IONNA Tops JD Power EV Charging Study, Beats Established Networks

IONNA Outperforms All Major EV Fast-Charging Networks in 2026 JD Power Study

IONNA, the joint venture EV charging network backed by eight major automakers, has achieved the highest satisfaction score among all eligible U.S. fast-charging networks in the newly released 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study. Operating public fast chargers for less than two years, IONNA earned a score of 807 out of 1,000, surpassing the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network (797) and the Rivian Adventure Network (755).

This marks the first year these automaker-backed networks were eligible for the awards, and all three secured the top positions, signaling a shift in charging quality. The study, based on responses from 6,594 battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners surveyed from January through June 2026, measured satisfaction across ten factors.

Key Study Findings and Industry Impact

• Network Performance: IONNA's score of 807 leads all networks, with the Mercedes-Benz and Rivian networks also scoring well above the segment average.
• Reliability Metrics: Overall DC fast charging satisfaction rose 12 points year-over-year to 666, with charger availability (up 27 points) and safety perception (up 18 points) showing significant gains.
• Failed Charging Attempts: The rate of unsuccessful charging visits fell to 12%, the lowest since the study began in 2021, down from 14% in the same period last year. However, this still represents roughly one failed attempt in eight.
• Location Preferences: Satisfaction scores varied significantly by location. DC fast chargers at hotels (692), gas stations/convenience stores (689), and restaurants (688) scored highest, while dealership chargers (570) and stand-alone parking lots (606) scored lowest.

This means for B2B buyers, fleet operators, and infrastructure developers: The superior performance of IONNA, which uses Alpitronic hardware and proprietary software, demonstrates that a strategic focus on reliability (measured by first-attempt success rate), site design, and driver amenities directly translates to higher user satisfaction and can be a key differentiator. This model provides a clear benchmark for new infrastructure projects aiming to reduce range anxiety and accelerate EV adoption.

While the study highlights progress in DC fast charging, it noted a decline in satisfaction for public Level 2 charging, which fell 12 points to 595, primarily due to payment and session initiation issues. IONNA CEO Seth Cutler emphasized the company's advantage: '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.'

Supplier Solution Note

Reliable, high-performance batteries are the backbone of any successful EV ecosystem, from vehicles to grid storage. We specialize in drone battery solutions, but our expertise in cell performance, BMS, and custom packs translates across sectors. Use our tool at https://tool.liion-batt.com for rapid battery parameter matching to support infrastructure and vehicle development.