Electric vehicles pose more advanced-technology-related problems for their owners than do gas-powered models, a new study found.
The J.D. Power survey of more than 82,000 people who’d owned new 2023 vehicles for 90 days shows that fully electric vehicles – otherwise known as battery-electric vehicles – left their owners less satisfied when it came to such technological features than those who own internal-combustion-engine models.
Of 21 advanced-technology features offered in both types of vehicles, 17 present more quality issues per 100 vehicles, or PP100, in BEVs than in ICE models. The statistic excludes Tesla models. BEV owner satisfaction was lower for 86% of the technologies compared to those in ICE vehicles.
It pointed out two problematic features for BEVs compared to ICE models: remote parking assistance, which scored 27.4 PP100 versus 10.7 PP100 for ICE, and interior gesture controls, whose score was 49.6 PP100 versus 31.2 PP100 for ICE.
“Innovation through a strong advanced tech strategy is crucial for all vehicle manufacturers, especially those working to build their reputation in the electric vehicle space,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at J.D. Power.
“The perception in the industry is that most BEVs should offer many advanced technologies to compete with high-tech entrants like Tesla. Success will be dependent on those manufacturers that can execute flawlessly, while ensuring the user experience is the same for those who are tech savvy and those who are not.”
