Photo Credit: IonnaLong seen as the benchmark for public EV charging in the U.S., Tesla's Supercharger network was overtaken in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study: first-time eligible Ionna finished first, and Tesla fell to fourth.Here's what to knowTesla still performed better than the average fast-charging network in the study, posting a 701 against a segment average of 666, according to WardsAuto. But on J.D. Power's 1,000-point scale, Ionna led with 807, with the Mercedes-Benz charging network and the Rivian Adventure Network also ranking ahead of Tesla.The company was founded in 2024 by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota. It opened its first fast-charging location — which it calls a Rechargery — in October 2024.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor the study, J.D. Power gathered responses from 6,594 EV and plug-in hybrid owners and evaluated satisfaction across 10 categories, including safety and nearby amenities.More backgroundAutomaker-backed charging brands appear to be gaining an advantage. J.D. Power said all four of the highest-scoring fast-charging networks were tied to automakers, and the top three were also among the newest entrants.In an email to WardsAuto, Brent Gruber, J.D. Power's executive director of EV solutions, said: "The OEM-affiliated networks are newer to the market, which gives them some advantages." He added, "Because those networks are more recent, their chargers are new and their locations are optimized for the user experience."Reliability also seems to be improving. J.D. Power said public fast chargers recorded the lowest failure rates seen in the study since it began in 2021, a sign that reliability is getting better even as more EVs hit the road.AdvertisementAdvertisementLevel 2 charging, however, is moving in the opposite direction. Satisfaction with public Level 2 charging — the slower option often found at hotels, shopping centers, and other destination stops — dropped by 12 points, and part of that may come down to convenience, since many chargers still require separate apps or card payments instead of Plug and Charge.What's being done?Ionna's rise comes amid a wider push to build out charging infrastructure. The company has announced partnerships with Sheetz, Wawa, Casey's, and Circle K, along with a $250 million infrastructure expansion in California.The study suggests the leading networks are winning on more than charging speed. Gruber said drivers value dependable chargers, a larger number of ports at each location, and practical amenities such as restrooms and snacks.Destination charging still appears to be a trouble spot. Gruber told WardsAuto that a "rapid decline in free Level 2 charging" is hurting satisfaction around payment, and he pointed to a sharp change in the numbers: "Our 2026 data indicates that 34% of Level 2 users received free charging during their visit. Just a few years ago (2023), that rate was 60%."AdvertisementAdvertisementAs Gruber put it, "Many public charging networks have new high-powered fast chargers, but that's only part of the equation. Availability, reliability, ease of use, amenities, location, costs, etc., are important parts of the public charging experience where the top networks excel."Where can I learn more?Tesla's slide in J.D. Power's rankings comes as the EV charging landscape changes quickly. The coverage here digs into the questions drivers are weighing, including battery wear and the cost and pace of faster charging tech.• Tesla owners are getting clearer answers on battery lifespan as Supercharger use expands nationwide.• ABB says the next phase depends on lowering cost per kWh, not just peak speeds.AdvertisementAdvertisement• In China, BYD says its platform could make charging time as short as refueling.Charging satisfaction is getting harder to pin down as the market shifts. Network rankings now hinge on reliability, access, cost, and the next wave of technology.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
