IONITY vs Fastned
Ultra-rapid charging networks compared
IONITY and Fastned are the UK's two premium ultra-rapid charging networks. Both focus on high-speed motorway charging with speeds up to 300-350kW, and both offer subscription plans that dramatically reduce per-kWh costs. Here is how they compare for long-distance EV drivers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | IONITY | Fastned |
|---|---|---|
| Max charging speed | 350kW | 300kW |
| UK charger count | 780 | 226 |
| PAYG price | 79p/kWh | 74p/kWh |
| Best subscription price | 43p/kWh (Power 365, £104.99/yr) | 52p/kWh (Gold, £9.98/mo) |
| Subscription model | Annual (£54.99 or £104.99/yr) | Monthly (£9.98/mo) |
| Subscription flexibility | Annual commitment | Cancel monthly |
| Station design | Standard canopy design | Distinctive solar canopies |
| European coverage | Excellent (pan-European) | Good (NL, DE, UK, expanding) |
| Reliability | Very good | Excellent |
Verdict
IONITY offers faster maximum speeds (350kW) and a cheaper per-kWh subscription rate (43p vs 52p), plus better European coverage. Fastned offers a more flexible monthly subscription, marginally cheaper PAYG, and a slightly more premium station experience. For most long-distance UK drivers, IONITY's Power 365 at 43p/kWh is the better deal if you can commit annually. Fastned's monthly subscription is better if you want flexibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
IONITY supports up to 350kW, Fastned up to 300kW. In practice, your car's maximum charging rate matters more — most EVs peak at 100-250kW, so both networks deliver very similar real-world speeds.
Probably not. Choose the network with more locations along your regular routes. Use the other on PAYG or via a roaming card like Electroverse for occasional use.
IONITY has significantly more UK chargers (780 vs 226). If coverage is your priority, IONITY is the clear winner for ultra-rapid charging.