EV Depreciation Calculator
An EV loses more value in its first year than in its entire last five combined. See your resale value year by year, and how battery chemistry, mileage and brand change the curve.
After 3 years
After 5 years
After 8 years
Best resale advice
Resale value year by year
Protect your resale value
- Keep the battery healthy. 20-80% charging, avoid heat, log the health report.
- Stick to popular trims. White/black, mid-range specs resell fastest.
- Sell with warranty remaining. Battery warranty is a huge buyer confidence boost.
- Maintain the software. Up-to-date cars feel newer and sell for more.
How it's calculated
- Year 1 is the steepest: ~20-25% loss depending on brand.
- Mileage adds ~2-4% extra loss per 10,000 km/year above 15k.
- Battery chemistry: LFP cars hold value slightly better (longevity), NMC loses marginally more.
- Brand factor: Tesla holds value best; budget brands depreciate fastest.
- Based on market trends — individual cars vary with condition and demand.
Pair with the TCO calculator for the full ownership picture.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do EVs depreciate?
EVs historically lost 50-60% of value over 5 years, faster than petrol cars. But the gap is closing quickly — today a 5-year-old EV typically retains 40-55%, helped by strong demand and better battery longevity.
Which EVs hold their value best?
Tesla models historically hold value best thanks to software updates and demand. High-range, high-demand models with good batteries retain 10-15 percentage points more than the EV average.
Does battery health affect resale value?
Yes — battery health is the #1 resale factor for EVs. Cars with documented good battery health and remaining warranty sell noticeably higher. Keep charging between 20-80% to protect resale.
Should I buy an EV new or used?
Used is often the best value: a 3-year-old EV has absorbed the steepest depreciation, still has battery warranty, and costs 40-55% less than new. New makes sense only if incentives are large.