Thursday, November 14, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

Tesla and Fastned top Zapmap survey

Tesla and Fastned have been ranked the highest in UK charge point mapping service Zapmap’s annual satisfaction survey for rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks in the UK. 

The survey of 3,700 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) drivers saw Tesla scored highest in the large-sized network category, whilst Fastned was highest ranked for medium-sized networks.

This year, Zapmap grouped rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks into two categories with the medium category between 100 and 300 charge points and large for more than 300 charge points.

Tesla’s network, which has more than 860 chargers at 80 hubs, has now been opened up to the wider EV community. Drivers most appreciated the network’s value for money, which offers significantly lower prices than many rapid or ultra-rapid networks.. 

Also in the large category, in second and third place respectively, were MFG EV Power and Osprey Charging. The two networks earned the ‘EV Driver Recommended’ title for the 2024-25 rankings, alongside Be.EV who ranked fourth.

MFG EV Power has more than 780 chargers across 195 locations, all installed on fuel forecourts. EV drivers praised MFG’s reliability and convenient payment options. Osprey offers excellent accessibility, which is reflected in a high satisfaction score for the ease of use of its chargers. In 2024 Osprey rolled out more rapid or ultra-rapid chargers than any other network, with more than 1,200 devices across 380 locations. Be.EV has 579 devices across 179 locations and was rated highly for customer support and value for money.

Fastned, which topped the medium rapid/ultra-rapid network category, has 26 locations and more than 150 devices. The network scored very highly for reliability, ease of use and the payment options offered. Ionity came second with drivers particularly appreciating the network’s reliability.

Sainsbury’s Smart Charge won the up-and-coming network category following its roll-out of 150kW hubs at Sainsbury’s sites across the UK since the beginning of the year. It has installed hubs at 62 stores to date, which are proving popular with EV drivers, especially as the network has linked charging with Nectar rewards.

As part of the survey, respondents rated their overall satisfaction for the networks they use regularly, which is then used to rank each network out of a maximum of five stars. They also rated their level of satisfaction with the networks in five key areas: reliability, ease of use, customer support, value for money, and payment options.

Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder & COO at Zapmap, and who will be speaking at the Transport + Energy Forum on 21 November, said:

“This year has seen another huge increase in charging provision across the country, particularly for the ultra-rapid (150kW+) chargers, and charging hubs; and it is fantastic to be able to highlight and celebrate the UK’s best EV charging networks, as chosen by EV drivers.

“A record 17 networks are on the rankings table, and it is clear that reliability in the broadest sense remains key with EV drivers showing appreciation for networks rolling out consistent, reliable charging hubs which provide convenience and charging confidence. Whilst excellent payment options, customer support and ease of use are all highly valued, this year value for money, is an increasingly important consideration.”

Martin Symes, EV Director at MFG said:

“This achievement reflects our commitment to providing accessible and reliable EV charging solutions for drivers. We’re proud to have come second in the rankings, and we will continue to enhance our network to support the growing electric vehicle community.”

Ian Johnston, CEO at Osprey Charging said:

“Osprey has installed more new rapid charge points than any other network in both 2023 and 2024, whilst continuing to prioritise reliability and ease of use. This recognition as a Zapmap Recommended Network five years in a row is testament to the quality that customers experience across our ever-expanding network.”

Asif Ghafoor, CEO at Be.EV said:

“This recognition is especially rewarding because it’s voted for by the very drivers that plug into our network. At the start of 2024, we took in their feedback and promised a better, simpler charging experience. This meant a new app, a price drop, more roaming partnerships, and, above all, great Charging Hubs where people need them most.

“Are we done yet? Not even close.”

Tom Hurst, UK Country Director at Fastned said:

“This lets us know we’re on the right track, and I can promise we’ll continue to listen to drivers to make sure our network meets their needs today, tomorrow, and into the future.”

Andreas Atkins, Country Manager UK & Ireland at Ionity said:

“Our mission is to sustain this progress and quadruple the number of IONITY stations and charging points by the end of 2025, with 100% renewable energy. From Aberdeen to Bodmin, we’ll support limitless EV journeys, collaborating with partners like food and beverage outlets, retail parks, and hospitality venues to benefit both customers and local businesses along the way.”

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Director of Group Property, Procurement & Smart Charge said:

“We’re on a mission to improve public charging in the UK, giving more drivers the confidence to adopt electric vehicles, and over the past 12 months our dedicated Smart Charge team has worked tirelessly to grow our network to over 500 ultra-rapid charging bays at more than 60 Sainsbury’s locations.”

Jade Edwards, Head of Insights at Zapmap, said:

“Zapmap’s annual EV charging survey, now in its seventh year, is the most comprehensive analysis of UK EV driver behaviour and sentiment. This year’s network rankings provide crucial insights into how the rapid and ultra-rapid charging landscape is evolving, highlighting which networks are leading the way and where improvements are still needed. Huge congratulations to our winners Tesla and Fastned, who have been rated by EV drivers as the best networks.”

Image from Shutterstock

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