US EV fast-charging satisfaction hits record 666 points — and failures hit an all-time low

Despite a rough patch for the U.S. EV market — several automakers have scaled back or axed electric model lines, and Polestar has exited the market entirely — there's a bright spot: public charging is getting noticeably better. JD Power's 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study shows that driver satisfaction with public charging infrastructure has improved this year.

The study, which scores ten different index factors on a 1,000-point scale, covers both DC fast charging and Level 2 charging, though most of the scoring data focuses on DC fast charging. According to JD Power, satisfaction with DC fast charging now stands at 666 points, up 12 points from last year. At the same time, the share of drivers who pull up to a charger and are unable to charge has dropped to the lowest level the firm has ever recorded in its surveys.

The improvements are attributed to chargers becoming more reliable and accessible, which translates directly into a better experience for EV owners. However, the picture is mixed: satisfaction with Level 2 charging has fallen by 12 points since 2025. That means the overall gains are driven almost entirely by the fast-charging segment.

JD Power positions these findings as a positive signal for an industry that has been struggling with cooling consumer interest and shifting manufacturer strategies. While the new-vehicle side of the EV market faces uncertainty, the charging network itself continues to mature, addressing one of the key pain points that has historically deterred potential buyers. The study's results suggest that as fast-charging infrastructure becomes more dependable, it may help ease range anxiety and support broader EV adoption in the long run.