Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability Improving, with Fewer Malfunctions, and Tesla Leading; Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) also Making Progress

Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability Improving, with Fewer Malfunctions, and Tesla Leading; Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) also Making Progress

The latest J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study offers insights into the current state and future direction of the public charging market for electric vehicles.

Improvements in Reliability and Availability

The study reveals that the reliability of public EV charging infrastructure is on the rise, with the lowest incidence of failed charging attempts since the study began in 2021. This year, only 14% of EV owners reported failed charging attempts, down from 19% in 2024. The increase in available chargers is contributing to better coverage and accessibility across the market.

Tesla's Dominance and Rising Costs

Tesla remains the leader in customer satisfaction for both Level 2 and DC fast-charging networks. However, competitors like Red E and ChargePoint are closing the gap. Despite these improvements, overall satisfaction scores have declined due to rising costs and payment frustrations, particularly for non-Tesla owners using Tesla Superchargers.

Challenges in the Public Charging Market

Charging Failures

While improvements have been made, about 14% of charging attempts still fail, with the most common reason being the charger being out of service or not working properly.

Regional Variations

The study notes significant regional differences in charging reliability, with cities like Seattle and Los Angeles experiencing higher failure rates.

Cost and Ease of Payment

Rising costs and difficulties with payment systems continue to impact overall satisfaction negatively.

Federal Funding Uncertainty

The market faces uncertainty due to federal funding delays and shifting political landscapes, which can affect the pace of infrastructure development.

Brent Gruber, J.D. Power's executive director of its EV practice, expresses cautious optimism about the industry's progress, pointing to improvements in the reliability and success of public charging. However, he emphasizes that speed is not the panacea for the industry's development, and instead, improving reliability, user-friendliness, and cost transparency must be prioritized.

The EVX Public Charging Study, now in its fifth year, polled 7,428 BEV and PHEV owners between January and June 2025. The study evaluates satisfaction across ten key dimensions, including the physical condition of stations, convenience, safety, cost, and payment ease.

First-time EV owners express higher satisfaction than seasoned adopters with Level 2 chargers, scoring 610 compared to 592 by veteran users. Overall satisfaction with DC fast chargers dipped to 654 on J.D. Power's 1,000-point scale, down ten points from a year earlier. The Pacific region leads with 21% of non-charge visits, accompanied by 12% wait times, while the East South Central region fares best with only 7% of drivers failing to charge and just 5% encountering waits.

Despite these challenges, the public charging market for electric vehicles shows surprising fortitude, with the lowest incidence of charging failures in its four-year history. Combined OEM-operated networks from Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, and Ford tie Tesla with a collective DC fast charging satisfaction score of 709. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these challenges to foster long-term EV adoption.

[1] J.D. Power (2025). 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study. [online] Available at: https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study

[2] U.S. Department of Transportation (2021). National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. [online] Available at: https://www.transportation.gov/buildamerica/nevi

[3] Gruber, B. (2025). J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study Highlights. [online] Available at: https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-highlights

[4] J.D. Power (2025). 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Satisfaction Study. [online] Available at: https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-satisfaction-study

[5] Krause, J. (2025). Tesla Remains the Leader in Public Charging Satisfaction. [online] Available at: https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study-highlights#:~:text=Tesla%20remains%20the%20leader%20in,network%20achieving%20709.%20%5B1%5D

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