Do Electric Cars Depreciate Faster Than Gas-Powered Cars? (2024)

Electric vehicles (EVs) depreciate just like gas-powered cars. There are exceptions to the rule, like collector cars, but most vehicles lose value over time. However, electric cars seem to depreciate a bit more than internal combustion engine (ICE) alternatives. Why do EVs seem to lose value faster than many gas-powered cars?

Do Electric Cars Depreciate Faster Than Gas-Powered Cars? (1)

Do electric cars depreciate faster?

Unfortunately, electric cars depreciate a bit faster than gas-powered cars. The most significant vehicle depreciation typically occurs after purchase and within the first three years. According to an iSeeCars study, EV owners can expect 52 percent depreciation in the first three years. However, ICE sedans will depreciate 39.1 percent in that same amount of time, SUVs will drop 39.7 percent, and trucks will depreciate 34.3 percent.

Why do electric cars depreciate quickly?

Due to government incentives, battery replacement fears, and demand inconsistencies, electric cars lose value. You read that right; the government incentives that most buyers put in their ‘pro’ column are shedding EV value. According to CleanTechnica, incentives knock values down at the time of purchase, and paired with depreciation, the cars are worth considerably less for resale.

Do Electric Cars Depreciate Faster Than Gas-Powered Cars? (2)

Next, range and maintenance concerns keep consumers from wanting an EV. However, the sad truth is that electric cars are shaping up to be more reliable than comparable ICE vehicles. With few moving parts and no regular fluid change requirements, the cars are less prone to wear and tear.

Finally, except for a handful of EVs, demand isn’t at the level of popular gas-powered vehicles. As a result, electric cars depreciate commensurately with the lack of overall popularity. However, that is rapidly changing globally.

Do electric cars have good resale value?

EVs have better resale than they once did, but it is still not up to ICE car standards. For example, CleanTechnica reports that a 2011 Nissan LEAF depreciated 89 percent in the first five years. That’s right; a 2011 Nissan LEAF was worth just 11 percent of its original value over time. There are, however, a couple of exceptions to the rule of electric cars depreciating.

Which EVs hold value?

Tesla EVs hold more value than the electric car industry standard. According to iSeeCars, Tesla’s entry-level Model 3 depreciates a mere 10.2 percent after the first three years. However, Tesla’s flagship sedan, the Model S, depreciated 36.3 percent in the first three years. That is just shy of the industry average for gas-powered sedans, 39.1 percent.

Should you avoid EVs?

Electric cars and alternatively powered vehicles, like fuel cell electric vehicles, are the future. While the technology doesn’t have anywhere near the tenure that ICE vehicles have, it is progressing quickly. Cities and communities are opening up to EV charging infrastructure, and many states offer incentives. While those incentives may be part of why electric cars depreciate, it is helpful for used car shoppers.

Furthermore, companies like Tesla and Lucid are challenging the perceptions of EV ownership. As vehicles from these companies and their competition gain popularity, the EV depreciation will likely stabilize. According to Gear and Cylinder, EVs need demand, and demand comes with popularity.

If you live in a conducive manner to electric car ownership, don’t be afraid to give it a try.Scroll down to the following article to read about cars with excellent resale value!

RELATED: Tesla Model 3 Could Shock You With Its Resale Value

Do Electric Cars Depreciate Faster Than Gas-Powered Cars? (2024)

FAQs

Do Electric Cars Depreciate Faster Than Gas-Powered Cars? ›

New research finds electric vehicles depreciate faster than gas cars

gas cars
A Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) is an alternative fuel vehicle that uses compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). Natural gas vehicles should not be confused with autogas vehicles powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), mainly propane, a fuel with a fundamentally different composition.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Natural_gas_vehicle
, but the trend is changing. WASHINGTON (April 18, 2024) – Thinking of buying an electric vehicle but unsure about its resale value?

Do electric cars hold resale value? ›

A recent study showed that the average price of an EV fell 31.8% in the past year compared to just 3.6% for internal combustion engine vehicles. The fast depreciation rate could dissuade car buyers from choosing EVs over combustion engine vehicles.

