The 10 slowest-depreciating electric cars
Buying an electric car used to be a shortcut to tough depreciation, because they were seen as catering to only a small portion of new car buyers. These days, however, electric car ownership is growing, thanks both to a wider variety of electric models becoming available, and the increasing sales targets set by the ZEV Mandate.
That means going electric is no longer a niché choice, and that means that the depreciation suffered by electric cars has stabilised somewhat. And while some electric models lose their value very quickly, others keep their value well – and in this story, we're revealing exactly what they are.
Here, we're using our residual value data to showcase the 10 electric models which lose the smallest percentage of their value over a typical ownership period of three years and 36,000 miles. We've covered the fastest-depreciating electric cars separately.
If any of the cars here take your fancy, just click on the links to read our in-depth reviews, or see the latest discounts available through our free New Car Deals service.
Our pick: 3.0 G450d MHEV AMG Line (Premium Plus) G-Tronic 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Great sense of theatre on the road
- Interior feels very well made
- Superb off-road ability
Weaknesses
- Handles like a supertanker
- Not very practical
- Lumpy ride
Model G580 EQ Tech AMG Line Premium+ | List price £154,870 | 36k/3yr resale value £100,875 | Price drop £53,995 | Retained value 65.1%
Yes, even the leviathan that is the Mercedes G-Class has gone electric, with four electric motors providing a total of 579bhp. With one motor on each wheel, there should be no stopping this heavy SUV, no matter what terrain you're on. And we do mean heavy – the G580 is almost half a tonne heavier than other G-Class variants.
Despite that bulk, the G580 can sprint up to 62mph in 4.7sec. And while the top speed is capped at just 112mph, hustling the G-Class up to that speed, where allowed, is a lot of fun. Just be aware that, as with most electric cars, you're unlikely to match the official 294-mile range in real-world conditions.
Inside, the G-Class looks impressive, and while the boot is officially a little down on size compared with other G-Class models, we think it should still take your holiday luggage with ease.
Read our in-depth Mercedes G-Class review
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RRP from: £142,635
Our pick: SE 54.2kWh Exclusive Auto 3dr
Strengths
- Nippy acceleration
- Grippy handling
- Relatively slow predicted depreciation
Weaknesses
- Range of Cooper E variant isn't great
- Not very practical
- So-so charging speeds
Model SE Classic 54kWh | List price £26,405 | 36k/3yr resale value £16,325 | Price drop £10,080 | Retained value 61.8%
Given its relatively small size next to some of the other models on this list, you might be surprised to see the diminuitive Mini Cooper Electric here. The fact is, though, that despite costing more to buy outright than other small electric cars including the MG4 or Vauxhall Corsa Electric, the Mini out-performs both of those models for depreciation too. And that goes some way to showcasing its popularity among buyers.
There's more to the latest Mini than just Instagram-friendly looks and rock-solid resale values, though. This Cooper SE model gets a peppy 215bhp electric motor which makes it feel pleasantly quick around town. Upgrading to the SE model also means you get a larger battery, with the smaller 36.6kWh (usable capacity) version fitted to lesser models replaced by a much friendlier 49.2kWh unit which offers an official range of up to 250 miles.
Elsewhere, we like the Mini's eye-catching interior, which mixes retro styling with modern technology, but while front passengers won't struggle for space, the Cooper Electric's rear seats feel like a token gesture for anyone who's not rather small to begin with.
Read our in-depth Mini Cooper Electric review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £27,205
RRP from: £26,905
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What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
E 40.7kWh Monochrome Hatchback 3dr Electric Auto (184 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £299.54 |
| Initial payment | £3,594.48 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: long range 87kWh techno Auto 5dr (11kW Charger)
Strengths
- Long range between charges
- Cheaper than many rivals
- Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating
Weaknesses
- Rear-seat versatility could be better
- Spongy brake-pedal feel
- Not particularly quick
Model Techno 87kWh Long Range | List price £37,195 | 36k/3yr resale value £21,875 | Price drop £15,320 | Retained value 58.8%
Welcome to one of the best electric cars around right now – a bold statement, yes, but remember that in a recent group test the Renault Scenic beat both the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y. That the Scenic also holds on to its value better than either of those models is only the icing on what is already a very sweet cake, then.
This Long Range model has athletic ability on its side, too, with its 87kWh battery officially able to cover a whopping 379 miles between charges – better than any Model Y can manage, and also out-stripping the rival Hyundai Ioniq 5.
We like that finding a comfy driving position inside the Scenic is easy, because there's lots of adjustment in both the seat and steering wheel, and that even entry-level Techno trim has most of your equipment needs covered. Indeed, it gets luxuries including dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and heated front seats as standard.
