EV drivers’ top-rated UK charging networks revealed

Zapmap have released the results of their 7th annual ranking of the UK’s rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks, as voted for by the EV driving public.

Given the growing range of networks in the UK, this year Zapmap chose to split rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks into two categories, based on the size of the network.

Tesla scored highest in the ‘Large’ sized network category, whilst Fastned was highest ranked in the ‘Medium’ sized network category.

This is the first year that Tesla has been an eligible network, having only recently opened up many of its charge points to drivers of non-Tesla EVs. With over 860 Tesla chargers in more than 80 charging hubs now opened up to the wider EV driving community, the network scored well on reliability, cost, and ease of use.

In second and third places behind Tesla were MFG EV Power and Osprey Charging. (see lists at bottom of page)

The results are based on EV driver responses to Zapmap’s annual EV charging survey, conducted during October 2024. More than 3,700 drivers took part, rating networks in five areas: reliability, ease of use, customer support, value for money, and payment options.

Companies who achieve at least a 3.5 star rating receive an ‘EV Driver Recommended’ title and Be.EV, who ranked fourth, qualified for this.

Fastned, the top-ranked network in the ‘Medium rapid / ultra-rapid network’ category is well established on the continent but less so in the UK, with just 26 locations (but over 150 devices). The network scored very highly for reliability, ease of use and the payment options offered.

Second-place in the medium category was Ionity, another company who are expanding across the UK and Ireland. 

Zapmap also awards an ‘Up and Coming Network’ accreditation for smaller, emerging networks and this went to Sainsbury’s Smart Charge which, despite only being launched in January 2024, has installed hubs at 62 stores to date. These are proving popular with EV drivers, especially as the network has linked charging with Nectar rewards.

Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder & COO at Zapmap, said: ‘This year has seen another huge increase in charging provision across the country, particularly for the ultra-rapid (150kW+) 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.

‘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.’