Electric vehicle drivers in Aotearoa have long lamented the unreliability of public charging stations, often describing the experience as a "lottery." While some operators consistently provide fault-free and dependable service, others are known for chargers that are frequently out of order, refuse payment, or fail to deliver the advertised charging speeds.
However, those who have navigated the highs and lows of the nation's EV charging infrastructure now have a platform to voice their opinions, helping to identify the best and worst networks. Each year, Zapmap, a leading charge point mapping and data service, publishes the results of its annual satisfaction survey for rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks across the UK. This year's findings highlight a supermarket charging network and a well-known ultra-rapid provider leading the pack.
The survey categorises rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks based on the size of their network, with both categories experiencing significant growth annually as the infrastructure expands and more devices are deployed. The rankings are derived from thousands of responses to Zapmap's annual EV charging survey, now in its eighth year. The 2025 survey, conducted between September and October, gathered feedback from 3,976 EV drivers, detailing their experiences with chargers that powered them up and those that let them down.
Best Large Networks (500+ Rapid/Ultra-Rapid Devices)
For the purpose of this year's rankings, large networks are defined as those with 500 or more rapid or ultra-rapid devices, an increase from the 300-device threshold used in the previous year.
Tesla Superchargers Take Top Honours
Claiming the top spot in the large network category is Tesla Superchargers, a name familiar to those who followed last year's results. This network achieved the highest score, retaining its title as the best large network with an impressive star rating of 4.8 out of five, a slight improvement from last year's 4.7.
Tesla's inclusion in the rankings last year followed its decision to open a significant portion of its charge points to non-Tesla drivers, a move that has proven equally popular with EV owners this year. Drivers consistently praise Tesla for its significantly lower pricing compared to most rapid/ultra-rapid providers, alongside its unwavering reliability. The network is expected to further expand public access in the coming months, with approximately 54 per cent currently open to all. Furthermore, tech partnerships with providers like EV on the Move are set to integrate more of Tesla's new V4 Superchargers into other networks.
Ollie Dodd, Senior Regional Manager, Northern Europe Charging at Tesla, expressed his delight: "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 EV Power Secures Second Place
In the large category, MFG EV Power secured the silver medal with a star rating of 3.9. While a notable difference from Tesla's score, it still represents a strong performance and an "EV driver recommended" provider. Drivers specifically highlighted MFG EV Power's reliability, ease of use, and the diverse range of payment options available. The network's distinctive blue and green branding is highly visible, and the presence of manned locations ensures prompt resolution of any issues. This year, MFG EV Power has expanded beyond its fuel forecourt sites to incorporate 300 Morrisons supermarkets into its network, now boasting over 1,300 chargers across 522 locations – a substantial 68 per cent year-on-year increase.
Martin Symes, EV Director at MFG, commented: "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 Spot
Sharing third place, both Ionity and Osprey are also recognised as "driver recommended" providers. Both networks achieved a star rating of 3.8. Ionity earned its rating due to its reliability, ease of use, and a wide array of payment methods. Osprey's 3.8 rating was attributed to its excellent customer service, which tied for the highest score with Tesla, alongside its ease of use and reliability.
Both networks are experiencing rapid expansion. Ionity has doubled its charging points for the second consecutive year, transitioning from a medium to a large network since last year's survey. Osprey is actively deploying new, strategically located hubs in areas such as Merseyside, Watford, South Wales, Glasgow, and Bognor Regis.
Andreas Atkins, Country Manager UK & Ireland at Ionity, expressed enthusiasm for their growth: "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 of Osprey Charging, noted the popularity of their large hub strategy: "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."
Medium Networks (150-500 Rapid/Ultra-Rapid Devices)
Smart Charge (Sainsbury's) Leads the Medium Category
Smart Charge, operating within Sainsbury's supermarkets, has clinched the gold medal in the medium category with a star rating of 4.4. This network, launched in January 2024, has quickly become a favourite among EV owners, allowing them to charge while they shop. It has already grown by 40 per cent, now featuring 335 rapid/ultra-rapid devices across 84 locations. Having also received an 'Up-and-coming network' award last year, Smart Charge is lauded for its competitive pricing, particularly with partner offers that integrate the Nectar card rewards scheme, as well as its reliability and ease of use.
Patrick Dunne, Chief Property & Procurement Officer at Sainsbury's, MD Smart Charge, stated: "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 Secures Second Place
Be.EV has secured second place in the medium category, closely following Smart Charge with a 4.3-star rating. Previously ranked fourth in the large category, it now competes in the medium tier with 406 rapid/ultra-rapid devices spread across 84 of its 175 locations. Their "big green hubs" are increasingly designed to enhance the overall charging experience, featuring accessible bays, clear signage, convenient locations integrated into drivers' daily routines, and multiple payment options. While other networks may have expanded more rapidly this year, Be.EV received the highest rating across all networks in Zapmap's league tables for customer support and also performed well in terms of charging costs.
Fastned Ranks Third with Distinctive Yellow Canopies
Fastned, recognisable by its distinctive yellow solar canopies, has achieved third place in the medium category, increasing its star rating to 4.2 from 4.1 last year. The network received the highest rating among all surveyed networks for its diverse range of payment options and particularly positive feedback regarding ease of use. Over the past year, Fastned has expanded by 38 per cent, now encompassing 199 devices across 34 locations. It has also recently received planning permission for the UK’s first indoor drive-through EV charging hub, set to be located in Aberdeen.
Up-and-Coming Network Award
This award recognises networks that, while not meeting the minimum inclusion criteria for the main categories, have garnered significant positive feedback from EV drivers.
Arnold Clark Charge Shines as Up-and-Coming
This year's recipient of the 'Up-and-coming network' award is Arnold Clark Charge. Despite its sites only opening to the public in the latter half of 2025, the car dealership's network has already expanded to 57 locations, with ambitious plans for the coming year. Customers have responded positively to the network's swift introduction of an optional booking system for its chargers and the availability of assisted charging. With pricing competitive with Tesla, Arnold Clark Charge has achieved impressive ratings across all five surveyed metrics and received the highest rating of all networks for customer support.
Russell Borrie, Chief Executive Officer at Arnold Clark, commented: "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."
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