Do Teslas depreciate faster than regular cars? ›

The Numbers Speak Volumes. A recent analysis by iSeeCars.com has put things into perspective. The study looked at over 1.8 million used cars sold and found that on average, Tesla vehicles are depreciating at a much faster rate compared to other brands.

Do electric cars save more money than gas cars? ›

A 2020 Consumer Reports study similarly showed that EV drivers tend to spend about 60 percent less each year on fuel costs compared to drivers of gas-powered cars.

What is the depreciation rate for electric vehicles? ›

Electric cars tend to experience an expected annual depreciation rate of 15 to 20% during the first three years of ownership. This data is based on research and statistics, which provide the foundation for understanding the depreciation trends of electric vehicles.

Why are electric cars not selling well? ›

The issue is that a large number of Americans do not even own driveways. "One in three shoppers don't have access to home charging," says J.D. Power. Finding a charging station is now far more difficult than refuelling your car with gas.

Why do Teslas lose value so fast? ›

The electric automaker has been fighting supply chain issues, economic challenges like rising interest rates, and more competitors. Its solution? Drop prices like crazy. Thankfully, Tesla has the margin to sustain these drops, but owners are now caught holding the bag.

Will gas cars depreciate faster? ›

New research finds that while older electric vehicle models depreciate in value faster than conventional gas cars, newer electric vehicle models with longer driving ranges are holding their value better and approaching the retention rates of many gas cars.

Do Teslas break down often? ›

Do Teslas break down a lot? According to owners, Teslas rarely break down. There are fewer systems that are susceptible to mechanical failure. With fewer things that can go wrong, Teslas are generally more reliable than standard vehicles.

How long do electric cars last? ›

Most last between 8 and 12 years, but this may be shorter if you regularly use your electric vehicle. Another common measure of lifespan is through total miles driven. EV manufacturers such as Tesla offer battery warranties under 100,000 total miles for battery failure and degradation.

Do electric cars last longer than fuel? ›

Current longevity projections

When it comes strictly down to numbers of miles and years, an EV will likely outlast an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. With regular use, the average lifespan of a gas vehicle is 150,000 miles or eight years, and EVs can last up to 200,000 miles, or about 12 years.

What are the disadvantages of electric vehicles? ›

What are the downsides to electric cars?
  • Their batteries need rare metals. ...
  • Making electric cars creates more emissions. ...
  • They are only as green as their power sources. ...
  • Electric cars can be expensive to buy. ...
  • You can't drive as far in an electric car. ...
  • There aren't enough charging points.

Do electric cars suffer unsustainable depreciation? ›

Electric cars lose as much as half of their value after just three years on the road, new figures show, as the rate of depreciation far outstrips petrol equivalents.

Do electric vehicles have good resale value? ›

Do electric cars lose value faster? There isn't enough evidence to prove that EVs depreciate faster than other types of cars. But some numbers suggest that EVs lose 50% of their value after three years as compared to traditional vehicle types that lose 60% in the same period.

Do Tesla's depreciate quickly? ›

Tesla cars depreciate slower compared to most cars on the market. However, you may expect that they would lose up to 50% of their original value during the first five years. But don't be surprised by this fact: all cars age and experience wear and tear.

Is an EV worth it right now? ›

According to AAA, an EV costs $949 less to maintain annually than a comparable gas-powered vehicle. Using that estimate, EVs can help you realize $4,745 in savings when considering maintenance expenses over a five-year period.

Will electric cars prices go down? ›

Since new EV prices are falling used prices will also keep falling. They say from 2024-2026 we will see the largest decrease in battery costs in history because of increased production capacity so don't worry about new or used EV prices going up.

Can EVs be resold? ›

It is projected that EVs will comprise two-thirds of global car sales by the end of the decade. Higher the range, better the resale value: EVs with longer ranges, such as 400 kilometres, exhibit higher resale values (73%) compared to those with shorter ranges, like 160 kilometres (67%).

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