Electric vehicle owners report higher satisfaction with their cars than drivers of gas-powered vehicles, according to a recent JD Power study. The results indicate that as EVs become more common, their appeal continues to strengthen.
EVs outscore gas cars in nearly all areas
The 2026 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study measures how strongly owners connect with their new vehicles. It found that EVs surpassed internal combustion engine cars in almost all areas. The largest difference appeared in powertrain satisfaction, where electric models scored 109 points higher on a 1,000-point scale.
Electric motors provide instant torque, smoother acceleration, and quieter operation—features most gas engines struggle to match. The study also showed that EV satisfaction is rising faster than any other powertrain type. Scores increased by 22 points from the previous year, the biggest gain among all categories.
JD Power collected responses from 78,514 owners of 2026 model-year vehicles within their first 90 days of ownership. The survey evaluated 37 attributes, including comfort, interior design, and driving excitement. These findings support other research showing that most drivers who switch to electric rarely return to gas-powered cars.
Even first-time buyers are satisfied with EVs
The data revealed that satisfaction isn’t limited to early adopters. As budget EVs sell out quickly, a wider range of buyers—including those who were initially hesitant—are expressing high levels of contentment. This trend is notable because other surveys on public charging experiences have suggested that mainstream adoption often brings more complaints about infrastructure.
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Yet in this case, first-time EV owners are just as enthusiastic as repeat buyers.
Additional research supports these findings. A separate report found that 90% of EV owners intend to purchase another electric vehicle, while 73% say their household will always own at least one. Consider, too, the fact that 100% of Mack Hogans decide to purchase another EV after leasing one for the first time.
The JD Power study suggests that for many drivers, switching to electric goes beyond performance or environmental benefits. The experience often feels difficult to abandon once tried. This may explain why the satisfaction gap between EVs and gas cars isn’t closing—it’s expanding.
Not every EV owner is completely satisfied. Charging infrastructure remains a challenge, and some models lack refinement. Still, the overall trend is clear: for those who make the switch, electric cars frequently exceed expectations.
