Here are the best and worst charging networks

ELECTRIC CARS

High ease of use trumps most, but price is an issue that is becoming increasingly important. The Swedish Quality Index has released its customer satisfaction report for charging operators – and the differences are large.

For an electric car driver on a long journey, the mood is closely linked to the state of charge. Knowing that there are good charging options along the way is almost a must. But how good are the charging operators at meeting the wishes of electric motorists? For the third year in a row has Swedish Quality Index, SKI, (link goes to pdf) carried out a customer satisfaction survey in the industry – and the result is quite disappointing.

According to SKI’s assessment, the operators are not brilliant when it comes to keeping their users satisfied. Or as they write: it is “an industry that is still struggling to meet the basic demands of customers”.

Because despite a lot of money being invested, charging along the roads is something that many electric drivers find frustrating. Especially when it comes to payment solutions, price information and not least how fragmented the industry is.

Tesla’s system popular

But which charging networks are then best at satisfying their customers. Well, for the third year in a row, Tesla is at the top when it comes to providing the best experience. Not only in Sweden, but according to SKI, Tesla also excels at the Nordic level.

– Tesla delivers time and time again and shows that a clear and user-friendly charging system goes home with customers, says Calle Walmstedt, project manager at SKI.

Tesla, which is in conflict with IF Metall, has not been significantly affected based on the survey, despite sympathy measures from the Electricians not to service or install new chargers. They have dropped compared to last year’s figure, but Tesla is still taking a reassuring profit.

At the bottom of the list is the More operator.

Something that SKI highlights is that the issue of price has become increasingly important to customers. But as it is now, it is tricky to make a simple price comparison.

The lack of price transparency is one thing, but most irritation concerns the charging industry’s fragmented payment solutions. Many actors have chosen their own proprietary systems to “lock in” customers to a network or brand – according to SKI, this leads to customer dissatisfaction rather than satisfaction.

– This is a clear example of when the industry’s own interests are put above the customer’s need for simplicity, says Calle Walstedt.