If you’re on the fence about switching to an electric vehicle, recent data from J.D. Power might give you a nudge. According to the company’s 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study, EV owners are more satisfied than they were a year ago and many say they’re never going back to gas-powered cars.
Now in its fifth year, the EVX Ownership Study takes a close look at what it’s like to own an EV in the United States. Owner satisfaction is rated across key factors such as battery range, vehicle performance, charging convenience and overall reliability.
The latest study surveyed 6,164 owners of EVs and plug-in hybrids from model years 2024 and 2025 about their first year of ownership. Of the EV owners surveyed, 94% said they were likely to consider purchasing another EV as their next car. Only 12% said they would likely switch back to a vehicle with an internal-combustion engine, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
Satisfaction levels improved for fully electric vehicles, with better battery range and improved public charging access playing key roles. The study also noted an increase in EV adoption, with battery electric vehicles making up 9.1% of the market in 2024, up from 8.4% the previous year.
Charging experience sees improvement
Charging access continues to be a concern, but the study points to encouraging progress. Owners of both premium and more affordable EVs reported an 86-point jump in satisfaction with public charger availability, largely thanks to expanded networks and increased access to Tesla Superchargers. While premium EV owners still reported higher satisfaction in this area, the gap is narrowing as infrastructure improves.
Customer satisfaction
When it comes to how EV owners feel about specific models, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 led the pack among more affordable EVs with a score of 751, followed by the Kia EV6 and the Chevrolet Equinox EV. In the premium category, the BMW iX topped the list with a score of 790, followed by the BMW i4 and the Rivian R1S. These strong results reflect growing competition in the EV space, where mainstream brands like Kia are finding ways to deliver quality and performance without the premium price tag.
Another standout finding: owners of more affordable EVs reported fewer problems than their premium counterparts. Seven of the ten most reliable EV models were from mainstream brands, showing that affordability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality.
Education still lacking
Despite these positive trends, the study highlights a need for better consumer education. Only 69% of first-time EV buyers reported receiving any training during the purchase process, and just 12% were informed about total ownership costs. Without proper guidance, some new owners face unexpected challenges with charging, maintenance, or other aspects of EV ownership. Dealers and manufacturers are encouraged to step up educational efforts to ensure new buyers are prepared.
The news and editorial staffs of Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.