Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Top 2026 EV Satisfaction Study

EV sales may have slowed recently, but owner satisfaction is at a record high. According to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study, Tesla leads the pack.

Now in its sixth year, the study finds that battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners are more satisfied than ever. In total, 96% of new owners say they would consider purchasing another EV for their next vehicle. Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at JD Power, noted that market share has dipped since federal tax credits ended in late 2025, and added: "Improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure and overall vehicle performance have driven customer satisfaction to its highest level ever."

Tesla Dominates the Top Spots

The Tesla Model 3 ranked highest overall with a score of 804 out of 1,000, followed by the Tesla Model Y in second place with 797.

The Model 3 also recently earned Edmunds’ Top Rated Electric Car award for the second consecutive year. With the introduction of the new Model 3 Standard trim, the lineup now includes an entry-level option at its most affordable price point yet. The Model Y likewise remains strong, having recently been named the best electric vehicle of 2026 by Consumer Reports.

Better Charging, Better Quality

Public charging satisfaction jumped significantly. For mass‑market EV owners, scores rose by 115 points year over year to 511, while premium owners reached 652. Opening the Tesla Supercharger network to other brands has made reliable public charging easier to find.

Premium EVs also showed notable quality gains, with fewer reports of interior squeaks, rattles, or driver‑assistance issues. Owners report that Tesla’s interior build quality is improving. On average, premium BEV owners reported only 75 problems per 100 vehicles, the best result in the study’s history.

BEVs vs. PHEVs

The study highlights a widening gap between pure electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug‑in hybrids (PHEVs). While PHEVs can serve as a gateway for shoppers not yet ready to go fully electric, owners report significantly greater satisfaction with the cost of ownership in BEVs. Without oil changes and traditional engine maintenance, BEVs are proving to be the more sensible long‑term choice for most drivers.

As charging infrastructure continues to improve and vehicle quality reaches new highs, the outlook for EVs remains strong—even if current sales trends are relatively flat.