UK EV Charging Reliability Rankings 2025-2026: The Best & Worst Networks Revealed
Introduction
In 2026, “Range Anxiety” has been replaced by “Reliability Anxiety.” As more drivers switch to electric, the question is not whether there is a charger nearby, it is whether that charger will actually work when you arrive. According to the latest 2025/2026 driver satisfaction surveys, overall satisfaction with the UK network has climbed to 69%, but a massive gap has opened between the “Reliability Kings” and the “Uptime Underperformers.”
At ONEEV, we have analysed the data from nearly 4,000 drivers to bring you the definitive league table of the best and worst EV charging networks in the UK today.
The “Large” Network Rankings (500+ Chargers)
These are the motorway workhorses and major national operators.
1st Place: Tesla Public Supercharger (Rating: 4.5/5)
For the second year running, Tesla dominates. Now that over 50% of the Supercharger network is open to all EV brands (with 1,115+ devices available), it has become the gold standard for reliability and ease of use.
Expert View: “Tesla’s vertical integration, owning both the hardware and the software, is why their uptime remains near 99.9% while others struggle.”
2nd Place: MFG EV Power (Rating: 4.1/5)
Operating mainly on fuel forecourts, MFG has made charging feel like “filling up.” Drivers love the familiar environment, the bright lighting, and the consistently high uptime.
Joint 3rd Place: Ionity & Osprey (Rating: 3.9/5)
Ionity saw a massive 110% growth this year, moving into the large category with ultra-rapid 350kW speeds. Osprey remains a driver favourite for the 6th year in a row, thanks to its superior customer service and accessible hubs.
The “Medium” Network Rankings (150-500 Chargers)
The most innovative segment of the market.
1st Place: Sainsbury’s Smart Charge (Rating: 4.4/5)
The biggest surprise of 2026. Only launched in 2024, Smart Charge has surged to #1 by offering 150kW ultra-rapid hubs at 84 supermarket locations.
The “Win”: Seamless integration with Nectar points and high reliability has made this the #1 choice for “chore-charging.”
2nd Place: Be.EV (Rating: 4.3/5)
Climbing the ranks for its community-focused hubs, Be.EV received the highest rating for customer support of any network in the UK.
3rd Place: Fastned (Rating: 4.2/5)
Known for their iconic yellow canopies, Fastned scored the highest for “Range of Payment Options” and “Ease of Use.”
The “Hall of Shame”: The Bottom Performers
While the top networks are improving, three major players are currently failing to meet driver expectations for reliability:
- ChargePlace Scotland (2.1/5): Reliability remains a critical issue for the Scottish national network.
- BP Pulse (2.4/5): Despite being one of the largest, drivers report frequent “broken” pins and complex payment issues.
- Shell Recharge (2.6/5): Underperforming on uptime and customer satisfaction compared to its competitors.
The “Up-and-Coming” Star: Arnold Clark Charge
Keep an eye on Arnold Clark Charge. Launched in late 2025, it has already established 57 sites with an innovative booking system, a feature drivers have been begging for. It currently boasts some of the highest customer support ratings in the industry.
3 Things to Check Before You Plug In
- The “Live” Status: Always check the ONEEV App for real-time uptime. Do not trust a map pin if it has not been used in the last 2 hours.
- Payment Method: Networks like Fastned and Tesla are easiest to pay for, whereas older networks may still require specific RFID cards.
- The “Lurking” Costs: While Tesla and Arnold Clark offer competitive pricing, some “legacy” networks are now more expensive than petrol per mile.
Conclusion
The 2026 data shows that supermarkets and dedicated hubs are winning the war for driver hearts. If you want a stress-free trip, aim for a Sainsbury’s Smart Charge or a Tesla hub.
Avoid the “Broken Charger” trap. Download ONEEV now to see live reliability scores and user-reported uptime for every charger in the UK.
