Highlights

• JD Power surveyed 78,514 owners of 2026 model-year vehicles.
• Electric vehicles achieved an average satisfaction score of 910 out of 1,000.
• Internal combustion engine vehicles, including petrol, diesel and hybrid models, scored 850 points.
• EVs led across nearly every major ownership satisfaction category.
• Powertrain satisfaction was 109 points higher for EVs than petrol and diesel vehicles.
• Improved charging infrastructure, longer driving range and better battery technology contributed to stronger owner experiences.
• The findings reinforce earlier research showing that most EV owners do not intend to return to petrol-powered vehicles.

Electric vehicles continue to strengthen their lead in owner satisfaction

Electric vehicles are no longer attracting buyers solely because of lower emissions. A new 2026 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study from JD Power suggests owners are increasingly happier with the vehicles they drive every day, and the gap between EVs and conventional models continues to widen.

The study covered 78,514 owners of 2026 model-year vehicles. On a 1,000-point satisfaction scale, EVs recorded an average score of 910, comfortably ahead of the 850-point average achieved by vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, including petrol, diesel and hybrid models.

While the difference is significant, the bigger story lies in how consistently EVs outperformed conventional vehicles across the ownership experience.

Where EVs outperformed conventional vehicles

The research found that electric vehicles delivered higher satisfaction across almost every major evaluation category. Owners particularly praised the driving characteristics that have become defining strengths of modern EVs.

• Higher powertrain satisfaction
• Smoother and quieter driving experience
• Stronger acceleration performance
• Lower operating costs
• Improved energy efficiency

The largest advantage appeared in powertrain satisfaction, where EVs scored 109 points higher than comparable petrol and diesel vehicles. Instant torque, refined operation and a more effortless driving experience continue to reshape expectations among new car buyers.

Category	Electric Vehicles	ICE Vehicles
Overall Satisfaction	910 / 1,000	850 / 1,000
Powertrain Satisfaction	109-point advantage	Lower score

Ownership experience goes beyond the powertrain

The report shows that satisfaction extends well beyond acceleration and performance. Owners also rated electric vehicles highly for everyday usability, an area that often determines whether drivers remain happy with their purchase over the long term.

According to the study, EVs earned stronger scores in several areas:

• Ease of entering and exiting the vehicle
• Driving comfort
• Infotainment systems
• Interior quality
• Startup experience
• Energy efficiency

These improvements highlight how manufacturers are refining the overall ownership experience rather than focusing only on battery capacity or driving range. For consumers, that broader approach may prove even more important over time.

Charging improvements are changing perceptions

Perhaps the most notable finding is how quickly owner satisfaction has improved. The study reports that EV satisfaction increased by 22 points in just one year, the largest improvement among vehicle categories.

Researchers attribute the gains to several developments that have made electric vehicle ownership more convenient.

Factor	Impact on Ownership Experience
Charging infrastructure	Improved convenience
Driving range	Greater confidence for daily use
Battery technology	Enhanced overall ownership experience
User-friendly features	Higher customer satisfaction

The timing is particularly significant as more markets continue investing in charging networks and manufacturers introduce increasingly capable electric models.

What the findings mean for the global automotive market

The study also supports conclusions from previous research indicating that most EV owners have little interest in returning to petrol-powered vehicles.

A separate recent survey found that 90 percent of EV owners expect their next vehicle to be another electric model. It also reported that 73 percent intend to keep at least one EV in their household permanently.

Those figures suggest satisfaction is translating into long-term loyalty, something every manufacturer hopes to achieve as competition in the electric vehicle segment intensifies.

As global EV adoption continues to accelerate, the latest JD Power findings reinforce an important message. Electric vehicles are increasingly being chosen not only because they reduce emissions, but because owners genuinely enjoy living with them. That shift could become one of the strongest drivers of future EV growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many vehicle owners participated in the JD Power study?
A: The study surveyed 78,514 owners of 2026 model-year vehicles, providing a broad view of customer satisfaction across different powertrains.

Q: What satisfaction score did electric vehicles achieve?
A: Electric vehicles received an average score of 910 out of 1,000, outperforming internal combustion engine vehicles.

Q: How did petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles perform?
A: Internal combustion engine vehicles, including petrol, diesel and hybrid models, achieved an average satisfaction score of 850 points.

Q: Why are EV owners reporting higher satisfaction?
A: The study highlights stronger powertrain performance, quieter operation, rapid acceleration, improved comfort, better infotainment systems, enhanced battery technology and improved charging infrastructure as key reasons.

Q: Are EV owners likely to buy another electric vehicle?
A: A separate survey cited in the report found that 90 percent of EV owners expect their next vehicle to be another EV, while 73 percent plan to keep at least one EV in their household.