year. That drop can be primarily attributed to non-Tesla owners now using the network.
J.D. Power notes that Tesla’s tightly integrated hardware, software, and payment systems create a smooth experience for its own customers. Non-Tesla drivers, who often pay higher rates, report lower satisfaction, especially when it comes to charging costs.
Other automaker-operated networks—including Rivian’s Adventure Network, Ford Charge, and the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network—matched Tesla’s satisfaction score but were not ranked due to their smaller footprint. Meanwhile, Red E took second among ranked DC fast charging providers with 668 points, followed by ChargePoint (619), Electrify America (601), and EVgo (579).
Level 2 Charging Also Led by Tesla
Tesla’s Destination Charging network once again topped the Level 2 category with a satisfaction score of 661, surpassing the segment average of 607. ChargePoint ranked second in this category at 628 points.
Costs Emerge as a Growing Pain Point
While charging reliability improved, overall satisfaction with both DC fast chargers and Level 2 stations declined in 2025. Cost was the biggest factor in this drop, with satisfaction scores for charging prices falling to 459 for Level 2 and 430 for DC fast charging—both down 16 points from last year.
Industry experts point to several reasons for this decline. Many networks initially offered lower rates or free charging to attract users, but rising electricity prices and the end of promotional periods have increased costs for drivers.
Regional Reliability Gaps Remain
J.D. Power’s data shows regional disparities in charging reliability. The Pacific region had the highest rate of failed charging visits at 21%, while the East South Central region reported just 7%. In major cities, Seattle (25%) and Los Angeles (24%) topped the list for unsuccessful charging attempts. Across the country, the most common reason for a failed session was equipment being out of service, accounting for 60% of such incidents.
As EV adoption accelerates, the study underscores a key takeaway: speed alone won’t solve charging challenges. Reliability, ease of use, and affordability will determine whether public charging can keep pace with growing demand—and for now, Tesla’s Supercharger and Destination Charger networks remain the ones to beat.