Read our in-depth Renault Scenic review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £30,995
RRP from: £36,995
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What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
long range 87kWh techno SUV 5dr Electric Auto (11kW Charger) (220 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £326.75 |
| Initial payment | £3,921.00 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 100kWh GTS Auto 4WD 5dr
Strengths
- In GTS-spec it’s rapid and thrilling to drive
- Top-notch interior quality
- Excellent electric range
Weaknesses
- Cheaper versions aren’t that fast
- Without air suspension the ride is iffy
- Porsche reliability is a concern
Model 100kWh Auto | List price £65,800 | 36k/3yr resale value £37,925 | Price drop £27,875 | Retained value 57.6%
The regular Porsche Macan has for a long time been one of our favourite sports SUVs, but the latest version is also available as a fully electric car – and good news, it remains thrilling to drive despite a move to electric power.
This entry-level version might only make do with a single 356bhp motor driving the rear wheels, but it still feels plenty quick enough. And while we wouldn't stop you from upgrading to the 4S or Turbo versions, which get a second motor, most people will find the standard car's 0-62mph sprint time of 5.7sec perfectly fine. Plus, combined with sweet handling and refined cruising manners, the Macan is a comfortable yet exciting SUV.
The latest Macan is also spacious, with rear-seat passengers treated to more leg room than in the petrol model, plus there's more space for your luggage than you'd get in either the BMW iX3 or Kia EV6 GT.
Read our in-depth Porsche Macan Electric review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £69,500
RRP from: £68,665
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What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
100kWh SUV 5dr Electric Auto (360 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £860.82 |
| Initial payment | £10,329.84 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: Twin Motor 106kWh Ultra Auto 4WD 5dr
Strengths
- Seven seats as standard
- Rapid straight-line pace
- Great driving position
Weaknesses
- Expensive to buy outright
- Missing some features at launch
- Kia EV9 has more spacious third row seats
Model Single Motor Plus 104kWh | List price £82,660 | 36k/3yr resale value £45,075 | Price drop £37,585 | Retained value 54.5%
While the luxurious seven-seat Volvo EX90 will cost you more to buy in the first place than rivals including the Kia EV9 and Peugeot e-5008, it'll also hold onto its value better than those models.
There are two versions of the EX90 available at launch. The Twin Motor gets a total of 402bhp, allowing it to rocket up to motorway speeds in just 5.9sec, while the Single Motor model extends that time to 8.9sec – and it's the latter which represents the best investment. Plus, with an official range of up to 377 miles between charges, most families could feasibly charge up their EX90 once a week.
There's a decent amount of space even in the rearmost seats of the EX90, but that still means adults won't want to be back there for every long – the EV9 is better in this regard. At least access to the third row is easy thanks to middle-row seats which slide forwards, and there's still enough space for a couple of suitcases even with every seat filled.
Read our in-depth Volvo EX90 review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £74,055
RRP from: £73,160
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What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Single Motor 92kWh Core SUV 5dr Electric Auto RWD (333 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £829.56 |
| Initial payment | £9,954.72 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 600 112kWh Auto 4WD 5dr (Dual Motor)
Strengths
- Supple and controlled high-speed ride
- Composed handling
- Appealing interior
Weaknesses
- Too much road noise on the motorway
- Overly firm in town
- Glitchy infotainment system
Model 450kW Sport | List price £103,795 | 36k/3yr resale value £56,425 | Price drop £47,370| Retained value 54.4%
You may not think of Lotus as being the kind of brand to make a large, luxurious SUV, but the Eletre is indeed just that – as well as feeling classy inside, though, this 600 Sport SE version is also very fast.
Indeed, with 603bhp coming from dual electric motors, the 0-62mph sprint takes just 4.5sec. No matter which version of the Eletre you go for, you'll get the same 112kWh battery, which offers a range of up to 329 miles in 600 Sport SE form, and up to 373 miles in the standard 600.
No version of the car is cheap – it's priced to compete against the Audi SQ8 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric – but at least that guarantees rarity, plus it will hold on to its value better than any rival.
Read our in-depth Lotus Eletre review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £82,455
RRP from: £86,305
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
600 112kWh SUV 5dr Electric Auto 4WD (Dual Motor) (611 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £795.72 |
| Initial payment | £9,548.64 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 2.0 TFSI Sport S Tronic Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Plenty of room in the back for two adults
- Strong and frugal diesel engine
Weaknesses
- Boot space isn’t class-leading
- Some cheap-feeling interior plastics
- Petrol engine needs working quite hard
Model 100kWh Edition One | List price £73,615 | 36k/3yr resale value £39,225 | Price drop £34,390 | Retained value 53.3%
Electric estate cars are still a relatively new niche, but among its small competition, the Audi A6 Avant E-tron is the model which performs best in terms of depreciation. It's a practical choice, too, with enough space to swallow your holiday luggage with ease – even if the boots offered by the rival BMW i5 Touring and VW ID 7 Tourer are larger still.
Edition One cars are loaded to the nines with all the latest technology, including a separate 10.9in touchscreen for your front passenger to play with, but it's a shame that beneath the showroom glitz, there are too many hard plastics to touch once you start rummaging around inside.
