"EV Issues Rise for New Owners, Largely Due to Tesla: J.D. Power Report"

EVs Struggle with Quality: J.D. Power's Latest Findings

The latest initial quality study from automotive research firm J.D. Power reveals significant challenges for electric vehicles (EVs). The study, which surveys nearly 100,000 purchasers and lessees of 2024 vehicles within the first 90 days of ownership, incorporates repair visit data for the first time in its 38-year history. Interestingly, while internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles averaged 180 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), battery electric vehicles (BEVs) recorded a much higher 266 PP100.

Automakers have often claimed that EVs are generally more reliable and require fewer repairs due to their fewer parts and systems compared to ICE vehicles. However, the findings indicate that EVs, along with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), face more repairs across all categories compared to their gas-powered counterparts. According to Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, the high-tech and advanced nature of BEVs and PHEVs have led to problems severe enough to drive owners to dealerships at a rate three times higher than ICE vehicle owners.

Despite the industry's assertions, the study found no significant improvements in BEV quality this year, partly due to Tesla's performance. Historically leading in EV quality, Tesla's gap with other legacy automakers has diminished, as both now average 266 PP100. Tesla's decision to remove traditional feature controls like turn signals and wiper stalks has not been well received, negatively impacting its score, which worsened from 253 PP100 in 2023 to the current 266.

These initial quality issues add to the existing hurdles for EVs, such as lack of charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and high costs—although prices are gradually decreasing. The added concerns regarding quality and repair expenses could further hinder the adoption of EVs across the nation. A recent survey indicated that 46% of American EV owners are contemplating a return to ICE vehicles, in contrast to 29% globally.

Brand Rankings and Overall Quality

In the overall brand rankings, Ram led with 149 PP100, followed by Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, and Buick. Among premium brands, Porsche emerged as the leader with 172 PP100, outperforming Lexus and Genesis. On the other end of the spectrum, Polestar, Dodge, Tesla, Rivian, and Volvo (tied with Audi) ranked among the worst in quality ratings, with EV-specific brands like Polestar, Rivian, and Tesla notably impacting the EV segment's overall performance negatively.