Tesla continues to lead the electric vehicle industry, with the latest J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study ranking the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y as the top two vehicles in owner satisfaction.
Released on February 18, 2026, the study highlights the growing satisfaction among owners of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), despite a cooling market and the expiration of federal tax credits. The Tesla Model 3 secured the top spot in the premium segment with a satisfaction score of 804 out of 1,000, closely followed by the Tesla Model Y with a score of 797. Both Tesla models outperformed competitors like the BMW i4 and Rivian R1S, surpassing the premium segment average of 786.
One of the standout findings from the study is that 96% of new BEV owners expressed a willingness to consider purchasing or leasing another electric vehicle for their next car. This high level of loyalty indicates that the EV experience, driven by performance and lower operating costs, is now a key factor in retention, even without government incentives.
Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power, attributed the record-high satisfaction to advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure. Public charging satisfaction saw a significant increase of over 100 points year-over-year, thanks to the expansion of public charging networks and the opening of the Tesla Supercharger network to non-Tesla drivers.
Tesla owners reported increased satisfaction as they adapted to the expanded Supercharger network access. The premium segment also saw improvements in quality, with fewer reported issues related to interior squeaks, rattles, and driver assistance systems compared to previous years.
In the mass-market category, the Ford Mustang Mach-E claimed the top spot with a score of 760. The study reaffirms that once drivers make the switch to a full battery-electric vehicle, particularly a Tesla, they are unlikely to consider returning to internal combustion or plug-in hybrids, which lagged behind BEVs in satisfaction by over 110 points.
Overall, Tesla’s dominance in the EV market remains strong, with the Model 3 and Model Y setting the standard for owner satisfaction and driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.