According to a new study conducted by iSeeCars , Tesla 's Model S retains its value twice as long as an average or electric car. According to the study, the average depreciation rate for electric vehicles is 56.6% compared to 38.2% for an average gasoline car.
But previous studies have also shown that, in general, electric cars depreciate faster than regular gasoline-powered vehicles.
However, we must take into account that electric cars depreciate more quickly because resale values are also calculated, as well as state and local credits that are applied to these vehicles when they are first purchased.
The Model S is Tesla's oldest vehicle on the market and has the best data in this study.
Ly suggests that obsolescence may also play a role in the high depreciation rate of electric vehicles:
“Because technology is changing rapidly, obsolescence also plays a role in their dramatic devaluation, as do consumer anxiety and the lack of public infrastructure for charging them.”
However, things would be different if electric cars did not have the extra credits and if gasoline cars were sold at their true cost, since their impact on health and the environment had been included in their price.
Either way, it is very likely that soon the depreciation of petrol cars will increase compared to electric vehicles. In a few years no one will want to buy petrol cars and they will know that no one is going to want to buy their used petrol car in 3-5 years thus destroying its resale value.
