IONNA has been operating public fast chargers for less than two years, but EV drivers already rank it higher than every other eligible US fast-charging network.
The automaker-backed network earned a score of 807 out of 1,000 in the just-published 2026 JD Power US Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study. That puts IONNA (with 1,375 ports and 150 charging stations as of yesterday) comfortably ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network at 797 and the Rivian Adventure Network at 755.
It’s the first year that all three networks were eligible for JD Power’s awards, and all three took the top spots.
The results are a strong debut for IONNA, which is backed by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota. Its “Rechargery” sites often combine DC fast chargers with amenities such as canopies, restrooms, food, lounges, and more charging stalls.
IONNA CEO Seth Cutler told me yesterday during a video call that the company, which uses Alpitronic hardware and in-house-developed software, measures its chargers’ reliability by first-attempt success rate. “Because we’re not first to market, we’ve been able to learn from others, and we’re determined to redefine public charging and quality.”
JD Power said the newer automaker-backed networks scored especially well for ease of charging, charging speed, and charger availability. In some cases, their scores in those categories were more than 100 points above the segment average.
Fast charging improves but Level 2 slips
The broader picture for public DC fast charging is also improving. Overall satisfaction rose 12 points year over year to 666, with gains across all 10 factors measured by JD Power.
The biggest improvements were charger availability, up 27 points; how safe drivers felt at charging locations, up 18 points; and charging cost, also up 18 points.
Failed charging visits fell to the lowest level recorded since the study began in 2021. During the most recent quarter, 12% of EV drivers who visited a public charger were unable to charge, down from 14% during the same period last year.
That’s still roughly 1 unsuccessful visit in 8, so public charging clearly hasn’t reached gas-station reliability yet. But larger charging sites, newer equipment, better payment systems, and more chargers located near useful amenities appear to be making a measurable difference.
Public Level 2 charging moved in the opposite direction. Satisfaction fell 12 points year over year to 595, mainly because drivers reported more problems with payment and starting a charging session. Slow charging speed remained the most common complaint for both Level 2 and DC fast chargers, although dissatisfaction with DC charging speeds has declined in recent quarters.
Location matters
Where a charger is installed can be almost as important as the chargers themselves.
DC fast chargers at hotels received the highest satisfaction score at 692, followed by chargers at gas stations and convenience stores at 689 and restaurants at 688.
Dealership chargers scored just 570, while chargers in stand-alone parking lots and garages received a score of 606.
That helps explain why networks such as IONNA, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian are putting so much effort into site design and amenities. Drivers don’t just want a powerful charger that works – they want a place that feels safe and offers a useful, comfortable spot to spend 20 to 30 minutes.
JD Power based the study on responses from 6,594 BEV and PHEV owners. The survey was conducted from January through June 2026.
Read more: IONNA and Casey’s to bring more fast charging to the US Midwest
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