Satisfaction with electric vehicle charging has increased, particularly with DC fast chargers and Tesla Superchargers, but challenges remain, according to JD Power’s 2024 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study.

Slow but steady improvement in satisfaction

The number of public charging stations in the U.S. continues to grow, but it can’t keep pace with the increase in electric vehicle sales. The result? More electric vehicles per charging station, which has led to a decline in satisfaction. However, this year’s study shows some positive trends.

Satisfaction with DC fast chargers has increased to 664 on a 1,000-point scale, up 10 points from 2023. Tesla Superchargers continue to lead the way, with Tesla owners giving the network a satisfaction score of 743. Non-Tesla owners who recently gained access to the Supercharger network are also relatively satisfied, rating it at 706 – 42 points higher than overall satisfaction with other DC fast chargers.

But while DC fast chargers are gaining popularity, Level 2 chargers are losing ground. Level 2 charger satisfaction scores dropped to 614, down 3 points from last year. EV owners appear to be growing more impatient with longer wait times at Level 2 chargers, which may be a sign that the industry needs to double down on its efforts to improve fast charging infrastructure.

The Tesla Supercharger Advantage (and Limitations)

Tesla’s decision to open its Supercharger network to electric vehicles from other manufacturers is a watershed move. Motivated by the opportunity to tap into federal funding for infrastructure, this move has allowed more drivers to experience the convenience and reliability of Tesla chargers. However, the transition has not been without its problems. Some Tesla owners have noticed that Superchargers are becoming increasingly busy, so their satisfaction with charger availability has slightly waned.

A big reason Tesla’s Supercharger network continues to outperform other EV charging station brands is its seamless user experience. Tesla’s plug-and-pay system makes charging a breeze. Non-Tesla owners, on the other hand, must use adapters and often don’t have access to the same effortless payment experience. This creates a noticeable gap in satisfaction between Tesla and non-Tesla users, especially when it comes to ease of payment and charging.

Problems with charging in public facilities

Despite these positive trends, the study shows that public charging stations are still a problem for many electric vehicle owners. Around 19% of respondents said they had visited a charging station but were unable to charge their vehicle – a problem that has improved by just a single percentage point since last year. The most common problem is out-of-service charging stations, which accounted for 61% of failed charging attempts.

Another persistent problem is the availability of chargers. In some regions, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Pacific, long wait times and a lack of available chargers are causing frustration among electric vehicle drivers. Vandalism and theft also continue to be a problem, with cable damage a significant issue in certain parts of the country.

Improving reliability and combating vandalism are critical steps to making public charging a more satisfying experience for everyone.

Electrek’s opinion

Although the 2024 study shows progress, there is still much work to be done. Public charging infrastructure, especially DC fast chargers, must be expanded faster and become more reliable to meet growing demand.

Tesla’s Supercharger network remains the gold standard, but as more non-Tesla drivers join, the industry must work to ensure that all Electric vehicle owners have access to fast, reliable and user-friendly charging options.

Read more: Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging is a priority at Starbucks

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