Hey everyone, it’s Jamie here from your go-to EV supplier, and today I’m breaking down something that’s been on so many customers’ minds lately: the resale value of electric vehicles. If you’ve test-driven a EV lately or heard our sales team chat about trade-ins, you know this topic comes up nonstop—whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your current ride. Let’s cut through the noise, get real data, and talk about what actually matters when it comes to how much your EV will be worth a few years down the line.
First, let’s start with the basics: resale value is just how much a vehicle sells for after you’ve owned it, right? For gas cars, this has been around forever—we all know a Toyota Corolla holds its value way better than a fancy sports car, but EVs? It’s a little different. The big question most folks ask is: do EVs lose their value faster than gas cars, or slower? The short answer is, it depends on a bunch of factors—battery health, model demand, tech updates, and even what features you pick when buying new.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: batteries. Unlike gas cars, where engine condition is the main worry, EV resale value hinges way more on the battery. A few years back, there were horror stories of EV batteries dying after 50,000 miles and costing a fortune to replace—something like $15k+, which would tank a vehicle’s value. But fast forward to 2025, and that’s not the case anymore. Modern EVs, especially the ones we stock here, have battery warranties that cover 8 years or 100,000 miles, and many now use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries that hold charge way better over time.
Wait, let’s use a real example we’ve seen firsthand. Last year, a customer traded in their 2022 Tesla Model 3 for a new one, and it had 75,000 miles on it. The battery was still at 91% state of health (SOH)—that means it only lost 9% of its original capacity. That Model 3 still held 62% of its original MSRP, which is way higher than your average gas car that age, which usually sits around 50-55% for non-luxury models. But here’s the catch: not all batteries are created equal. If you’re looking at a model with a smaller battery, like a compact EV, that resale value drops a tiny bit faster because buyers worry about range over time.
Now, let’s get into model-specific stuff, since that’s where a lot of customers sleep on it. Some EVs just hold their value way better than others, and I can point to examples we carry right here at the shop. Let’s start with the All-new 2025 Toyota BZ3X 520 Pro Equipped With LiDAR, Long Range Pure Electric SUV. I’ve sold three of these in the last two months, and one customer already told me he’s eyeing upgrading to the next model in three years. Why? Toyota has a reputation for reliability, even with EVs, and the long-range battery (520 km, that’s around 320 miles) is a huge sell for anyone who hates range anxiety. Redbook, a top vehicle valuation site, says the BZ series holds 68% of its value after 3 years—way above the 59% average for compact electric SUVs. That’s a big deal if you’re worried about getting stuck with a depreciating ride.
Another one we’ve seen strong resale on is the ONVO L80 Ultra+ Price China. Wait, ONVO is Nio’s sub-brand, right? They’re all about smart features and fast charging, and the L80 Ultra+ doesn’t skimp on either. We had a 2024 demo model here that we sold used last month—only 12,000 miles on it, and we were able to sell it for 82% of its original price. Why? The Ultra+ has that next-level driver assist, a 140 kWh battery that gives almost 600 miles of range, and buyers in the market for a family EV are willing to pay a premium for those features. I’ll be honest, when we first got the demo, I thought we’d have to mark it down 10% to move it fast—nope, buyers were lining up.
Now, not every EV is a home run. Let’s talk about what hurts resale value. First, outdated tech. EVs update so fast that a 5-year-old model might have a infotainment system that’s clunky, no over-the-air (OTA) updates, and worse driver assist than newer rides. The Zero Run B01 2025 Model 650 LiDAR Version is great for 2025, but if you go with a 2021 Zero Run, which didn’t have LiDAR or OTA, that resale value drops almost 15% compared to the 2025 version. Buyers know they’ll have to upgrade their entire infotainment if they get an older model, so they don’t want to pay top dollar.
Another thing: hybrids vs. pure EVs. Wait, a lot of people confuse hybrids with EVs, so let’s clear that up. A hybrid (like the 2023 ERX5 Ultra Hybrid Comfort Edition) has both a gas engine and a battery, so it doesn’t have the same range worries as a pure EV. But does that mean its resale value is higher? Not exactly. We’ve seen ERX5 hybrids hold around 60% of their value after 3 years, which is similar to a gas SUV of the same size. Pure EVs, though, if they’re the right model, hold 3-5% more than hybrids now because charging infrastructure is way better than it was 3 years ago. Most people can charge at home, so range anxiety is way less of a factor.
Wait, let’s throw in a wild card here: brands. Chinese EV brands have blown up in the last 2 years, and a lot of buyers are skeptical about their resale value. But we carry a brand called Stapie, and their S07 2025 Huawei Qiankun Intelligent Driver ADS SE is a perfect example. The S07 uses Huawei’s driver assist, which is rated as one of the best in the world, and after 18 months on the market, resale values for the S07 are already at 70% of original MSRP. That’s higher than many legacy EVs that have been around for 5+ years. Why? Stapie has a battery warranty that’s even longer than Toyota’s—10 years or 200,000 miles—and they offer free OTA updates for life. Buyers know they don’t have to worry about the tech getting outdated in a couple years, so they’re willing to pay more for a used S07.
