Electric Vehicles That Lose the Most Value Over 10 Years
Recent research by Boohoff Law has shed light on the electric vehicles (EVs) that depreciate the most over a ten-year period. Surprisingly, Tesla’s flagship model, the Model S, tops the list. The comprehensive analysis compared the initial manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) from 2015 with the average resale values observed in 2025.
The Top 10 EVs That Depreciate the Most
- Tesla Model S: The Tesla Model S sees almost 90% of its initial value disappear after ten years. With a starting price of £71,369.91 ($95,600) in 2015, this high-end EV now fetches only £7,316.16 ($9,800) on the used market.
- Fiat 500e: The Fiat 500e carries the less desirable distinction of being the EV with the lowest price on the used car market right now, selling at just £2,857.04 ($3,827), representing a drop of over 88% in value.
- BMW i3 (BEV): The BMW i3 (BEV) claims the third spot with an 86% drop in its worth. This uniquely designed BMW has seen its value shrink by more than £27,622.25 ($37,000) over the past ten years.
- Peugeot iOn: The Peugeot iOn lands in the fourth position with an 83% decrease in value. Its older battery technology and more basic features compared to today’s EVs have caused its value to plummet from £26,726.39 ($35,800) to £4,329.97 ($5,800).
- Nissan Leaf: The Nissan Leaf occupies the fifth spot with an 82% loss in value. The car’s worth has dropped from £21,657.33 ($29,010) to £3,882.05 ($5,200).
- Mercedes-Benz B-Class ED: The Mercedes-Benz B-Class ED secures sixth place with an 81% decrease in value. This premium compact electric vehicle has dropped in worth from £30,944.38 ($41,450) to £5,599.10 ($7,500).
- Ford Focus Electric: The Ford Focus Electric takes the seventh spot with a 79.97% decrease in value. The Focus Electric has seen its price fall from £21,739.46 ($29,120) to £4,354.61 ($5,833).
- Kia Soul EV: The Kia Soul EV occupies the eighth position with a 79.83% decrease in price over a decade. This EV has held its value better than some of its earlier rivals, decreasing in price from £26,651.74 ($35,700) to £5,375.14 ($7,200).
- Chevrolet Spark EV: The Chevrolet Spark EV claims the ninth spot with a 79.23% drop in its original value. This small electric option from GM has seen its price decrease from £19,406.49 ($25,995) to £4,031.35 ($5,400).
- Volkswagen e-Golf: The Volkswagen e-Golf completes the top ten with a 78.59% decrease in value. This electric version of VW’s well-liked hatchback demonstrates the strongest ability to hold its value among the top 10, falling from £26,502.43 ($35,500) to £5,673.76 ($7,600).
Implications for EV Buyers
The dramatic devaluation of early electric vehicles reveals a market still coming to terms with rapid technological evolution. Premium models face steeper percentage drops, indicating luxury features don’t shield against obsolescence when battery technology and range capabilities advance so quickly. Prospective EV buyers should carefully consider long-term ownership costs, especially as newer models continue to extend battery life, range capabilities, and charging infrastructure compatibility.
