Why Most EV Owners Are Dissatisfied With Their Car Apps—And The One Brand That Keeps Breaking Records
U.S. EV drivers are demanding faster, smarter apps—here’s what the new J.D. Power 2025 report just revealed about who’s winning and who’s losing.
- 79% of Tesla drivers use their app every time they drive—more than double non-Tesla drivers.
- 32% of non-Tesla EV drivers now rely on their brand’s app, up from 17% in 2024.
- 70% of EV owners want in-app charging payments and trip planning.
- 54% of non-Tesla drivers have never tried to pay for charging via their app.
The U.S. electric vehicle boom is changing the way drivers interact with their cars. As EV adoption accelerates in 2025, drivers expect mobile apps that do more than just unlock doors—they want powerful features, blazing-fast performance, and all-in-one convenience at their fingertips.
However, a newly released J.D. Power report shows that while Tesla surges ahead, most non-Tesla brand apps are lagging—leaving many drivers frustrated and looking for more.
Which EV Apps Are Leading and Which Are Falling Behind?
Tesla drivers are setting the standard. Nearly 8 out of 10 (79%) use Tesla’s app each time they drive, a dramatic jump from 69% last year. Non-Tesla drivers are catching up—usage rose from 17% to 32%—but there’s still a wide gap.
The reason? App performance varies widely by brand. Tesla’s app dominates overall rankings. Among premium brands, Mercedes-Benz takes second place, while BMW secures third. For mainstream brands, Hyundai’s MyHyundai with Bluelink leads, followed by Kia Access and MINI’s app.
J.D. Power’s deep-dive covered 28 U.S. brands and also compared apps in Tesla, China, and Europe, revealing stark contrasts in speed, reliability, and functionality.
Q: What Features Do Drivers Actually Want Right Now?
Today’s EV owners crave instant controls: remote climate, real-time notifications, and—most of all—charging management from their phones. A staggering 70% of respondents told J.D. Power they want convenient in-app charge payments and road trip planning. Yet over half of non-Tesla drivers have never even tried to use their app for charging payments, either due to poor design or simply not knowing these features exist.
The bottom line? App speed—not just flashy features—predicts whether drivers actually use and trust their vehicle app.
How Can Car Brands Upgrade Their EV App Game in 2025?
J.D. Power’s data points the way forward: Fast, reliable, intuitive apps retain users. Top-performing brands have nailed the basics: near-instantaneous remote controls, low lag, and clear, attractive layouts. The slowest apps scare drivers away, regardless of how many features they claim.
If automakers want to win over the growing EV crowd, they must focus on optimizing connectivity and training users to take full advantage of all features. Education is critical—many owners simply don’t realize what their current app can do.
Want to compare more mobile auto trends? See reports from Edmunds or stay current with insights on Cars.com.
Q: What Should EV Owners Look For in an App—And What’s Next?
For shoppers and current owners, prioritize these key features in your next vehicle app:
- Near-instant remote commands for locks, climate, and charging
- User-friendly payment and trip tools—no digging required
- Regular updates and strong customer support
Expect fierce competition among automakers in 2025, as streamlined apps become a top selling point—Tesla leads, but rivals are closing the gap fast.
Ready to take control of your EV experience? Demand the best app—and don’t settle for slow tech. Here’s your 2025 checklist:
- Test drive each brand’s app alongside the car itself
- Ask your dealer for app demos and support materials
- Turn on app notifications for real-time car status
- Explore all hidden features—don’t leave powerful tools unused!
- Report bugs or slowdowns early for faster fixes
