Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Top J.D. Power EV Owner Satisfaction Study

Tesla continues to set the benchmark for electric vehicle (EV) ownership, with the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y earning the highest overall satisfaction scores in the latest study from J.D. Power. Data from the latest U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study from J.D. Power shows Tesla and battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners remain overwhelmingly happy with their purchases.

Those new BEV owners are so happy that 96% of them say they would consider purchasing or leasing another EV for their next car, helping push overall BEV satisfaction to its highest level since the study began in 2021.

“Improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure and overall vehicle performance have driven customer satisfaction to its highest level ever. What’s more, the vast majority of current EV owners say they will consider purchasing another EV for their next vehicle, regardless of whether they benefited from the now-expired federal tax credit,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power.

Tesla Dominates the Premium Segment

The Tesla Model 3 ranked highest overall in the study with a score of 804, also securing the top position in the premium BEV category. The Tesla Model Y followed closely behind with a score of 797. BMW also had a strong showing, with the i and iX taking the third and fourth spots respectively.

In the mass-market BEV category, the Ford Mustang Mach-E claimed the top spot with a score of 760, followed by the Hyundai IONIQ 6 (748), Kia EV9 (745), and Hyundai IONIQ 5 (743).

Premium BEVs averaged a satisfaction score of 786 this year, up significantly from 756 in 2025. Mass-market BEVs also saw a modest increase, rising to 727 from 725 last year. Notably, BEVs continue to outperform plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) across the board, particularly in cost of ownership.

Premium BEVs scored 114 points higher than premium PHEVs in ownership costs, while mass-market BEVs outperformed their plug-in counterparts by 117 points.

Charging and Quality See Major Gains

Public charging satisfaction saw some of the most dramatic year-over-year improvements. Premium BEV owners rated public charging at 652 (on a 1,000-point scale), up 101 points, while mass-market owners scored it at 511, up 115 points.

The expansion of public charging networks—including broader access to Tesla’s Supercharger network—has played a key role in boosting satisfaction, especially among non-Tesla drivers. At the same time, Tesla owners appear to be adjusting positively to the network’s expanded access.

Vehicle quality also improved, particularly in the premium segment, which recorded its best performance yet. Owners reported fewer issues related to interior rattles, driver assistance systems, and external noise.

A Strong Sign for Tesla and the EV Market

While headlines may focus on fluctuating EV sales, the J.D. Power data tells a different story: once drivers go electric—especially with Tesla—they overwhelmingly want to stay electric.

For Tesla, the results reinforce what many owners already say: their real-world experience continues to improve year after year. With the Model 3 and Model Y setting the benchmark in the premium segment, and charging satisfaction climbing sharply, Tesla remains at the center of the EV conversation.

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