Net-Zero EV Charging: Tesla & Sainsbury’s Smart Charge Top Zapmap Ratings

Welcome to Net Zero News, where we bring you the latest developments driving the UK’s transition to a net-zero future. Today we report on the latest customer satisfaction rankings for rapid and ultra-rapid public electric vehicle charging networks, highlighting leaders in user experience and infrastructure reliability.

Net Zero News can reveal that Zapmap, the UK’s leading live charger mapping service, has published its annual satisfaction survey for rapid and ultra-rapid charging networks. Conducted in October 2025, the survey canvassed over 5,000 UK electric vehicle drivers to assess performance, reliability and overall user satisfaction. Topping the rapid charging category was Tesla’s Supercharger network, while Sainsbury’s Smart Charge emerged as the leader among ultra-rapid providers.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, this ranking underscores the growing importance of reliable charging infrastructure. Tesla’s network scored highest for reliability and ease of use, reflecting the brand’s global investment in fast, user-friendly charging technology. Sainsbury’s Smart Charge impressed customers with widespread site availability and competitive pricing, demonstrating how retail partners can play a crucial role in expanding ultra-rapid charging across the country.

Electric vehicle uptake is a cornerstone of the UK’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Zapmap’s survey provides critical insight into driver priorities, revealing that station uptime, payment simplicity and location accessibility top the list of consumer concerns. This feedback loop is essential for network operators and policymakers to refine deployment strategies in line with the UK’s Road to Zero emissions strategy and the National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendations.

The results matter because high customer satisfaction directly influences driver confidence and accelerates EV adoption. Net Zero News understands that each percentage point increase in charger reliability can translate into thousands more drivers choosing electric over diesel or petrol. With transport accounting for nearly a third of UK emissions, enhancements in public charging networks could deliver significant annual CO₂ reductions and support local air quality improvements.

Key stakeholders are already mobilising to respond. Tesla continues to expand its Supercharger footprint under the UK government’s Rapid Charging Fund, which commits £950 million to network upgrades by 2030. Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s has invested £20 million alongside partners including GRIDSERVE and InstaVolt to double its ultra-rapid sites in the next 18 months. Zapmap itself remains central, providing real-time analytics that help operators target areas of greatest driver demand.

This development aligns with broader government strategies such as the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy and the forthcoming Transport Decarbonisation Plan. Net Zero News understands this forms part of a concerted effort by the Department for Transport and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles to ensure charging infrastructure keeps pace with the target of 300,000 public chargers by 2030. Local authorities are also embedding these networks into regional decarbonisation frameworks to bolster rural and urban connectivity.

For communities and the automotive industry alike, improved charging satisfaction means a more seamless transition to zero-emission motoring. Urban centres stand to benefit from reduced tailpipe pollution, while rural areas can overcome ‘charge anxiety’ barriers through reliable ultra-rapid outlets. Innovations in smart grid integration and renewable energy sourcing at these sites further amplify environmental gains, creating a virtuous circle of cleaner transport and energy resilience.

Looking ahead, Zapmap plans to extend its survey to cover user satisfaction for home and workplace charging later in 2026. Network operators have committed to quarterly performance reviews and public disclosure of reliability metrics. Net Zero News can reveal that new entrants, including automotive OEM consortia and independent fast-charging alliances, are preparing to challenge the incumbents, promising even greater competition and service improvements.

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