Electric Car Depreciation Calculator
EVs usually lose value faster than gas cars. Estimate your EV's, Tesla's or hybrid's value each year and see why price cuts matter so much.
Get a plain-English read of your numbers, or ask anything about depreciation, when to sell or lease vs buy. Nothing is sent until you press Ask.
Today $45,000
- Total value lost
- $28,414 (63%)
- Cost of depreciation per month
- $474
- Worst single year
- $13,500
| Year | Value | Lost that year | Total lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today | $45,000 | — | 0% |
| Year 1 | $31,500 | $13,500 · 30% | 30% |
| Year 2 | $25,200 | $6,300 · 20% | 44% |
| Year 3 | $21,420 | $3,780 · 15% | 52% |
| Year 4 | $18,635 | $2,785 · 13% | 59% |
| Year 5 | $16,586 | $2,050 · 11% | 63% |
How fast do EVs depreciate?
The average EV loses about 30% in year one and keeps only around 37% of its price after five years, while a typical gas car keeps about 41% in this model. iSeeCars' five-year studies have found a similar gap. It has three causes:
- New-price cuts. When a maker drops the new price, every used car of that model is repriced against it overnight (try the explainer below).
- Fast-moving technology. Each new generation adds range and charging speed, so older models look dated sooner.
- Battery uncertainty. Buyers discount for unknown battery health, even though most packs age slowly.
Tax credits work the same way as price cuts: when a new EV gets a credit, a used one must be priced below the net new price to sell.
Questions people ask
Do electric cars depreciate faster?
On average, yes. Studies by iSeeCars and others have found EVs losing well over half their value in five years, more than the average gas car, mainly because of new-price cuts, fast-improving range and charging speed in newer models, and buyer worries about battery health.
How much do Teslas depreciate?
Tesla values dropped sharply when the company cut new prices, because a new car suddenly cost less than many used ones. A Model 3 or Model Y now follows a curve close to the EV average in this calculator. Check current listings for your exact model, year and battery.
Does battery health affect resale value?
Yes. Buyers pay more for EVs with documented battery health and remaining battery warranty (commonly 8 years / 100,000 miles in the US). Most batteries lose only a modest share of range over many years, but uncertainty still depresses prices.
Do hybrids hold their value?
Hybrids, especially Toyota and Lexus hybrids, have generally held value better than both EVs and many gas cars, since they save fuel without range or charging concerns. Pick "Hybrid" in the calculator.