Electric Vehicle Charging Efficiency Improving with Fewer Malfunctions, Tesla Leading but Manufacturers Progressing
The 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study reveals that public EV charging reliability is improving, with the lowest incidence of failed charging visits since the study began in 2021[1][2]. Despite this improvement, overall user satisfaction with public charging is declining, mainly due to rising charging costs, payment issues, and convenience challenges[1][3][5].
Tesla's Supercharging network leads in satisfaction and reliability for both Level 2 and DC fast charging segments, scoring 661 and 709 out of 1,000, respectively, marking the fifth consecutive year as the top-ranked network[3][4]. However, Tesla’s satisfaction scores have dipped 22% compared to last year, partially due to frustration among non-Tesla owners using its chargers[3][4]. Competing networks like Red E and ChargePoint are closing the gap—Red E scored 668 for DC fast charging, and ChargePoint earned 628 for Level 2 charging—but generally still rank below Tesla's leadership[3][4].
Regional differences are notable:
- The Pacific region has the worst reliability, with 21% non-charge visits and 12% of users waiting for an available charger[2].
- The East South Central region has the best reliability, with only 7% non-charge visits and 5% waiting for a charger[2].
Among major cities:
- Seattle (25%) and Los Angeles (24%) have the highest failed charging attempt rates.
- San Francisco (18%) and Denver (14%) suffer the most from wait times to access chargers[2].
While home charging remains the most satisfying EV charging experience according to other J.D. Power data, public charging is still necessary for many users, and its current state—improved reliability but worsened satisfaction due to cost and payment issues—continues to impact EV adoption[5].
Key Findings:
| Aspect | Key Findings | |------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Failure Rate | 14% failed attempts in 2025 (lowest since 2021); improvement from 19% in 2024[1][2] | | Satisfaction Scores | Tesla leads (709 DC fast, 661 Level 2); competition gaining ground[3][4] | | Satisfaction Trend | Overall satisfaction declining due to cost and payment problems[1][3][5] | | Regional Reliability | Worst in Pacific region, best in East South Central[2] | | City-Level Issues | Highest failure rates in Seattle & LA; worst wait times in San Francisco & Denver[2] | | Public vs. Home Charging | Public charging less satisfying than home charging but essential[5] |
Brent Gruber, J.D. Power's executive director of its EV practice, emphasizes that improving reliability, user-friendliness, and cost transparency must drive the next phase of infrastructure development[6]. The declining ratings on cost and usability suggest that technical gains must be matched by improvements in customer experience for long-term EV adoption. J.D. Power suggests that higher satisfaction from long-time EV drivers may reflect elevated expectations from current charging systems that have not yet delivered technological maturity[7].
About 60% of non-charge visits stem from chargers being out of service, reflecting persistent maintenance and operational gaps. The EVX Public Charging Study, now in its fifth year, polled 7,428 BEV and PHEV owners between January and June 2025[8].
[1] J.D. Power (2025). U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study. [Online]. Available: https://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2025-jd-power-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study
[2] J.D. Power (2025). 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study: Regional Factors Impact EV Charging Satisfaction. [Online]. Available: https://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-regional-factors-impact-ev-charging-satisfaction
[3] J.D. Power (2025). 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study: Tesla's Supercharging Network Leads in Satisfaction. [Online]. Available: https://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-teslas-supercharging-network-leads-in-satisfaction
[4] J.D. Power (2025). 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study: Competition Gains Ground on Tesla's Lead in Satisfaction. [Online]. Available: https://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-competition-gains-ground-on-teslas-lead-in-satisfaction
[5] J.D. Power (2025). 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study: Public Charging Remains Essential but Less Satisfying than Home Charging. [Online]. Available: https://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-public-charging-remains-essential-but-less-satisfying-than-home-charging
[6] J.D. Power (2025). 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study: Brent Gruber on the Future of EV Charging. [Online]. Available: https://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-brent-gruber-on-the-future-of-ev-charging
[7] J.D. Power (2025). 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study: Elevated Expectations and Unmet Needs. [Online]. Available: https://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-elevated-expectations-and-unmet-needs
[8] J.D. Power (2025). 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study: Methodology. [Online]. Available: https://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-methodology
- As technology advances in the field of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, sporting events could potentially incorporate EV charging stations, providing a seamless blend of recreation and sustainable transportation.
- In the realm of technology and sports, eSports tournaments could leverage digital advertising space on charging stations to generate sponsorship revenue, creating a unique marketing opportunity for businesses focused on technology and EVs.
