The automaker-backed IONNA network topped electric vehicle drivers’ ratings for public fast-charging networks in the United States, scoring 807 out of 1,000 points in the 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Public Charging Experience Study, recently published by J.D. Power.
With this result, IONNA surpassed the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, which scored 797 points, and the Rivian Adventure Network, which scored 755 points. This was the first year in which all three networks became eligible for J.D. Power awards, and all three took the top positions. As of August 12, 2026, IONNA operated 150 charging stations with 1,375 ports, less than two years after beginning operation of its public chargers.
IONNA’s Network Structure and the “Rechargery” Experience
BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota are behind the IONNA network. The network relies on equipment from Alpitronic, along with software developed in-house. Its sites, known as “Rechargeries,” combine fast DC chargers with amenities such as canopies, restrooms, dining areas, and lounges, while also providing a larger number of charging ports at some locations.
Seth Cutler, IONNA’s chief executive officer, said the company measures charger reliability through the first-attempt charging success rate. He added that not being the first network to enter the market allowed it to learn from others’ experiences, and that it is seeking to redefine public-charging quality.
According to J.D. Power, newer automaker-backed networks achieved strong results, particularly in charging ease, process speed, and charger availability. In some of these categories, their scores exceeded the industry average by more than 100 points.
Fast Charging Improves While Level 2 Declines
Overall satisfaction with public direct-current fast charging rose 12 points year over year to 666 points, with improvement across all 10 factors measured by the study. Charger availability recorded the largest increase, rising 27 points, followed by drivers’ sense of safety at charging locations and their evaluation of charging costs, each of which rose 18 points.
Failed visits to chargers also fell to their lowest level since the study began in 2021. During the most recent quarter, 12% of electric vehicle drivers who visited a public charger were unable to complete the charging session, compared with 14% during the same period the previous year. However, this means that roughly one in every eight visits is unsuccessful, indicating that reliability has not yet reached the level of gas stations.
By contrast, satisfaction with Level 2 charging fell 12 points to 595 points, primarily because of an increase in payment problems and difficulties initiating charging sessions. Slow charging speed remained the most common complaint for both Level 2 and fast charging, despite a decline in dissatisfaction with DC charging speed in recent quarters.
Station Location Is an Influential Factor
The results showed that charger location may be nearly as important as the charger’s own specifications. Satisfaction scores for DC chargers by location were as follows:
- Hotels: 692 points.
- Gas stations and convenience stores: 689 points.
- Restaurants: 688 points.
- Independent parking lots and garages: 606 points.
- Dealer locations: 570 points.
The J.D. Power study was based on responses from 6,594 owners of battery-electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles, with data collected between January and June 2026. The findings indicate that charging-site design, the provision of useful amenities, the use of newer equipment, and improved payment systems help enhance the driver experience during the waiting period, which typically lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.