EV depreciation varies wildly by model. The best value-holders are the Rivian R1S (~73%) and R1T (~72%) after two years, followed by the Tesla Model 3 (~66%) and Model Y (~64%), then the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 in the high-50s to low-60s. The worst losers include the Nissan Leaf, early Chevrolet Bolt and Jaguar I-Pace (down 55–65% in three years), and luxury EVs like the Porsche Taycan and Mercedes EQS, which can shed 60–65% by year five. For buyers, that volatility is an opportunity: a heavily depreciated 2–4-year-old EV with a healthy battery can be exceptional value.
How EVs hold value (approx., 2026 data)
| Model | Value retained | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1S / R1T | ~72–73% (2 yr) | Strongest mainstream residuals; limited supply |
| Tesla Model 3 / Model Y | ~64–66% (2 yr) | Strong demand, Supercharger access, OTA updates |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6 | high-50s–low-60s (2 yr) | Solid, well-regarded mainstream EVs |
| Nissan Leaf / early Bolt / I-Pace | lose 55–65% (3 yr) | Among the weakest residuals |
| Porsche Taycan / Mercedes EQS | lose 60–65% (5 yr) | Big-dollar luxury depreciation |
Why EV depreciation is so uneven
Depreciation is usually the single largest cost of owning any car, and for EVs it's been unusually volatile. Rapid technology improvement, shifting incentives and fast-changing new-car prices all hit used values hard. The result is a wide spread: some EVs hold value as well as the best petrol cars, while others are among the fastest-depreciating vehicles on the market. Knowing which is which protects you whether you're buying or selling.
Which EVs hold value best
Strong residuals tend to come from limited supply, genuine demand and a healthy ownership ecosystem:
- Rivian R1S (~73%) and R1T (~72%) after two years lead the mainstream field, helped by limited production and strong demand.
- Tesla Model 3 (~66%) and Model Y (~64%) follow, supported by deep demand, Supercharger access, over-the-air updates and a liquid, well-developed used market.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 sit in the high-50s to low-60s after two years — solid, well-regarded choices.
- Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric are good value-retention picks at lower prices, with sensible range and efficiency.
Which EVs lose value fastest
- Nissan Leaf, pre-2022 Chevrolet Bolt and Jaguar I-Pace lose roughly 55–65% over three years — older tech, slower charging or weaker reputations weigh on them.
- Porsche Taycan and Mercedes-Benz EQS have become some of the biggest dollar-losers in modern motoring, frequently shedding 60–65% of value by year five — luxury EVs depreciate steeply in absolute terms.
The Tesla nuance
Tesla's resale story has a twist. Used Teslas have held up well overall — over one recent window used values rose around 4.3%, with the Model S and Model X up by high single digits — as buyers price in Supercharger access and OTA updates. But Tesla repeatedly cutting its new-car prices to chase market share accelerates depreciation on the most recent model years. The lesson: used Teslas hold value, but the very latest used examples can drop fastest when new prices fall.
How to use depreciation when buying
Steep depreciation is bad if you're selling but excellent if you're buying. A 2–4-year-old EV that has already taken its biggest value hit — with a verified healthy battery — can be exceptional value, delivering the same low running costs at a fraction of the new price. The strategy: let the first owner absorb the depreciation, then buy in.
| Goal | Strategy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Minimise your own depreciation | Buy a strong value-holder | Less value lost over your ownership |
| Maximise bargain on a used EV | Buy a fast-depreciator with healthy battery | Pay far less for the same utility |
| Protect resale when selling | Choose proven-residual models | Easier sale, better return |
| Avoid a money pit | Check battery SoH before buying | Battery is the priciest component |
A cheap used EV is only a bargain if its battery is sound. Always check state of health (SoH) before buying — high-80s % or above is good on an older car; below 80% on a young, low-mileage car is a red flag. A low price often reflects weak residuals, not a hidden battery problem, but verify before assuming.
What affects an EV's resale value
- Battery health and warranty: a strong SoH and remaining battery warranty lift resale; a worn battery sinks it.
- Charging ecosystem: access to a reliable network (e.g. Supercharger/NACS) supports values.
- Software support and OTA updates: cars that keep improving hold value better.
- New-car price moves: falling new prices drag used values down, especially on recent model years.
- Supply and demand: limited-production, in-demand models (like Rivians) resist depreciation.
Region note: the UK
UK EV residuals have followed a similar pattern — strong for in-demand models, weak for older or niche ones — and have been pressured by falling new-EV prices and the end of some incentives. The arrival of the Electric Car Grant and cheap running costs support demand for affordable used EVs. As ever, a healthy battery and remaining warranty matter most to resale; verify both before buying or pricing a sale.
Frequently asked questions
Which EVs hold their value best?
Which EVs depreciate the fastest?
Do Teslas hold their value?
Is a fast-depreciating used EV a good buy?
What hurts an EV's resale value most?
Sources & further reading
- Recharged — Best Used EV Value After Depreciation (2025–2026)
- The Charge Port — EV Depreciation 2026: Which EVs Hold Their Value
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
