What are the best electric vehicle charging networks?

Out of all the charging networks available in the UK, which is the best?

From Tesla to Instavolt, or Smart Charge to BeEV; the results from Zapmap's annual satisfaction rankings are in.

These rankings show which public charging networks are the best in the UK – both medium sized networks (150-500 devices) and large sized (over 500 devices).

Based on feedback from nearly 4,000 EV drivers, Zapmap awards their coveted "Best EV Charging Network" title to top performers in each category, with standout networks earning the "EV Driver Recommended" badge. They even spotlight promising newcomers making waves with their "Up-and-coming Network" recognition.

The rankings consider what truly matters to drivers: reliability, ease of use, customer support, value, and payment simplicity. We’re giving you the real scoop on where to juice up your EV.

This year's survey, conducted during September and October 2025, received responses from 3,976 battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers.

Let's dive into the results to see which networks have come out on top this year.

UK's top EV charging networks: The 2025 results

Large networks (500+ Devices)

Coming in first (again!) is Tesla's Public Supercharger Network, taking the crown for the second consecutive year as the UK's "Best EV Charging Network" in the large category.

No surprise here – Tesla's reputation for reliability and ease of use continues to shine through. 

With an impressive expansion over the past year, Tesla now offers 1,115 charging devices across 97 locations accessible to all EV drivers (not just Tesla owners). That's a significant 40% increase from last year and represents more than half (54%) of their total Supercharger network.

What makes Tesla stand out?

Their customer-centric approach focuses on creating reliable, easy-to-use stations in strategic locations.

EV drivers consistently rate Tesla highly for their seamless user experience, minimal downtime, and thoughtful station design. The network's reputation for dependability has made it the gold standard in the industry.

Looking ahead, Tesla plans to expand its UK network further in 2026 through innovative partnerships, like their collaboration with EV on the Move that's integrating Tesla V4 Supercharging cabinets.

They're also exploring new initiatives in roaming and payment methods to enhance customer experience even more.

The competition isn't far behind, though. MFG EV Power secured second place, while Ionity and Osprey share third position.

Medium networks (150-500 Devices)

Leading the pack in the medium-sized category is Smart Charge, the charging network run by Sainsbury's. This is an impressive leap, considering they were named Zapmap's "Up-and-coming network" last year.

Since launching in January 2024, Smart Charge has grown its network by more than 40%, now featuring 335 rapid/ultra-rapid devices across 84 locations. Their strategic placement at popular supermarket locations makes charging convenient for shoppers, allowing drivers to top up while grabbing groceries.

What makes Smart Charge stand out?

Their network prioritises simplicity, reliability, and accessibility; all with the added bonus of being rewarding. The company's focus on customer experience has clearly resonated with EV drivers.

Hot on Smart Charge's heels is BeEV in second place. 

Previously ranking fourth in the large category, BeEV now boasts 406 devices across 84 locations. They earned the highest rating of all networks for customer support – a critical factor for drivers navigating the sometimes complex world of public charging.

Fastned claims third position with impressive growth of 38% over the past year, expanding to 199 devices across 34 locations. 

The network received the highest marks for payment options, making it incredibly easy for drivers to pay however they prefer. Their striking yellow stations also stand out for ease of use.

Up-and-Coming Network

This year, Zapmap has awarded its "Up-and-coming network" accolade to Arnold Clark Charge, highlighting a promising newcomer to the UK's charging landscape.

Despite only opening to the public in the second half of 2025, the car dealership's network has already made a significant impact. Having extended across 57 locations, they have ambitious expansion plans for the coming year.

What makes Arnold Clark Charge stand out from the crowd?

Their competitive pricing rivals even Tesla's network, which is known for offering good value. 

The network secured impressive ratings across all five metrics that matter most to drivers, including the highest rating of any network for customer support.

This recognition signals Arnold Clark's serious commitment to the EV infrastructure market and positions them as a rising star to watch in the UK charging scene.

Their dealer network provides them with prime locations and the automotive expertise needed to understand what EV drivers truly want from their charging experience.

EV Driver Recommended

Beyond the top performers in each category, Zapmap also recognises charging networks that consistently deliver excellent service with its coveted "EV Driver Recommended" title. 