Entry-level A6 Avant E-trons get a 75.8kWh (usable capacity) battery, which offers an official range of up to 364 miles – further than a similarly equipped i5 Touring can take you. Range-topping models, however, upgrade that battery to 94.9kWh, allowing for an official range of up to 437 miles.
Read our in-depth Audi A6 Avant E-tron review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £38,999
RRP from: £54,060
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 TFSI S line Estate 5dr Petrol S Tronic Euro 6 (s/s) (204 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £573.21 |
| Initial payment | £6,878.52 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 1.5C MHEV Exclusive Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- More fun to drive than rivals
- Smart interior
- Versatile rear seats
Weaknesses
- Firm ride
- Fiddly infotainment system
- Countryman E misses out on useful kit
Model Classic 66kWh | List price £33,005 | 36k/3yr resale value £17,550 | Price drop £15,455 | Retained value 53.2%
There are far more practical electric SUV choices than the Mini Countryman Electric, but if you're after something which will shed pounds and pence relatively slowly, then it makes a considerable case for itself. That's especially true if you go for an entry-level Classic model, but we'd consider adding at least one of Mini's option packs to make sure you get all the kit you want – Level 1, for example, gets you heated front seats, keyless entry and wireless phone charging.
We've only driven the most powerful version so far, the SE All4, which gets 308bhp from its two electric motors. The 0-62mph sprint time of 5.6sec is punchy by electric SUV standards – so much so that we reckon the lesser E model will provide enough performance to suit the needs of most buyers.
There's no driver display inside the Countryman, and seeing all of your driving data on the main, rounded infotainment screen takes some getting used to, but at least the system is fairly easy to get along with and offers a good amount of customisation.
Read our in-depth Mini Countryman Electric review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £29,945
RRP from: £29,345
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
1.5C MHEV Classic SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (170 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £419.74 |
| Initial payment | £5,036.88 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Strengths
- Explosive straight-line pace
- As practical as a regular Ioniq 5
- Fast charging speeds
Weaknesses
- Costs more than electric rivals
- Some features more suited to track use
- Mercedes-AMG A45 S is cheaper and more talented
Model Twin Motor Performance Plus | List price £65,010 | 36k/3yr resale value £34,350 | Price drop £30,660 | Retained value 52.8%
This go-faster version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is fantastically quick. It draws power from an 84kWh battery, which offers an official range of 278 miles. And while that figure is down on rival electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y Performance, the 5 N's ace is that it'll give you more smiles-per-mile than those cars.
Indeed, with 601bhp coming from two electric motors, the Ioniq 5 N can reach 62mph in just 3.4sec – a feat which will leave you pinned to the back of your seat and, we suspect, smiling like a lunatic. There's more to enjoy here than just straight-line speed, though, because the 5 N has a few tricks to keep you truly engaged. Among those is its drift mode, its N Pedal mode which amplifies the regenerative braking effect, and the N e-Shift feature which does a damned good job of simulating a manual gearbox.
While none of that tech comes cheap, the 5 N is still a comparative bargain next to other performance oriented electric cars like the Audi E-tron GT or Porsche Taycan. And, as its presence on this list shows, the Hyundai will keep its value better than either of those cars when you come to sell it.
Read our in-depth Hyundai Ioniq 5N review
Our pick: Pro 79kWh Style Auto 5dr (SWB, 6Seat)
Strengths
- Surprisingly good to drive
- Hugely practical
- Strong resale values
Weaknesses
- Fiddly air-con controls and infotainment
- Efficiency could be better
- The LWB version doesn't ride as smoothly as the SWB
Model Style Pro 86kWh LWB | List price £64,295 | 36k/3yr resale value £33,825 | Price drop £30,470 | Retained value 52.6%
If you need acres of space for people and luggage, but also have a keen eye on depreciation, the ID Buzz should be at the very top of your shortlist. Not only is it the best electric seven-seater for depreciation, but it's also a very good car in its own right – so good that it's a former What Car? Car of the Year.
What made the ID Buzz worthy of our top accolade? Well, aside from the spacey nature of its interior, it's also good to drive. The super-tight turning circle makes it easy to weave along city streets, you get punchy performance from its 201bhp motor, and the official electric range is a useful 291 miles – courtesy of LWB models getting a larger 86kWh battery.
Entry-level Life models have most of your equipment needs covered, coming with 19in alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and heated front seats as standard. The Style model we've gone for here, though, is our recommended choice, because it adds electrically operated side doors to help your passengers get in and out easier, as well as a powered tailgate and adaptive headlights.
Read our in-depth Volkswagen ID Buzz review
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Read more: The 10 fastest-depreciating cars >>
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £49,491
RRP from: £59,405
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Pro 79kWh Life MPV 5dr Electric Auto (SWB, 5Seat) (286 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £588.05 |
| Initial payment | £7,056.60 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
