Despite slower growth in the electric vehicle (EV) market, the public charging experience continues to improve. Satisfaction with DC (direct current) fast chargers has improved dramatically in the past three quarters, while non-charging visits—instances in which EV owners arrive at a public charging station but are unable to charge their vehicle—have fallen to the lowest level ever recorded in the study, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study,SM released today1.

The improving public charging experience is being fueled by gains in DC fast charging, where satisfaction has increased across all 10 index factors year over year. Newer, higher-speed chargers, larger charging sites, destination-style locations with more amenities and more seamless payment options are reducing failed charging attempts and delivering a more reliable charging experience, helping to support continued EV adoption. In contrast, satisfaction with public Level 2 chargers has declined, primarily due to lower scores for ease of payment and ease of charging.

“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.”

Following are some key findings of the 2026 index:

  • DC fast charging satisfaction continues to improve: Satisfaction with DC fast chargers has risen 12 points to 666 (on a 1,000-point scale), with gains across all 10 index factors. The biggest improvements are in charger availability (+27 points); how safe customers feel at charging locations (+18) and cost of charging (+18). While slow charging speed remains the most common problem for both DC fast and Level 2 chargers, the issue has improved significantly for DC fast chargers in recent quarters. In contrast, satisfaction with public Level 2 chargers declines 12 points to 595 from the same period a year ago, driven primarily by lower satisfaction scores for ease of payment and ease of charging.

  • Newer charging networks raise the standard for public charging: Three OEM-backed DC fast charger networks that are award-eligible for the first time perform well in the study, with their largest advantages above the segment average coming in the areas that matter most to EV owners, including ease of charging, charging speed and charger availability. In some cases, these advantages exceed 100 index points. “The newest generation of OEM-backed charging networks is showing what it looks like when public charging is designed around the driver,” said Gruber. “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.”

  • Reliability and location strategy emerge as differentiating factors: The industry non-charge visit rate reaches its lowest level in the study’s history at 12% in the most recent quarter, improving from 14% during the same period a year ago, with newer OEM-backed networks posting the lowest failure rates and legacy networks improving as well. Beyond reliability, charger location also plays a key role in satisfaction. For example, satisfaction is highest among DC fast chargers located at hotels (692), gas stations/convenience stores (689) and restaurants (688), while chargers located at dealerships (570) and stand-alone parking lots/garages (606) are among the least satisfying experiences for owners.

Index Rankings

While the study examines the public charging experience of EV owners across both Level 2 chargers and DC fast chargers, only the DC fast charger segment is award-eligible this year.

IONNA ranks highest among DC fast chargers, with a score of 807. Mercedes-Benz Charging Network (797) ranks second and Rivian Adventure Network (755) ranks third.

To view the complete visual rankings, visit: http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2026076.

The U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study, now in its sixth year, measures EV owner satisfaction with two types of public charge-point operators: Level 2 charging stations and DC fast charger stations. Satisfaction is measured 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 study is driven by a collaboration with PlugShare, the leading EV driver app maker and research firm. By identifying the factors that drive satisfaction, the study provides charging providers with insights to improve customer experience, strengthen loyalty and increase the likelihood that drivers will return to their networks. It examines consumer attitudes, behaviors and satisfaction, setting the standard for benchmarking the overall experience of public EV charging. The 2026 study includes responses of 6,594 owners of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The study was fielded from January through June 2026.

For more information about the U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/u-s-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study/.

About JD Power

JD Power is a proven leader in business-critical data and intelligence to drive auto-related decisions with confidence and clarity. By leveraging unmatched proprietary data, advanced analytics and deep industry expertise, JD Power fuels original equipment manufacturers, retailers, lenders, insurers and partners to enhance their performance.

Since 1968, JD Power has delivered incisive guidance and intelligence about customer interactions with brands and products. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com.

1 The JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study has been fielded continuously since 2021, and is analyzed on a quarterly basis.

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