A recent study by JD Power reveals a significant trend among electric vehicle (EV) owners: once they experience owning an EV, they are unlikely to return to internal combustion engine models. This is one of the key conclusions from the 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Ownership Experience Study conducted by JD Power, which surveyed over 6,000 owners of 2024 and 2025 model-year electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Participants were interviewed between August and December 2024 about their first year of ownership experience.
The study found that an impressive 94% of EV owners surveyed would consider buying another electric vehicle as their next car. In contrast, only 12% expressed interest in switching their EV for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, including hybrids and plug-ins. This data underscores the growing preference for electrification, even when faced with traditional options.
Improvements in Electric Vehicle Owners’ Satisfaction
Despite some policies suggesting a retreat from electric vehicles, the study indicates that satisfaction levels among EV owners have seen a significant rise. After two years of dissatisfaction with aspects such as technology, interfaces, and public charging infrastructure, satisfaction levels increased notably this year. Mass-market EV owners reported an 86-point increase compared to the previous year, reaching an average score of 725 out of 1,000. JD Power attributes this surge to improvements in the charging infrastructure, particularly with the adoption of the NACS charging standard by various EV brands and access to Tesla’s supercharger network.
Rising Satisfaction Among Plug-In Hybrid Owners
The study also showed increased satisfaction among plug-in hybrid vehicle owners. Premium plug-in hybrids, a newly introduced category in this year’s study, received an average score of 741 points, surpassing mass-market EVs and only 15 points lower than premium EVs. This boost in satisfaction for plug-in hybrids reflects a significant improvement in their overall image compared to previous JD Power studies.
Impact of Tesla and Market Competition in the EV Market
The study highlights that, despite Tesla’s dominance in the market, competition from other brands is significantly increasing. While Tesla’s overall sales remain strong, rival brands are gaining ground, contributing to a general rise in electric vehicle sales. JD Power anticipates that this year, EVs could reach 3% of market share in the U.S., reflecting growing consumer interest and acceptance.
Optimism Among EV Owners in States with Diverse Policies
This trend is especially notable in states like Florida and Texas, where, regardless of whether state policies are EV-friendly or not, a high proportion of owners are willing to switch their EV for another of the same type. This shift in mindset clearly signals the growing interest in electric vehicles, even in regions where EV adoption is still developing.
In summary, JD Power’s 2025 study shows that electric vehicle owners are increasingly satisfied with their experience, driving strong demand for future electric models. Enhanced charging infrastructure, growing competition among brands, and the rising popularity of plug-in hybrids are paving the way for more widespread adoption of electric mobility.