This accolade is awarded only to networks that achieve an overall star rating of at least 3.5, based directly on driver feedback.

In the Large network category, six providers earned this prestigious recognition:

• Tesla Public Supercharger (best in category)
• MFG EV Power
• Ionity
• Osprey
• Instavolt
• Gridserve

EV drivers particularly praised these networks for their reliability, ease of use, and diverse payment options.

MFG EV Power stood out for its expansion to include 300 Morrisons supermarket locations, now boasting more than 1,300 chargers across 522 sites - a 68% year-on-year increase.

Meanwhile, Ionity impressed with its remarkable 110% growth over the past 12 months, allowing it to move up from the Medium category last year.

In the Medium network category, four providers received the "EV Driver Recommended" status:

• Smart Charge (best in category)
• BeEV
• Fastned
• EV on the Move

BeEV earned the highest rating of all networks for customer support, while Fastned topped the charts for its range of payment options.

What makes a top EV charging network?

The "EV Driver Recommended" distinction serves as a valuable guide for EV drivers navigating the increasingly complex charging landscape. It highlights networks that consistently deliver on the factors that matter most:

• Reliability: Working chargers ready when you need them most
• User-friendly: Simple interfaces and straightforward charging process
• Support when it matters: Quick help if something goes wrong
• Fair pricing: Reasonable costs compared to the service provided
• Easy payments: Multiple payment options with no faff

When looking at this year's Zapmap results, there's good news for EV drivers. Public charging satisfaction is on the rise. Overall satisfaction has jumped from 64% last year to 69% this year, with reliability scores (the thing that matters most to drivers) showing particular improvement.

That said, most networks still need to work on their pricing.

Value for money continues to be a sticking point, with most charging providers receiving their lowest scores in this category. A handful of networks are bucking this trend though, proving that competitive pricing is possible.

The future looks promising, with over 60% of drivers expecting the public charging network to keep getting better. Charging providers seem up for the challenge too, investing in more chargers and putting the customer experience front and centre.

These rankings aren't just interesting stats - they're a practical tool for real EV drivers looking to make smart choices about where to charge.

As the UK continues its journey toward cleaner transport, knowing which networks to trust becomes ever more important.

The future of EV charging looks bright

As the UK's electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, the charging infrastructure is evolving to meet growing demand.

What's particularly encouraging is how competition is driving innovation - with networks investing in more chargers, improved reliability, and better customer service. While pricing remains a challenge for many providers, the overall trajectory is positive.

For EV drivers, the expanding network of reliable charging options means greater confidence for everyday journeys and long-distance travel alike.

As networks continue to invest in both coverage and quality, the UK's charging infrastructure is gradually maturing into a robust ecosystem that supports our electric future.

FAQs about EV charging networks

Where can I find fast and reliable EV charging stations near me?

Finding reliable charging stations is crucial for stress-free EV driving. Specialised apps like Zapmap are your best friend here - they not only show charger locations but also provide real-time availability and user reviews.

While networks like Tesla, Smart Charge, and others highlighted in Zapmap's rankings consistently deliver reliable service, individual stations can still experience issues. Weather conditions (particularly those famous British downpours!) can affect charger functionality, and occasional technical glitches happen even to the best networks.

Before heading out on a journey, take a moment to check recent reviews for your intended charging stop.

This quick check can save you the frustration of arriving at a non-functioning charger. Most apps allow users to report problems and leave feedback, creating a community-sourced reliability guide that's constantly updated.

Which EV charging networks offer the most coverage nationwide?

When looking at nationwide coverage, the UK's charging infrastructure varies significantly by region. According to recent statistics, London leads with 263 charging devices per 100,000 people, followed by Scotland (123) and the West Midlands (115).

Among the major networks, MFG EV Power offers impressive geographical reach with over 1,300 chargers across 522 locations, including 300 Morrisons supermarkets.

Tesla's Supercharger network, while having fewer locations (97), strategically positions its 1,115 devices along major travel corridors.

Other networks with substantial UK coverage include BeEV and Smart Charge (Sainsbury's), both with devices across 84 locations, while Ionity focuses on high-power charging at 58 strategic sites.

For the most reliable nationwide access, consider using multiple network apps or a universal platform like Zapmap to find available chargers wherever your journey takes you.