Automaker smartphone apps are not created equal, especially when it comes to electric vehicles, says a new study.
Tesla’s smartphone apps are head and shoulders ahead of those made by EV startups, according to a study from J.D. Power (via InsideEVs).
The report, J.D. Power’s OEM EV App Benchmark Study shared on Wednesday, says that drivers regularly use their apps to charge vehicles, use features and find dealers, among other options still.
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J.D. Power Senior Manager of Global Auto Consulting Jason Norton said, “For the most part, owners are still very dissatisfied with the functionality and speed of the EV apps that are on the market.” Norton continued, “Manufacturers need greater focus on these critical areas, creating a user experience which aligns with other frequently used consumer apps.”
The study also found that owners would rather use a free app, as many stop using their mobile apps once free trial periods end. The top-performing EV apps according to J.D. Power are FordPass, Tesla, MyHyundai, Kia Access and Genesis Intelligent Assistant.
“New EV start-ups need to better understand consumer expectations, ensuring that their mobile apps meet the standards of established EV manufacturers like Tesla and other brands that already put a lot of work in their digital offerings,” said Fabian Chowanetz, director of automotive consulting at J.D. Power Europe, in a statement.
“Many of these new players in the EV market are not providing the necessary app content that owners are seeking. For example, owners want the ability to find charging stations, set up the charging process and information on electric driving or advanced technology,” added Chowanetz.
About 85 percent of users say they still desire the ability to find charging stations from their apps, in case they need to find one on the road. Tesla’s mobile app has this functionality built-in.
Last year, J.D. Power also reported that Tesla ranked second in vehicle tech out of all EVs offered in China.
