Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPENG has secured the top position in the 2026 EV Satisfaction Study conducted by German research firm USCALE, marking its second consecutive year as the most recommended EV brand among owners in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
According to the study, 82% of surveyed XPENG owners said they would recommend the brand, up from 81% in 2025. The result puts XPENG 29 percentage points above the industry average of 53%, highlighting strong customer satisfaction with the company’s electric vehicles and ownership experience.
XPENG also finished ahead of several established automotive manufacturers, including Tesla, which recorded a 79% recommendation rate. Škoda and Porsche both achieved 67%.
Another notable finding was that XPENG recorded a 0% detractor rate among surveyed owners, suggesting particularly positive feedback from its customer base.
The 2026 USCALE study evaluated several aspects of electric vehicle ownership, including vehicle performance, charging, software, connectivity and everyday usability.
XPENG performed above the industry average in nearly all evaluated categories. Charging performance, charging management and driving range were among the areas receiving particularly positive feedback from owners.
The findings reflect how EV customer expectations are changing. While driving performance and range remain important considerations, software quality, smartphone connectivity and convenient charging experiences are becoming increasingly influential in overall customer satisfaction.
“Now competition will be decided by software, connectivity and a seamless charging experience,” said Dr. Axel Sprenger, founder and managing director of USCALE GmbH.
XPENG also recorded significant year-on-year improvements in its connected vehicle app, another indication that digital features are becoming an increasingly important part of the electric vehicle ownership experience.
The company’s strategy focuses heavily on in-house research and development, with ongoing investment in intelligent driving technologies, vehicle software and connected services.
XPENG’s strong performance in the satisfaction study comes as the Chinese automaker continues to expand its European operations.
The company has delivered more than 60,000 vehicles across Europe and is working to strengthen its regional sales, service and research capabilities.
Under its “In Europe, For Europe, With Europe” strategy, XPENG is increasing its investment in local operations. Its European research and development centre in Munich plays an important role in adapting intelligent mobility technologies to European driving conditions and customer expectations.
The company is also expanding its vehicle lineup. At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, XPENG presented the G9L flagship SUV as part of its efforts to broaden its offering in the European market.
In Germany, the announced model lineup has grown from three to six vehicles within a year. The range includes the G6, L03, P7+, G9, G9L and X9, covering several vehicle segments.
XPENG is also targeting a larger retail and service presence, with plans to reach 110 dealer locations in Germany by the end of 2026.
Expanding the dealer network is an important part of the company’s efforts to build customer confidence and make its vehicles more accessible to European buyers.
How Was the 2026 USCALE EV Satisfaction Study Conducted?
The 2026 EV Satisfaction Study was conducted by Stuttgart-based consulting and market research firm USCALE during June and July 2026.
The research surveyed 4,004 battery-electric vehicle owners in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. All participants owned electric vehicles no more than three years old.
The seventh edition of the annual study examined several aspects of EV ownership, including vehicle performance, charging experience, software, connectivity and everyday usability.
USCALE noted that participants were recruited through social media, meaning the sample is not statistically representative of the entire EV-driving population. Instead, the findings provide insights into the experiences and expectations of engaged electric vehicle owners.
Nevertheless, XPENG’s 82% recommendation rate and second consecutive first-place finish provide an encouraging indication of how its vehicles are being received by customers in these three European markets.
