Unless you own a rare or classic car that ages like a fine wine, the reality is that your car will depreciate. And an unfortunate reality stacked on top of that is that electric cars depreciate much faster. Here are the ten hardest-hit models.
Not all cars lose value at the same rate, of course. For example, prices for reliable Japanese cars, like Lexus and Toyota, hold steady due to buyer confidence in used models, whereas we’ve looked atsports cars that drop 56% of their valueover five years.
Electric vehicles are severely affected by depreciation and take the hit much sooner than other vehicles. Somelose almost half of their original valuein just one year. Even though they’re constantly improving andupcoming EV technologiescould change the game, many drivers are still unsure about.
Instead of buying a new electric car, you could save thousands on a slightly-used example from this list. And for an even better value proposition, consider looking atused hybrid vehiclesto enjoy a slower rate of depreciation coupled with longer effective ranges.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including iSeeCars and Kelley Blue Book. We calculated depreciation using the 2024 MSRP compared to current market values (one year on), then ranked from least to most depreciated.
10Audi E-Tron GT
1-Year Depreciation: 30.4%
First hinted at in theAvengers: Endgame, driven by fictional tech billionaireTony Stark, The Audi E-Tron GT is afuturistic looking car you can buy right now. Thankfully, you don’t need to be super rich to get your hands on one. While this is the least depreciated model on our list, the E-Tron GT still lost $32,938 in a year, now costing $75,057 compared to $107,995 when new.
93.4 kWh
522 HP
472 LB-FT
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
3.9 seconds
Top Speed
152 MPH
That’s still a lot of cash, but it’s a bargain. The Audi E-Tron GT shares a platform and battery with the more expensive Porsche Taycan, making it a thrilling sports sedan. With launch control and rear-wheel steer, even fans of combustion engines will praise its performance.
9Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV
1-Year Depreciation: 32.2%
The Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV is a luxury family hauler, available with up to seven seats. Sophisticated technology, including a hyperscreen spanning the dashboard and standard air suspension, took the starting price of a 2024 model to $105,450. Now, a barely used example $71,464. This might be slightly less sore if it gets scratched testing Mercedes' off-road driving mode.
108.4 kWh
355 HP
419 LB-FT
Rear-wheel drive
5.9 seconds
130 MPH
The interior of the EQS SUV is simply exquisite. Front seat passengers can get a massage on the go, while the middle row gets an optional removable tablet in the center armrest, and a wireless phone charging pad.
8Mercedes-EQ EQB
1-Year Depreciation: 34.6%
Similar to the previous entry, the EQB is another fully-electric SUV from Mercedes-EQ, with up to seven seats. The two are vastly different, though. The EQB is more pragmatic. It’s less about neck pillows and more focused on families who want a premium SUV that doesn’t break the bank, even if it is boxy.
70.5 kWh
288 HP
384 LB-FT
Front- or all-wheel drive
6 seconds
100 MPH
That said, the EQB has a flashy exterior. Instead of a boring, gloss black plastic panel, the front gets a Mercedes-Benz star pattern and big alloys add curb appeal. Thetouchscreen inside the caris smaller than the EQE, but has the same MBUX AI voice assistant. Plus, certain optional features can be purchased and activated via over-the-air updates, so there’s no need for a factory order to get a specific function.
7BMW iX
At first glance, the BMW iX has a futuristic design, yet its minimalist interior filled with screens keeps classic themes through timeless colors like Mocha and Castanea Chestnut. The front grill is self-healing, the first of its kind in the automotive world, and there have been hints of color-changing paint to come.
105.2 kWh
516 HP
564 LB-FT
4.4 seconds
124 MPH
A base model would’ve cost $88,095 new, with higher trims reaching over $111,500. A one year old iX now sits around $57,606. Recent recalls for unintentional cruise control activation and poorly secured battery cell monitors should be noted.
