Consumers in China are growing increasingly fond of new energy vehicles, according to a JD Power survey released on Thursday.

The average score for Chinese NEVs is 789 on a 1,000-point scale, an increase of 13 points from 2023, showed the China New Energy Vehicle–Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study.

The annual study measures NEV owners' emotional attachment to and level of excitement with their new vehicle across 45 attributes in 11 vehicle experience categories, ranging from exterior, performance and safety to infotainment, driving comfort and charging experience.

The 2024 study was based on responses from 9,937 new energy vehicle owners who purchased their vehicle between June 2023 and January 2024.

A total of 105 models from 48 different brands were involved in the study, which was fielded from December 2023 through March 2024 in 81 cities across China.

In this year's study, international brands had a score of 800 points, the highest for a second consecutive year. They were followed by Chinese startups, which stood at 798, but they made the greatest progress, up 17 points from 2023.

"International brands have made rapid progress," said Elvis Yang, general manager of auto product practice at JD Power China.

"Leveraging their brand and product advantages from the internal combustion engine era, they have shown outstanding product strength this year."

He said as China NEV owners' range anxiety decreases, they are increasingly focusing on safety and driving experience. As the score for this category has risen in the study, the growth rate has slowed.

"Carmaker should understand owner needs and avoid product homogenization to create standout products," said Yang.