Tesla has retained its position as the UK’s top large rapid and ultra-rapid EV charging network for the third consecutive year, according to Zapmap’s latest annual charging network awards. Arnold Clark Charge has been named the best medium-sized rapid charging network, while Connected Kerb has secured the top position in the destination and on-street charging category for the second year running.
The Zapmap EV Charging Network Awards 2026/27 are based on feedback from thousands of electric vehicle drivers across the UK. This year’s survey attracted a record 5,346 completed responses from battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners, representing a 34% increase compared with the previous year.
The results offer an important look at which public charging networks are delivering the best experience as the UK’s electric vehicle market continues to expand.
Tesla Public Supercharger has once again claimed the Best EV Charging Network award in the Large Rapid / Ultra-rapid category, marking its third consecutive victory.
The network currently offers 1,289 public EV chargers across 110 locations, with approximately 57% of Tesla’s total Supercharger network now accessible to drivers of non-Tesla electric vehicles.
Since opening many of its charging locations to other EV brands, Tesla has become an increasingly important part of the UK’s public charging infrastructure. Its competitive pricing, particularly during off-peak periods, and strong reliability continue to attract positive feedback from drivers.
MFG EV Power finished second, while IONITY and Be.EV shared third place. All three networks received Zapmap’s EV Driver Recommended recognition, reflecting overall satisfaction scores of at least four out of five.
MFG EV Power operates more than 3,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers across 597 locations, including fuel stations and Morrisons supermarkets. Its network grew by 16% year over year, with drivers particularly highlighting reliability, ease of use and payment flexibility.
IONITY also continued expanding its UK presence. The network now has 900 chargers across 84 locations, with new sites in urban areas such as Birmingham and London, as well as additional locations in the Scottish Highlands.
Be.EV has made significant progress following its acquisition of the Mer network. It now operates 2,493 chargers across 592 locations, including 1,370 rapid and ultra-rapid units. Its expansion has increased coverage in southeast England and introduced its first charging hub in Scotland.
Arnold Clark Charge Takes the Medium Network Crown
Arnold Clark Charge has been named the UK’s Best EV Charging Network in the Medium Rapid / Ultra-rapid category for 2026/27.
The dealership-backed charging network has continued its rapid development after being recognised as Zapmap’s Best Up-and-Coming Network last year.
Arnold Clark Charge now operates 429 EV chargers across 63 locations. The company celebrated the opening of its 60th charging site in Wolverhampton in February and continues to offer competitive pricing at 55p per kWh.
Although some locations have limited nearby public amenities, drivers can access facilities and customer support at Arnold Clark dealerships, with complimentary coffee also available.
Fastned secured second place, while Sainsbury’s Smart Charge finished third. Both networks earned EV Driver Recommended recognition.
Fastned now operates 270 chargers across 42 UK locations. Its distinctive yellow charging stations, solar canopies and Autocharge technology have helped it build a loyal customer base. The automatic charging feature allows compatible vehicles to begin charging simply by plugging in.
Smart Charge, meanwhile, has expanded to 744 chargers across 96 locations. Operated by supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, the network combines Kempower charging equipment with competitive pricing and Nectar loyalty rewards.
The supermarket-based charging model offers drivers an opportunity to charge their vehicles while shopping, making public charging more convenient as part of everyday routines.
Connected Kerb Wins Best Destination and On-Street Charging Network
Connected Kerb has retained its position at the top of the Destination / On-street charging category for the second consecutive year.
The network focuses particularly on drivers who cannot charge their electric vehicles at home, working with local authorities to expand public charging infrastructure in residential areas.
Connected Kerb currently operates 8,874 chargers across 2,266 locations. Its partnerships with Surrey and West Sussex are among the major projects supporting the UK’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) rollout, with each project delivering more than 1,000 chargers to date.
One of its popular features is smart charging, which allows drivers to schedule charging sessions during cheaper off-peak electricity periods. Customer support was another area where Connected Kerb received particularly strong feedback.
Zest and RAW Charging shared second place in the category, both receiving EV Driver Recommended recognition with overall satisfaction ratings of 3.9 out of five.
Zest operates 3,534 chargers, approximately 84% of which are standard or standard-plus units. Its charging locations include partnerships with major food and beverage brands such as KFC, Costa, Starbucks and Burger King, alongside an expanding relationship with Co-op.
The company is also involved in several LEVI infrastructure projects, including developments in Hertfordshire, Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea.
RAW Charging has also expanded its network considerably, reporting 44% year-over-year growth. It now operates 2,602 chargers across 448 locations, focusing on destinations in the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors.
Its partnerships include major shopping destinations such as Bluewater in Kent, B&Q stores and National Trust properties, giving EV drivers more opportunities to charge while visiting popular destinations.
Reliability and Charging Costs Remain Key Priorities for EV Drivers
Zapmap’s 2026 survey evaluated public charging networks across five main areas: reliability, ease of use, customer support, value for money and payment convenience.
These factors are becoming increasingly important as more drivers transition to electric vehicles and depend on public charging infrastructure.
The UK now has more than 96,000 standard and standard-plus public chargers, representing over 75% of the country’s charging infrastructure. These slower charging points play an important role for drivers without private driveways or access to home charging, particularly those who rely on on-street parking.
The growing number of public chargers at supermarkets, shopping centres, hotels, gyms and tourist attractions is also helping integrate EV charging into everyday activities.
With more than half a million additional electric vehicles on UK roads compared with December 2025, the demand for reliable and affordable public charging is expected to remain strong.
The latest Zapmap awards highlight the networks that are currently delivering the strongest customer experience. Tesla continues to dominate large rapid charging, Arnold Clark Charge is emerging as a strong competitor in the medium category, and Connected Kerb remains a leading option for residential and destination charging.
For EV drivers, the results provide a useful reference when choosing where to charge, although local availability, charging prices and vehicle compatibility should also be considered.
[source: Zapmap]
