IONNA ranked highest among DC fast charger networks in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study, scoring 807 on a 1,000-point scale in its first year of award eligibility. Mercedes-Benz Charging Network (797) ranked second and Rivian Adventure Network (755) ranked third. The 2026 EVX Public Charging Study recorded overall DC fast charger satisfaction up 12 points to 666, with gains across all 10 index factors measured. Public Level 2 charging moved the opposite direction, falling 12 points to 595 from the same period a year earlier.
Highlights
- DC fast charger satisfaction reached 666, a 12-point year-over-year gain, with improvement in all 10 index factors
- Charger availability improved most at +27 points, followed by how safe customers feel at charging locations (+18) and cost of charging (+18)
- The industry non-charge visit rate fell to 12% in the most recent quarter from 14% a year earlier — the lowest level in the study’s history
- Level 2 public charging satisfaction declined to 595, driven by lower scores for ease of payment and ease of charging
What Drove the Gain in DC Fast Charging?
JD Power attributes the improvement to newer, higher-speed chargers, larger charging sites, destination-style locations with more amenities, and more seamless payment options. Those factors are reducing failed charging attempts and producing a more reliable experience, according to the firm.
Slow charging speed remains the most common problem reported for both DC fast and Level 2 chargers, but JD Power says the issue has improved significantly for DC fast chargers in recent quarters.
“The public charging experience is becoming more consistent, and that’s critical as the EV market matures. JD Power data consistently shows that public charging is the top reason new-vehicle shoppers reject EVs. The improvements we’re now seeing will go a long way toward supporting the infrastructure needed to meet the rise in forecasted EV sales in the coming years,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of EV solutions at JD Power. “New OEM-backed fast-charging networks are raising expectations with high-performing equipment, strong locations and smooth sessions, which helps build customer confidence that they can pull in, start a charge and get back on the road quickly. However, the decline in the Level 2 charging segment shows there is still work to be done on network quality, location strategy and customer education before mainstream shoppers fully trust public charging.”
Who Ranked Highest Among DC Fast Chargers?
Only the DC fast charger segment was award-eligible this year, though the study measures both Level 2 and DC fast charging.
| Rank | Network | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IONNA | 807 |
| 2 | Mercedes-Benz Charging Network | 797 |
| 3 | Rivian Adventure Network | 755 |
OEM-Backed Networks Widen the Gap
Three OEM-backed DC fast charger networks eligible for awards for the first time performed well in the study, with their largest advantages over the segment average concentrated in ease of charging, charging speed, and charger availability. In some cases those advantages exceeded 100 index points. IONNA led the segment outright.
“The newest generation of OEM-backed charging networks is showing what it looks like when public charging is designed around the driver,” Gruber said. “By focusing on reliability, convenience and a more seamless charging journey, these networks are helping address some of the biggest barriers to EV adoption and raising expectations for the public charging experience.”
Newer OEM-backed networks posted the lowest failure rates in the study, though legacy networks improved as well.
Location Type Separates the Best Sites From the Worst
Where a charger sits proved to be a meaningful satisfaction variable. Among DC fast chargers, satisfaction was highest at:
- Hotels — 692
- Gas stations and convenience stores — 689
- Restaurants — 688
The weakest performers were dealerships at 570 and stand-alone parking lots and garages at 606, among the least satisfying locations for owners.
Inside the Study
The EVX Public Charging Study is in its sixth year and measures owner satisfaction with Level 2 charging stations and DC fast charger stations across 10 factors: ease of charging; speed of charging; physical condition of charging station; availability of chargers; convenience of this location; things to do while charging; how safe you feel at this location; ease of finding this location; cost of charging; and ease of payment.
The 2026 study drew responses from 6,594 owners of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, fielded from January through June 2026. JD Power has tracked public charging satisfaction continuously since 2021 and analyzes results quarterly. The study is conducted in collaboration with EV driver app maker and research firm PlugShare.
