Owners' Love Affair With EVs Only Stronger in 2026

The past year has been tumultuous for EV development as automakers rethink their strategies amid shifting regulations. While the broader market faces challenges, current owners remain highly committed to EV technology, with loyalty and satisfaction reaching new highs. At the same time, there are persistent gaps, particularly around charging infrastructure and long-distance convenience, that continue to shape the ownership experience.

This year, the CDK 2026 EV Ownership Study’s findings reveal a more mature and confident owner. However, our data also shows that real-world usage — like road trips and Service experiences — still presents challenges that influence satisfaction and long-term expectations. 

From dealership interactions to daily driving habits, the research uncovers how behavior, expectations and satisfaction vary across different ownership scenarios. Whether it’s charging patterns, Service timelines or evolving purchase journeys, our study provides a comprehensive view of what today’s EV owners value most and where the industry must improve to keep pace. 

In the study you’ll uncover: 

• Growth in future EV purchase intent
• How many EV owners are still considering gas
• The top motivators for purchase
• How charging habits continue to change
• The pros and cons of EV road trips
• How EV service is improving

Download the full study to explore what’s shaping the future of EV ownership.