Image: Tesla
Tesla has once again set the benchmark for the electric vehicle industry, securing the top two positions in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study.
Released on February 18, 2026, the study reveals that despite a cooling market and the expiration of federal tax credits last September, owner satisfaction with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has reached an all-time high.
The Tesla Model 3 ranked highest overall in the premium segment with a satisfaction score of 804 out of 1,000. The Tesla Model Y followed closely in second place with a score of 797. These results place both Tesla models well above the premium segment average of 786, outperforming competitors like the BMW i4 (795) and the Rivian R1S (758).
One of the most telling statistics from the 2026 data is that 96% of new BEV owners say they would consider purchasing or leasing another electric vehicle for their next car. This surge in loyalty comes even as many owners no longer benefit from government incentives, suggesting that the “EV experience”—driven by performance and lower operating costs—is now the primary driver for retention.
According to Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power, the record-high satisfaction is linked to significant improvements in battery technology and charging infrastructure. Specifically, public charging satisfaction saw a massive jump of over 100 points year-over-year. This improvement is attributed to the continued expansion of public networks and the widespread opening of the Tesla Supercharger network to non-Tesla drivers, which has improved the experience for the entire industry.
Tesla owners also reported a rebound in satisfaction as they adjusted to the expanded access of the Supercharger network. Furthermore, the premium segment saw notable quality improvements in 2026, with owners reporting fewer issues related to interior squeaks, rattles, and driver assistance systems compared to previous years.
While Tesla dominated the premium rankings, the Ford Mustang Mach-E took the top spot in the mass-market category with a score of 760. Overall, the study confirms that once drivers transition to a full battery-electric vehicle (particularly a Tesla) they rarely consider returning to internal combustion or even plug-in hybrids, which trailed BEVs in satisfaction by over 110 points.