Tesla EV Charging was once the benchmark nobody could touch. Now the Supercharger network has slipped to fourth place in JD Power’s 2026 DC fast-charging study, and the throne has changed hands. Ionna, Rivian and Mercedes-Benz, three networks that barely existed a few years ago, now finish ahead of the brand that wrote the playbook.
*Photos courtesy of Tesla.*Tesla EV Charging Loses Its Crown
The scores tell a sobering story. Superchargers posted 733 points in 2021, peaked at 739 in 2022 and 2023, then slid to 701 points in 2026. Meanwhile, rivals were climbing in the opposite direction.
Tesla opened its North American plug, now standardized as SAE J3400, to 21 other manufacturers. That generosity helped drivers everywhere, yet it also crowded a network that once felt like a closed loop. JD Power noticed satisfaction dipping in late 2024, right as non-Tesla access expanded.
Rivals Built Networks Around Experience
Mercedes-Benz launched its high-power grid in 2023. By June 2026, it counted more than 775 charging points across 25 US states and British Columbia, with speeds up to 400 kW. Both CCS1 and NACS plugs are supported, and the network remains open to other brands.
Rivian’s Adventure Network, now past 150 sites, took a different route. Its Charging Outposts add coffee, restrooms and seating, which quietly lifts how drivers feel about a charging stop. Mercedes is pushing electrification just as hard, as its 2028 Mercedes-AMG GT SUV demonstrates.
Ionna Claims the Throne Outright
The category win belongs to Ionna, a joint venture announced in July 2023 by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis. Toyota joined later as the eighth founding automaker. Its first Rechargery opened in Apex, North Carolina, at the turn of 2025.
Within roughly two years, Ionna topped J.D. Power’s national DC fast-charging satisfaction ranking. Its sites deliver up to 400 kW, and partners like Circle K add countertops, restrooms and lounges. Ionna also skipped a proprietary app, letting drivers pay at the charger or through outside platforms. In a twist, Mercedes-Benz helped build the winning venture, so its own network finished second.
What Comes Next For Tesla
Still, Tesla EV Charging retains enormous scale and a loyal owner base. Winning back the crown will require faster software updates, smarter crowd management and better site design. Ionna’s momentum looks hard to stop, so expect Tesla to fight aggressively throughout 2027 to reclaim the top spot. For more coverage on Auto News Magazine, keep an eye on how this rivalry evolves.</
Julian Hayes
Future Mobility & Technology Editor at Auto News Magazine. Covering the next frontier of electric powertrains, 800V architectures, solid-state battery chemistry, and autonomous vehicle platforms.
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