EV drivers decide: these are the best charging networks in the UK in 2025

Zapmap has published its 2025/26 driver satisfaction rankings for public charging networks in the United Kingdom (UK).

The annual survey, now in its eighth edition, collected insights from 3,976 battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers and assessed networks based on five key criteria: reliability, ease of use, customer support, value for money and payment options.

The networks were divided into two categories based on the number of rapid and ultra-rapid devices:

• Large networks: over 500 charge points
• Medium networks: between 150 and 500 devices

Tesla leads among large networks for second consecutive year

‘Best EV charging network 2025’ in the ‘Large rapid / ultra-rapid’ network category this year and for the second year running goes to the Tesla Public Supercharger network.

Included in the rankings for the first time in 2024, following its decision to open up many of its charge points for use by drivers of non-Tesla EVs, the well-established national network now has 1,115 devices at 97 locations available to the wider EV driving community.

This means that approx 54% of its total Supercharger network are open to the public, around 40% more than were publicly available  in September 2024.

The cost of public charging remains a key concern for EV drivers, and Tesla continues to offer significantly lower prices than most rapid / ultra-rapid networks, with drivers also appreciating its reliability.

We expect more of the Tesla Supercharger network to become open to the public over the coming months, with Tesla also expanding its UK reach in 2026 through technology partnerships such as the one already underway with EV on the Move, which is beginning to integrate Tesla V4 Supercharging cabinets into its own network. 

Ollie Dodd, Senior Regional Manager, Northern Europe Charging at Tesla, says: “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.”

Other operators in the Large category also received high scores:

All five operators alongside Tesla received the “EV driver recommended” status for achieving at least 3.5 stars overall.

• MFG EV Power expanded significantly in 2025, reaching over 1,300 devices across 522 locations, including partnerships with 300 Morrisons supermarkets. Drivers highlighted its high reliability, clear branding and multiple payment options.
• Ionity, a newcomer to the Large category, grew by 110% year-on-year and now operates 536 chargers across 58 locations, including motorway services and hotels.
• Osprey maintained a strong reputation for customer service, equalling Tesla for the highest score in that category. It expanded its presence in locations such as Merseyside, Watford, South Wales, Glasgow and Bognor Regis.
• InstaVolt and GRIDSERVE retained their presence in the rankings, both scoring above 3.5 stars and securing positive feedback for ease of use and accessibility.

Lower down the ranking, Shell Recharge (2.6), BP Pulse (2.4) and ChargePlace Scotland (2.1) received lower ratings, reflecting ongoing concerns among drivers about reliability and service.

Smart Charge tops Medium category with strong customer satisfaction

In the Medium category, Smart Charge —Sainsbury’s charging network launched in early 2024— was named Best EV Charging Network with a 4.4-star rating.

The operator now has 335 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers across 84 supermarket locations, having grown over 40% in the past year.

Drivers rated the network particularly highly for reliability and ease of use, with the added benefit of Nectar card-linked rewards and competitive pricing.

Patrick Dunne, Chief Property & Procurement Officer at Sainsbury’s, MD Smart Charge, states: “We’re proud to be recognised by Zapmap as the UK’s Best EV Charging Network. At Smart Charge, we’ve always believed that ultra-rapid charging should be simple, reliable, accessible and rewarding.”

Top-ranked Medium networks were:

• Be.EV, now operating 406 chargers at 175 sites, was recognised for its customer support and recently introduced a 39p/kWh tariff, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative.
• Fastned expanded by 38% in the UK over the past year. The operator, known for its distinctive yellow solar canopies, now manages 199 devices across 34 locations, and received top marks for payment options and ease of use. A new drive-through hub in Aberdeen is also in development.
• EV on the Move, with a rating of 3.6, continues to scale and recently began incorporating Tesla V4 Superchargers.

These four networks received the “EV driver recommended” badge.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO at Be.EV, states: “Getting recognised by the drivers who actually use our network, that’s the bit that really matters here. We’re always listening to feedback from our customers and have made it our mission to make charging EVs simpler, fairer and more affordable. Our recently launched 39p/kWh tariff is a big part of that, but so is our focus on building great Charging Hubs where people actually need them.”

Tom Hurst, UK Country Director at Fastned, says: “Every year, we wear our Zapmap award as a badge of honour as it shows us that we’re doing right by our customers. Here’s to the next year of delivering a highly rated, reliable and easy to use ultra-rapid charging network in the UK. There’s so much more to come, so watch this space.”

Arnold Clark Charge awarded ‘Up-and-coming network’ title

This year Zapmap has awarded the accolade of ‘Up-and-coming network’ to Arnold Clark Charge.

With sites opening to the public only in the second half of 2025, the car dealership’s network already extends across 57 locations, with ambitious plans for the year ahead.

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, states: “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.”

“As we continue to expand our network, our goal remains to make EV charging as convenient and accessible as possible for all drivers,” he adds.

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