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the-10-fastest-depreciating-electric-cars

Whether it's thanks to the prospect of super-low running costs or through Government-mandated sales targets, more of us are now driving electric cars than ever before.

However, while some electric cars hold on to their value with a tighter grip than a banker with their bonus cheque,&nbsp;&nbsp;(as our list of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-10-slowest-depreciating-electric-cars/n24528">slowest-depreciating electric cars</a>&nbsp;shows) others shed pounds and pence at a truly alarming rate.

In this story, then, we're revealing the electric cars which will suffer the worst depreciation effects after a typical ownership period of three years and 30,000 miles.

If anything takes your fancy, simply click on the relevant link to read our full review, or see how much you could save by using the free&nbsp;What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals service</a>.&nbsp;All prices are correct at the time of writing.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

The 10 fastest-depreciating electric cars

Hatchback

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

UX300e

Model&nbsp;300e |&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£40,065 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£15,225 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£28,240 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;38.00%

Rounding off our list of the fastest-depreciating electric cars is this fully electric version of the Lexus UX small SUV.

Its 64kWh battery seems rather bulky on paper, but in our real-world tests it managed just 170 miles on a charge – most rivals will beat that by some margin. Still, at least the UX is peppy, reaching motorway speeds faster than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/2008/estate/review/n20552">Peugeot e-2008</a>&nbsp;can manage.

You'd expect a Lexus to feel plush inside, but sadly while the UX looks distinctive, the materials used in some of the places you touch regularly don't feel all that premium. It's not all that practical for your family, either, with limited rear seat room and a tiny boot.

All-in, there are much better&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-electric-suvs/n27422">small electric SUVs</a>&nbsp;on the market – and most of them won't depreciate at the same rate as the 300e.

10: Lexus UX300e

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Well-equipped</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Reliability record</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Shorter range than rivals</li>
	<li>Charges up more slowly than rivals</li>
	<li>Cramped rear seat space and boot</li>
</ul>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Temporary taxonomy to get review live.

ChrisH 01/10/2019

e208

Model&nbsp;Allure&nbsp;50kWh&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£29,960 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£10,575 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£19,385 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;35.30%

This version of the Peugeot e-208 small electric car has a 46.3kWh (usable capacity)&nbsp;battery which offers a range of up to 224&nbsp;miles depending on which trim you choose – that's competitive by the standard of small electric cars, and is more than the Fiat 500 can manage, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a>&nbsp;can go further still.

The e-208 is impressively quiet, even on faster roads, and even though its regenerative braking system can sometimes make the brakes feel spongy, the Peugeot offers a better ride than its rivals, and does a good job of soaking up the lumps and bumps of battered British roads.

Peugeot's i-cockpit layout takes some getting used to, because it has you looking over a small steering wheel at the instruments rather than through it, but the quality of materials used inside is good and there's all the kit you could want, even on entry-level models.

9: Peugeot e-208

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Smart interior</li>
	<li>Decent to drive</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Expensive</li>
	<li>Cramped in the back</li>
	<li>Driving position won’t suit everyone</li>
</ul>

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Model&nbsp;250+ AMG Line Premium Plus&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£58,215 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£20,200 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£38,015 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;34.70%

Losing more than £38,000 in value over three years of ownership is a tough pill to swallow, and you'll have plenty of time to get to grips with that prospect in this entry-level version of the Mercedes EQA.&nbsp;

That's because, with a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.6sec, it's not especially rapid. Indeed, the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/genesis/gv60/estate/review/n24373">Genesis GV60</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/hashtag-1/hatchback/review/n25016">Smart #1</a>&nbsp;are all faster to motorway speeds.

Things get a bit better when you're on a winding country road, though, because the EQA handles with reasonable composure. Unfortunately, the ride is a bit firm, sending thuds back through the suspension when you hit a pothole or crack.

Still, at least the interior has a smart design and the touchscreen infotainment system is easy enough to get along with.