6Tesla Model Y
1-Year Depreciation: 36.9%
Used electric car values drop considerably over time, but sometimes other factors cause rapid depreciation. For most automakers, the owners and CEOs generally stay distanced from the daily running. However, Elon Musk is not camera shy. Without becoming political, Musk’s recent television coverage has been damaging his image among a lot of people around the world. Many now shun Tesla products, and fans are more interested in the 2025 Tesla Model Y facelift. This means older models are significantly less desirable, so dealers are lowering prices to sell them. They’ve already lost around 37% of their original value, from $44,630 to $28,117, and we expect this to drop even further in the following months.
60 kWh
295 HP
309 LB-FT
6.6 seconds
135 MPH
As far as EVs go, the Model Y is good. There are a few issues with build quality, but nobody can argue with the level of tech, power, and range at this price. Inside is spacious, and kids will be fascinated with the autopilot, but the advanced screen lacksApple CarPlayand Android Auto. The Tesla supercharger network is also one of the best in the world, effortlessly charging cars to 80% in as little as 15 minutes.
5Tesla Model 3
For the same reason as above, the Model 3 sees similar depreciation. Once $40,630, a year-old model can be picked up for $25,597. The Model 3 was refreshed just last year. There are a few cosmetic changes, such as slimmer headlights, but the body was re-shaped for better efficiency, thus improving driving range on a single charge. It takes minimalism to a whole new level, removing all the stalks in favor of wheel-mounted indicator buttons and a gear selection slider on the touchscreen.
50 kWh
271 HP
310 LB-FT
5.8 seconds
125 MPH
4Nissan Leaf
1-Year Depreciation: 40.2%
Before the recent surge in production, Nissan offered an affordable EV for buzzing around town. In its second generation, the Nissan Leaf remains a sensible choice for drivers looking for a budget-friendly alternative to gasoline. Prices have dipped in the past year, going from $29,255 to $17,488, and they’re expected to get even lower following the refreshed Leaf for 2025.
40 kWh
147 HP
236 LB-FT
Front-wheel drive
Under 7 seconds
92 MPH
Keeping things simple, the Leaf is only offered in two trims. The base model uses an 8-inch touchscreen and a plethora of safety systems, while the SV Plus trim gains a leather interior and LED lights. We hope the fact that theNissan and Honda merger fell throughdoesn’t signal the end for this Japanese automaker.
3Kia Niro EV
1-Year Depreciation: 41.2%
Kia is committed to sustainability. The Niro electric is kitted out with recycled materials and synthetic leather, which still looks premium. There are two grades available, with the higher trim received perforated seats for ventilation along with a Harman Kardon sound system.
64.8
201 HP
188 LB-FT
6.7 seconds
103 MPH
Even in its basic form, the Niro boasts dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry and go, and smartphone connectivity. Performance is exactly the same between the two trims. This subcompact electric vehicle had a sensible starting price of $40,975 last year. It’s even more affordable at $24,110.
2Kia EV6
1-Year Depreciation: 45.2%
Another environmentally friendly vehicle from Korea is the Kia EV6. Labeled as a compact SUV, the spacious EV6 is an electric alternative to the popular Kia Sportage. It looks mean with its sharp double spoiler and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, while an ultra-modern interior with floating center console delivers a visually appealing experience and more storage space than anyone needs in a car.
58 kWh
167 HP
258 LB-FT
8 seconds
115 MPH
It’s a shame the EV6 is depreciating so much, it’s a great car. However, its quirky styling suits a niche market, and a redesigned model is due imminently. The average purchase price for a used model after one year is $24,088, down from $43,995 new.
1Lucid Air
1-Year Depreciation: 46.8%
The electric vehicle with the worst depreciation after one year is the Lucid Air. It takes on rivals like the Mercedes-EQ EQS sedan, flaunting better aerodynamics without taking the EQS' egg-shaped body. The exterior looks like a car from a sci-fi movie, but inside is classy. There are four digital displays cocooning the driver while an optional full-length glass roof floods the cabin with light.
82 kWh
430 HP
406 LB-FT
4.5 seconds
A base model Lucid Air cost $71,400, new, but after losing almost half its value in just one year, used examples can be found at $37,971.