Public charger reliability — best and worst networks in the UK

I've had two dead rapid chargers in a row this week and it got me thinking: which public charging networks do you actually rate in 2026? I've had good luck with Ionity on motorways but the price hurts (£0.79/kWh). Gridserve has been reliable locally.

Best network, worst network — go. Include rough prices if you remember them.

Ionity reliability is genuinely good but the price is brutal unless you're on a subscription. FastNed has been solid for me too. The worst offenders in my area are the older BP Pulse 50kW units — they're often out of service for weeks.

Alright bab! I reckon InstaVolt is bostin for my MG4. Never had a mither using 'em down the M5. Gridserve is dead reliable too, though nowhere near as cheap as my Intelligent Octopus tariff at home. Worst? Pod Point, always throwing a wobbly! Anyway, I'm off to Sparkbrook for a balti, fancy the 70-mile run back up the M6. What network do you lot reckon is best for that run?

I reckon InstaVolt is tidy for the EV6, mun. Had a dodgy one down Cardiff Bay last week but the new ones up the Valleys are buzzing. Gridserve is dead right for M4 runs before a rugby match at the Principality, though! Pod Point? Not so much. Anyone else just using Intelligent Octopus for home top-ups instead of relying on the public lot?