It’s a common question for business drivers facing longer journeys: where can I charge my car?
More to the point, where can I find reliable EV chargers that will provide the service I expect without having to wait around for too long?
As most EV drivers know, it’s best to always plan for all circumstances – so plan A, followed by plan B in case A doesn’t work out (and really just in case there’s often plan C).
But fortunately Zapmap has done a lot of the homework for drivers by naming the best EV charging stations – as voted for by the EV charger location map’s users.
It’s a survey that Zapmap carries out each year – last year the best was Fastned.
But where are the best places to charge in 2023?
In a survey conducted during October 2023, the winner was no other than Fastned, once more.
The survey of more than 4,000 electric car drivers said that the Fastned network of fast chargers, with its distinctive canopies, scored highly for the reliability and ease of use of its charging network.
Feedback highlighted Fastned chargers as “Excellent” and focused on the network’s “reliable and decent charging” experience. Although if you are looking for somewhere to relax while you charge, then that’s not the Fastned offering.
Network stats:
- 60+ ultra-rapid devices and 30 rapid devices at almost 20 locations across the UK
- The network has grown by 50% in the UK so far this year
- Accepts contactless and digital payments via cross-network solution Zap-Pay
In second place was MFG EV Power, the ultra-rapid network from Motor Fuel Group. MGF has around 560 charging devices up and down the country, and is aiming to install some 3,000 ultra-rapid devices by 2031.
Its sites are typically at traditional petrol station locations, and are installed in charging hubs with at least four charging devices. MFG has more than doubled the number of chargers in its network this year, predominantly installing reliable, high-powered hubs at forecourts across the country.
Key feedback was the reliability and ease of use while the network came in joint-second for reliability and second for ease of use, helping it to win an ‘EV Driver Recommended’ accreditation.
Network stats:
- 560 ultra-rapid charging devices across 120+ locations, predominantly at fuel forecourts
- Aiming to install 3,000 ultra-rapid chargers by 2031
- MFG EV Power is a live Zap-Pay partner
Third place went to Osprey Charging, moving up a position from last year’s results. With around 740 rapid and ultra-rapid devices across the UK, Osprey is committed to creating safe, accessible charging points.
Since last year, Osprey has not only doubled the number of chargers on its network, but has also started to roll out some impressive charging hubs, such as its ultra-rapid hub at Salmons Leap in Devon. The network has also shown a real understanding of the needs of electric car drivers, with a focus on both accessibility and customer service.
Network stats:
- Around 130 ultra-rapid charging devices, more than 610 rapid devices and around 10 lower-powered devices across more than 300 locations
- National network, opened the South West’s largest ultra-rapid hub earlier this year in Devon
- Zap-Pay launch partner, offering simple cross-network charging
In fourth place was Ionity with its 130 ultra-rapid charging devices across 22 locations, making it one of the smaller charging networks in the UK. However, the network is installing ultra-rapid charging hubs close to motorways and major A roads up and down the country, and operates almost 3,000 charging points along European motorways in 24 countries.
Respondents described Ionity devices as “Excellent chargers” that are “Fast and conveniently located,” although watch out for the cost you pay for the speed.
Network stats:
- 130 ultra-rapid charging devices across 22 locations
- Expanding its UK charging network, with more than 10 locations currently in construction
- Recently partnered with Village Hotels to open hundreds of UK ultra-rapid devices
In fifth we had InstaVolt which has almost 1,300 rapid and ultra-rapid charging devices across the country, and is the largest rapid network in the UK. It offers simple contactless payment from Scotland to Cornwall, and while it drops from third to fifth position this year drivers described InstaVolt devices as “Expensive but always works” and “Great. Modern. Reliable.” Some drivers “seek them out if possible.”
Network stats:
- Almost 1,300 rapid and ultra-rapid charging devices across 560 locations
- Largest en-route charging network in the UK
- Find InstaVolt devices at Costa Coffee, KFC, Starbucks and McDonalds outlets as well as retail parks, gyms and service stations
So if you’re stuck on planning your next journey in your EV, it might be worth plotting a route around these top five destination chargers. Because it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed by the charging experience.
Do you need help with moving to an EV fleet?
At CBVC Vehicle Management we can help with moving your fleet to electric as well as helping with EV charging advice. If you need to know more, then please contact one of our EV representatives on 01283 351200. They will be happy to help and provide expert advice.
