EV Charging Network Comparison
Compare the biggest EV charging networks — Tesla Supercharger, Ionity, Fastned, Electrify America, ChargePoint and Shell Recharge — by price, speed, coverage and real trip cost.
Trip cost across networks
See what a typical fast-charging session costs on each network.
Typical 10-80% session: 40-70 kWh.
| Network | $/kWh | Max speed | Stations | Your trip cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Trip cost = charging sessions × energy per charge × network price. Session fees, idle fees and subscriptions excluded. Prices are indicative averages and vary by region and station.
Cheapest network for your trip
Network profiles
What each network is best at — and where it falls short.
Tesla Supercharger
The gold standard for reliability and ease. Huge coverage, 250 kW peak, plug-and-charge, and now open to most EVs. Best all-round network where available.
Ionity
Europe's ultra-fast highway standard: 350 kW chargers every 150 km on major corridors. Expensive per kWh, but subscriptions cut costs for frequent travelers.
Fastned
Solar-powered highway hubs with a reputation for reliability and green energy. Premium pricing but excellent uptime and a good app.
Electrify America
The main US highway network outside Tesla, with 350 kW chargers at many sites. Coverage is expanding fast, though reliability varies by station.
ChargePoint
The world's largest network by connector count, mixing AC and DC chargers at workplaces, malls and curbside. Great for slow-charge-while-you-shop, less for highway sprints.
Shell Recharge
Gas-station giant adding fast chargers across Europe and the US. Convenient locations with shops and restrooms, solid 150-180 kW speeds.
How to charge cheaper on any network
- Use network subscriptions. A $6-13/month plan often cuts prices 15-25% and pays for itself after 2-3 sessions.
- Charge during off-peak hours. Many networks drop prices at night.
- Compare apps before plugging in. Prices can differ by 50% between two stations 2 km apart.
- Stop at 80%. The last 20% is slower and billed per minute on several networks.
Plan your route
Estimate your total trip time and stops with the EV Trip Planner, then compare home vs public prices with the Charging Cost calculator. For station-level planning, the native planner in your car or an aggregator app is the most reliable source.
Frequently asked questions
Which EV charging network is the cheapest?
Tesla Supercharger and ChargePoint are typically cheapest at ~$0.43-0.45/kWh, while Ionity and Shell Recharge run $0.61-0.79/kWh without a subscription. Network apps often offer monthly plans that cut prices 15-25%.
What is the biggest EV charging network?
By connector count, ChargePoint is the largest globally with over 50,000 stations. Tesla Supercharger has the most fast chargers. In Europe, Ionity leads on ultra-fast highway charging while Fastned focuses on reliable hubs.
How much does it cost to use a Tesla Supercharger with a non-Tesla?
Non-Tesla drivers typically pay slightly more per kWh — often $0.50-0.60 vs $0.43 for Tesla owners. Access requires the Tesla app and a CCS-compatible adapter in North America.
Do charging networks offer subscriptions?
Yes — most major networks offer monthly plans (e.g. $5-13/month) that cut per-kWh rates 15-25%. If you fast-charge more than 2-3 times a month, a subscription usually pays for itself.
How do I find the best charger for my route?
Use an aggregator app like ABRP, PlugShare or your car's native planner to filter by price, speed and reliability. Cross-check charger availability in real time before committing to a stop.