Is the EV honeymoon over? What drivers are saying in 2025

It wasn’t long ago that electric vehicles were considered the future of driving. Now, they’re firmly part of the present. But a new wave of skepticism has arrived. Is the electric vehicle glow starting to fade, or is the EV market simply growing up?

The 2025 EV Ownership Study from CDK Global provides an inside look at how current EV owners really feel—and what their experiences can teach us about where the market is heading.

EV ownership is more than a trend

Most EV owners aren’t just trying something new—they’re making a long-term shift. According to the study, 82 percent say they plan to buy another EV. A third of respondents own an EV as their only car, and nearly one in five own more than one. These aren’t short-term adopters; they’re committed converts.

Still, even among loyal owners, challenges remain. The decision to stick with electric often comes with compromise—especially around charging and service.

Home charging isn’t always plug and play

While charging at home is one of the top benefits of EV ownership, it’s not always seamless. Just 63 percent of owners have installed a Level 2 charger at home, down from 76 percent last year. Installation costs, electrical upgrades, and permitting delays are common obstacles.

On the road, charging presents its own set of issues. Nearly half of EV owners say they’ve had no problems on long trips—but the other half reported struggles like broken chargers, crowded stations, and unreliable apps. Non-Tesla drivers face these problems more often, mostly due to Tesla’s superior charging infrastructure.

The dealership remains a key part of the EV journey

Despite the push toward online car buying, only 6 percent of EV purchases were made entirely online. The majority of EV owners still visit a dealership, and for good reason. Nearly three out of four considered a gas or hybrid car before going electric, and many said the dealership played a big role in their final decision.

Test drives remain essential. An overwhelming 95 percent of EV buyers took a test drive before purchasing. For younger buyers, the salesperson’s influence was even stronger, with 73 percent of Gen Z drivers saying a salesperson convinced them to go electric.

EV service still has room to improve

The idea that EVs need less maintenance is mostly true—but not always. In the first year of ownership, 85 percent of EV drivers visited a service center. Getting quick appointments has become harder, and non-Tesla drivers are more likely to require multiple visits to resolve an issue.

On the plus side, most service costs are covered by warranty or recall, and franchised dealers are beginning to match Tesla with mobile service and delivery options. Still, nearly a third of owners feel servicing an EV takes longer than a gas car.

Satisfaction is strong, but not universal

Compared to last year, overall satisfaction dipped slightly, especially among older owners. Just 55 percent of baby boomers said they’d buy another EV, while 91 percent of Gen Z owners said the same. That generational gap may become more important as EVs shift from niche to mainstream.

Despite a few bumps in the road, most EV owners are still happy. Eighty-six percent say they’re satisfied with their purchase, and two-thirds say it’s the best car they’ve ever owned. Seventy-three percent have recommended an EV to friends or family.

The bottom line

EV ownership is no longer a novelty—it’s a real and growing part of the automotive world. But it’s also becoming more complex. Owners are loyal, but their expectations are higher. Charging needs to be easier, service more consistent, and education more widespread.

The EV glow may be dimming slightly in some corners, but the spark is far from gone.