New-vehicle owners are happier overall with their cars than they were last year, but people who bought EVs have the biggest smiles on their faces. That’s according to JD Power’s 2026 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study, which gauges “owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement with their new vehicle.”

Drivers got behind the wheel of the latest electric vehicles Saturday as Drive Electric Alabama hosted its inaugural EV Ride & Drive Experience at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex.

The free event gave dozens of attendees the opportunity to test drive a variety of electric vehicles on a closed course while learning more about EV ownership from industry representatives and current owners.