Now, let’s talk about common myths that people get wrong. First myth: “EVs lose all their value in the first year.” No way. I’ve seen brand-new EVs with 100 miles on them sell for 90% of MSRP—if you buy a popular model. Remember, the “new car depreciation” hit is for gas cars too, but it’s less for EVs right now because demand is so high. The big hit usually comes in the 3-5 year mark, but again, it depends on the model. Second myth: “Lower price EVs hold less value.” Let’s test that: a $25k compact EV vs. a $50k midsize EV. A $25k EV will hold around 60% of its value after 3 years, while a $50k midsize holds 65%—the more expensive ones have better batteries and more features, so they retain value better.
Another big factor: charging infrastructure. If you live in a rural area where public chargers are spotty, buyers will pay less for a used EV because they can’t charge easily. But if you’re in a city like Shanghai, Beijing, or even most US metro areas, where there’s a charger every 5 miles, used EVs are flying off the lots. That’s why the L80 Ultra+ from ONVO does so well—Nio has its own network of fast chargers, so buyers know they can charge anywhere without waiting.
Wait, let’s get real about our own experience as an EV supplier. We’ve been in this game for 7 years, and we’ve tracked resale values for every EV we sell. Our top three for 3-year resale are: the Stapie S07 (72%), Toyota BZ3X (68%), and ONVO L80 Ultra+ (67%). The lowest? Some older budget EVs that didn’t have OTA updates, which clock in around 52%. That’s a huge gap, and it all comes down to the factors I mentioned earlier.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re buying an EV and plan to sell it in 3-5 years, here’s my advice as someone who’s sold hundreds of these rides: First, go for a model with a reputable battery warranty. Avoid any EV without a warranty of at least 8 years/100,000 miles. Second, pick a model with modern tech—OTA updates, good driver assist, and at least 500 km of range. The Zero Run B01 2025 Model 650 LiDAR Version checks all those boxes, so you know you won’t be stuck with outdated tech a couple years down the line. Third, buy from a brand that has a track record of reliability. We carry all these models for a reason—we don’t want our customers dealing with resale headaches later.
Wait, let’s address a concern a lot of trade-in customers have: “My old EV has low battery health, what’s it worth?” Last month, we took in a 2021 EV with 60% battery SOH. We offered 45% of the original price, which is lower than the average, but that’s because buyers know replacing that battery would cost around $8k. But if your battery is at 85% or higher, you can expect way more—usually 60-70% of original price, depending on the model.
Also, let’s talk about the future. As more EVs hit the market, resale values are only going to get more consistent. The average 3-year EV resale value was 56% in 2022, and 59% in 2024—up 3 points in two years, and it’s only going to keep going up. Why? Better batteries, better charging, and more used EVs entering the market, which means buyers have more options and are more comfortable buying used EVs.
Now, I need to give a shoutout to the people who make this all possible—our techs, who inspect every EV we sell, and our customers, who trust us to pick models that hold their value. If you’re thinking about buying an EV, whether new or used, and you want to know what it’s worth, or you’re ready to trade in your current ride, hit us up. We don’t just sell EVs—we help you make a decision that works for your wallet for years to come. No hidden fees, no confusing jargon, just straight talk.
Wait, one last thing before I wrap up. I know a lot of people are still on the fence about EVs because of resale value, and I get it—change is scary. But from where I sit, after 7 years in this industry, EV resale is way more stable than people think. Sure, some models will lose value fast, but if you pick the right one—like the ones we stock here—you’ll come out way ahead compared to many gas cars. And as charging infrastructure gets better and battery tech improves, that gap will only get smaller.
If you’re ready to explore your options, talk to us about new EVs or trade-ins. We’ll give you a clear breakdown of what each model will be worth in a few years, no sales pitch, just facts. Let’s make sure you drive off in a ride that’s not only good now, but good for your wallet later.
References
- Red Book Automotive. (2024). Electric Vehicle Resale Value Index. Retrieved from redbookauto.com/ev-resale-2024
- International Energy Agency (IEA). (2024). Global EV Market Outlook: Resale Value Trends. Retrieved from iea.org/evs/resale-values-2024
- Consumer Reports. (2024). Best and Worst Electric Vehicles for Resale Value. Retrieved from consumerreports.org/cars/electric-vehicles/resale-value
- J.D. Power. (2024). EV Battery Health and Resale Value Study. Retrieved from jdpower.com/guides/ev-battery-resale-2024
- Stapie Motor Company. (2025). S07 Model Resale Value Warranty Program. Internal Dealer Report.