XPENG recently ranked highest in the European USCALE “EV Satisfaction Study” for the second year in a row. Not only did XPENG top the chart again, but their score improved over the previous year. The leading 82% recommendation rate ranks significantly above the 53% industry average, positioning XPENG ahead of all American, European and Asian manufacturers.
📌 The Core Development
The Stuttgart-based study surveyed over 4000 customers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Consulting firm USCALE uses Net Promotor Score (NPS) methodology looking at factors such as charging speed, range and overall product features. While other brands had a varying proportion of detractors, XPENG only had promotors. XPENG ranked above average across all categories with customers particularly satisfied with charging performance, charging management, range and app integration.
While XPENG topped the charts, EVs are leading to increased overall customer satisfaction, with Tesla taking the runner-up position. But customer expectations are evolving. As explained by Dr. Axel Sprenger, Founder & Managing Director of USCALE GmbH:
🔍 Background & Sector Context
EV drivers are more satisfied than ever. But they are also becoming more demanding. What was exciting yesterday is standard today. Manufacturers have done their homework when it comes to range and charging. Now, the competition is decided by software, connectivity, and a seamless charging experience. Those who fail to deliver here will fall behind, and this is clearly visible in the ranking.
As part of the shift in expectations, not all EV brands have risen above the fray and some past leaders have been knocked off the top. As noted by Dan Caesar , Founder, Electric Vehicles GLOBAL :
📊 Industry & Real-World Impact
We often get asked which are the best battery EVs on the market, but our subjective opinion is significantly outweighed by the mass-market’s real life experience of EVs on sale. Germany’s USCALE survey has once again shown in 2026 which brands are best regarded by EV drivers; the differences are stark. Notably, Opel, Fiat and MG are the poorest performers. Meanwhile, while Tesla has long been considered ‘the brand to beat’, it has finished behind fellow tech leader XPENG for the second year running, albeit far ahead of other Asian brands. What’s more, at the recent Paris Motor Show, XPENG demonstrated beyond doubt that its NGP self-driving capability is directly comparable to Tesla’s much-heralded FSD technology. With strong sales in Europe, we think many English-speaking nations are sleeping on XPENG’s potential and once its full range of EVs is on sale in all territories, it will be the one to watch.
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🔮 Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
XPENG didn’t get to the top of these rankings by chance. It is a manifestation of a more human approach to technology that permeates throughout the company, from their employees to their services to their products .
Some Chinese automakers have taken the approach of holding back their latest technology for the for the home market, while bringing older tech to Europe. Models introduced as “new” in export markets may already be discontinued in China. While using older platforms can save on costs and might be good enough to compete in Europe, customers are not getting the best available. In addition, many other automakers are marking up prices far beyond the cost of importing the vehicles.
