Usage of auto manufacturers’ mobile apps continues to increase as 90% of electric vehicle owners say they use these apps, up from 88% in 2023 and 81% in 2022, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. OEM EV App Report, released May 29. A notable 67% of EV owners use their brand’s app at least half of the time they drive, which highlights the importance of a well-executed EV mobile app that prioritizes owners’ primary needs related to overall charging capability, vehicle status and remote control functionality.

“The overall experience and performance of electric vehicle mobile apps has improved year over year, as manufacturers continue to identify areas of opportunity, including feature contenting, usability and overall connectivity,” said Jason Norton, director of benchmark consulting at J.D. Power. “However, a continued focus on the specific needs of EV owners is needed to further improve the user experience and trust.”

Tesla ranks highest overall and highest in the premium brand segment of EV mobile apps, with a score of 847 (on a 1,000-point scale). Mercedes me connect (843) ranks second and My BMW (834) ranks third.

MyHyundai with Bluelink ranks highest in the mass market segment of EV mobile apps, with a score of 835. Kia Access (829) ranks second and FordPass (810) ranks third.

The U.S. OEM EV App Report, now in its fourth year, gauges EV owners’ experience with their brand’s mobile app. Insights are derived from surveying EV owners and an assessment of the most relevant EV mobile apps. Results are based on a standardized assessment approach relying on more than 350 best practices for vehicle apps that include more than 70 EV-specific attributes.

The report includes apps from the top 25 award-eligible brands that sell EVs in the United States; 10 profiled EV brands in China; and nine profiled EV brands in Europe.