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The electric vehicle (EV) public charging sector is making notable strides, despite ongoing uncertainties with National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study. The study highlights a significant reduction in failed charging attempts, marking the lowest rate of non-charging visits in four years. This progress underscores the industry’s commitment to enhancing reliability and user experience, even as federal funding delays persist. However, satisfaction with charging costs and payment systems has declined, signaling areas for improvement.
Key Highlights
- Non-charging visits drop to 14%, a 5-point improvement from 2024, indicating better charger reliability.
- Satisfaction declines slightly: DC fast chargers score 654 (-10 points), Level 2 chargers score 607 (-7 points).
- Cost dissatisfaction grows: Level 2 satisfaction at 459 (-16 points), DC fast chargers at 430 (-16 points).
- Tesla leads rankings: Tesla Destination (Level 2) scores 661, Tesla Supercharger (DC fast) scores 709.
- OEM networks perform strongly: Non-Tesla automaker networks match Tesla’s 709 score but aren’t ranked due to limited footprint.
- Regional variations: Pacific region reports highest non-charge visits (21%), East South Central lowest (7%).
Reliability Improves, Satisfaction Dips
The study reveals that only 14% of EV owners experienced non-charging visits, a significant improvement from 19% in 2024. This reflects advancements in charger reliability across the U.S. However, overall satisfaction has slightly declined. DC fast charger satisfaction dropped to 654 on a 1,000-point scale, down 10 points, while Level 2 charger satisfaction fell to 607, a 7-point decrease. Declines are primarily driven by dissatisfaction with cost and payment processes, critical factors impacting the EV ownership experience.
Cost Concerns Impact Experience
Satisfaction with the cost of charging remains a pain point. For Level 2 chargers, cost satisfaction is 459 (-16 points), while DC fast chargers score 430 (-16 points), the lowest among the 10 factors evaluated. Non-Tesla owners using Tesla Superchargers report lower satisfaction due to higher costs compared to Tesla owners. Additionally, rising electricity rates and the phasing out of free charging incentives have increased costs, affecting the overall charging experience.
OEM Networks Gain Ground
Tesla Supercharger continues to lead the DC fast charger segment with a score of 709, though it saw a 22-point decline from last year. Emerging OEM-branded networks, such as Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, Rivian Adventure Network, and Ford Charge, collectively match Tesla’s 709 score, showing promise despite their smaller scale. Third-party DC fast charger providers lag behind, averaging 591, as they cater to a broader audience, presenting unique challenges.
Regional and Urban Disparities
The study identifies regional differences in charging experiences. The Pacific region reports the highest non-charge visits at 21%, with 12% of users facing wait times. Conversely, the East South Central region has the lowest rates at 7% for non-charge visits and 5% for wait times. Among cities, Seattle (25%) and Los Angeles (24%) see high rates of unsuccessful charging attempts, while San Francisco (18%) and Denver (14%) report notable wait times. The primary reason for failed visits is out-of-service chargers, affecting 60% of non-charge attempts.
First-Time Owners More Satisfied
Interestingly, first-time EV owners report higher satisfaction than veteran owners. For Level 2 chargers, first-timers score 610 compared to 592 for veterans. For DC fast chargers, the gap is smaller (654 vs. 648). This may reflect lower expectations among new owners, while veterans expect more advanced technology and infrastructure improvements.
Industry Outlook
Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power, emphasizes that while DC fast charger expansion is vital, speed alone won’t solve challenges. Improving reliability, ease of use, and addressing cost concerns are critical to enhancing the public charging experience. The study, conducted in collaboration with PlugShare, surveyed 7,428 BEV and PHEV owners from January to June 2025, providing a comprehensive view of consumer attitudes and behaviors.
For more details, visit the J.D. Power EVX Public Charging Study page.
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