The automotive industry continues to evolve, with electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more prevalent. However, the latest 2024 Initial Quality Study from J.D. Power indicates that EVs may not yet have the edge over traditional gas and diesel vehicles regarding initial quality. Despite the promise of lower maintenance and operating costs, EV owners are reporting more problems than their gas-powered counterparts.

J.D. Power’s study, now in its 38th year, evaluates vehicles based on the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100). This year, gas and diesel vehicles averaged 180 PP100, whereas EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) averaged 266 PP100. Even Tesla, often seen as a leader in the EV market, did not perform well, with issues reported around turn signals and wiper controls.

Ram emerged as the top overall brand for initial quality, with Porsche leading among luxury brands. One key factor contributing to the higher PP100 scores for EVs is their advanced technology features. These features, while attractive and innovative, can complicate early ownership. EVs recorded 30% more problems related to in-vehicle technology compared to gas vehicles, particularly with controls and infotainment systems.

Both gas and electric vehicle owners reported issues with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). False warnings from these systems can be a source of irritation and stress. Rear-seat reminders, intended to alert drivers to check for pets or children left in the back seat, added 1.7 PP100 to vehicle scores. Some owners misunderstood these alerts, thinking they were related to seatbelts instead.

Connectivity issues also plagued new vehicle owners, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ranking among the top 10 reported problems. Users reported difficulties with connecting their phones or maintaining the connection, a significant inconvenience given the popularity of these features. Over half of Apple users and 42% of Samsung users rely on these technologies.

While the survey highlights the challenges facing EVs, it does not suggest that the electric powertrain itself is the root cause. Automakers often equip EVs with the latest tech and futuristic designs, which can complicate the user experience. Despite the trend toward more advanced features, the J.D. Power study suggests that automakers might benefit from focusing on simplifying the ownership experience.

Overall, the 2024 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study reveals that while EVs have advanced significantly, they still face numerous challenges compared to gas and diesel vehicles. Automakers must address these issues to enhance the overall ownership experience and fulfill the promise of EVs being more reliable and easier to maintain.