Tesla Dominates 2026 EV Satisfaction Study; Audi and Honda Lag Behind

Tesla leads the JD Power EVX 2026, with high satisfaction despite lower market share; public charging and batteries drive the experience.

The new edition of the JD Power EVX Ownership 2026 study reveals that the satisfaction of electric vehicle owners reached its highest level ever recorded, even with market share declining after changes to the tax credit.

Tesla stands out clearly, while Audi and Honda occupy the lowest positions among the evaluated brands.

Key Findings

• Conducted in partnership with PlugShare, the study surveyed 5,741 owners of 2025/2026 EVs and analyzes 10 factors of the EV ownership experience.
• 96% of buyers stated they would lease or buy another EV.
• Overall satisfaction for premium EVs reached 786/1000, with mass-market models reaching 727/1000.
• Public charging availability was the index that evolved the most: 652 for premium (101 points higher than the previous year) and 511 for mass market.

Models and Brands

The Tesla Model 3 maintained the lead among models, including in the premium segment, possibly due to its more accessible base price and recent improvements. This is followed by the Tesla Model Y, the BMW i4, and the BMW iX.

In the mass segment, the Ford Mustang Mach-E took the lead, followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Kia EV9, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Kia EV6.

Performance Notes

Only two models scored below 700 points: the Audi Q6 e-tron (690) and the Honda Prologue (623). The Chevrolet Blazer EV, which shares a platform with the Prologue, was near the bottom with 711.

Although JD Power does not detail specific areas of deficiency, the result is particularly notable for Audi, especially given BMW's performance.

What This Means

EV sales may have pulled back after the end of the tax credit, but owners who have already chosen this type of vehicle demonstrate an unprecedented level of satisfaction. The range of 300 miles or more per charge and the improvement in the public charging network appear as key points.

PHEVs are also showing advances, but they tend to present greater powertrain complexity and, according to studies, lower reliability compared to traditional combustion cars.

Manufacturers have been refining their offerings over several years, and the results are beginning to show. If this satisfaction trend continues, the recent drop in demand may be temporary.

About the Study

The study, conducted in partnership with PlugShare, evaluates 10 factors of EV ownership based on 5,741 owners of 2025/2026 models, considering not only the vehicle but also public charging availability, service experience, and overall quality.

Among the conclusions, 96% stated they would rent or buy another EV again, reinforcing the segment's positive momentum.

Premium satisfaction stood at 786/1000 and mass-market satisfaction at 727/1000, with the improvement trend driven by technological advances and charging infrastructure.

What is your take on these results? Do you believe that the evolution of battery technology and the charging network can sustain this good wave of satisfaction, even with regulatory changes? Share your point of view in the comments.