Buyers of new battery electric vehicles are more satisfied with their cars than ever, according to a new survey from J.D. Power.

The one exception is Tesla, which had consistently led the ratings but now lags EV drivers’ satisfaction with more traditional brands for performance, execution and layout.

What You Need To Know

  • Customers of EV models from brands other than Tesla feel more excitement and emotional attachment toward their vehicles, according to J.D. Power

  • Tesla's appeal was strongest among loyal buyers

  • Battery electric vehicles were most appealing in the study, even when compared to vehicles of all other fuel types

  • New EV buyers were especially pleased with improved battery range and better interior materials

“Traditional manufacturers have listened to the voice of the customer,” J.D. Power Senior Director of Auto Benchmarking Frank Hanley said in a statement. “They’re launching enhanced vehicles that are more in line with what customers want, including improved interior storage and higher quality materials, as well as ensuring features have ease of use.”

Hanley noted that customers of EV models from brands other than Tesla feel more excitement and emotional attachment toward their vehicles. Tesla’s appeal was strongest among loyal buyers.

Battery electric vehicles were most appealing in the study, even when compared to vehicles of all other fuel types. New EV buyers were especially pleased with improved battery range and better interior materials.

On a 1,000-point scale, non-Tesla battery electric vehicle satisfaction scored 877 and Tesla came in at 870. While overall satisfaction was 847, gasoline vehicles scored 842 and plug-in hybrids 841.

Among all vehicles and fuel types, Porsche, Jaguar and Land Rover ranked highest in appeal among premium brands. MINI took the top spot among mass market brands, followed by Ram and Kia.

Hyundai Motor Group had the most models that ranked highest in appeal for their market segments, with the Genesis GV60, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Carnival, Kia EV6, Kia EV9, Kia Forte and Kia K5 ranking first in their categories.

BMW, with its 2 Series, 7 Series, iX, X4 and MINI Countryman, had the second-highest number of models that ranked first in their categories. Toyota, with its Lexus LC, Lexus RX and Toyota Tacoma, ranked third.

For its 2024 U.S. APEAL Study, J.D. Power surveyed 99, 144 owners of new 2024 model year vehicles 90 days after taking ownership. The survey was conducted July 2023 through May 2024 and was based on vehicles registered between April 2023 and February 2024.