Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Rank Poorly in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

Money | June 27, 2024, 4:14 p.m.

The 2024 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study revealed that Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar had below-average performance, with Polestar receiving the lowest score among all brands. The introduction of new technology, particularly in battery electric vehicles, posed challenges for manufacturers, leading to a higher rate of problems compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. Owners of BEVs and PHEVs reported more frequent repairs, highlighting potential issues with cutting-edge technology in these vehicles. While Ram ranked as the best-performing brand in the study, Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar fell below the average, with Tesla's BEV quality no longer outperforming traditional OEMs. This year's study included voice recognition and parking camera issues as less problematic, but BEVs and PHEVs still had higher repair rates. J.D. Power's findings shed light on the complexities and challenges facing the automotive industry in adapting to new technologies.