8: Mercedes EQA

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Spacious interior</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
	<li>Long official range</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Expensive to buy</li>
	<li>Poor ride</li>
	<li>Interior quality could be better</li>
</ul>

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Model&nbsp;42kWh Giorgio Armani&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£33,985 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£11,700 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£22,285 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;34.43%

If you want to match retro looks with modern electric car technology, then the Fiat 500 is worth considering, offering&nbsp;peppy performance and agile handling, which makes weaving in and out of city traffic a doddle.

The cheapest models come with a tiny 24kWh battery offering an official range of 115 miles between charges, so we'd suggest going for the larger 42kWh option. That boosts the range&nbsp;199 miles depending on the trim level you choose.

No matter which version of the 500 you choose, the ride can be quite choppy, if not uncomfortably so. The rival Peugeot e-208 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/honda-e/hatchback/review/n20882">Honda E</a>&nbsp;feel calmer and more settled on faster roads, and are both quieter at speed.

Despite placing you low down inside the car, the 500 is easy to see out of,&nbsp; and even entry-level models come with all the kit you're likely to need, including air conditioning, a 10.25in infotainment touchscreen, and 16in alloy wheels.

7: Fiat 500

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Decent range between charges</li>
	<li>Fun to drive around town</li>
	<li>Stacks up well financially</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Tiny rear seats</li>
	<li>Noisy on the motorway</li>
	<li>Rivals have longer electric ranges</li>
</ul>

GWM ORA

Model&nbsp;Pure+ |&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£24,995 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£8550 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£16,445 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;34.21%

We'd usually forgive some faster depreciation on a model that's cheap to buy to begin with, but the fact is that you'll still pay more for an Ora 03 – previously known as the Funky Cat – than you will for some electric car rivals.

And it's not as though the Ora is shining to drive, either. Its official 193-mile range is outclassed by most other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-electric-cars/n26959">small EVs</a>&nbsp;these days, and while light steering makes it easy to drive around town, an unsettled ride and poor body control blights the experience on faster roads.

Inside, there's plenty of scope for personalisation and good visibility, but the quality of materials is only mediocre and you won't fit much luggage into the boot.

6: GWM Ora 03

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great level of safety</li>
	<li>Good rear seat space</li>
	<li>Long warranty</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Tiny boot</li>
	<li>Poor infotainment system</li>
	<li>Many rivals ride and handle better</li>
</ul>

Saloon

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

E-TRON GT

Model&nbsp;S 105kWh |&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£108,720 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£37,000 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£71,720 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;34.03%

The Porsche Taycan above and the Audi E-tron GT share more than a few similarities under the skin, and unfortunately that extends to the rate at which they lose value, too.&nbsp;

While it was the range-topping Turbo S version of the Taycan which suffers worst at the hand of depreciation, though, here it's the entry-level S model of the E-tron GT. It's only entry-level in name, though, because with four-wheel drive, and two electric motors producing a combined 583bhp, it feels plenty fast enough for most people.

Of course, you could spend a little more on the RS Performance model, which ups the power output to a fairly ridiculous 671bhp and drops the 0-62mph sprint time down to just 2.8sec, but that also compromises the range. The S model of the E-tron GT, meanwhile, can officially take you up to 375 miles between charges.

5: Audi E-tron GT

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Ultra-rapid charging</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride and great handling</li>
	<li>Mind-bendingly fast – especially in RS Performance guise</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Very expensive</li>
	<li>Interior doesn't feel as special as a Taycan's</li>
	<li>Potentially heavy depreciation</li>
</ul>

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

TAYCAN

Model&nbsp;Turbo S&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£163,200|&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£53,075 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£110,125 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;32.52%

It's a little surprising to see a high-performance model like the Porsche Taycan represented here, but this range-topping Turbo S version does indeed shed value faster than most other electric cars.

Here's the thing, though –we reckon that on most journeys, you'll be having too much fun to care. That's because it can rocket to motorway speeds in just 2.4sec, and it's just as much fun in corners, where its agility truly belies its size. And with an official range of up to 393 miles between charges, you can keep driving long after other electric cars have run out of juice.

This being the Sport Turismo model, your rear passengers benefit from a little extra leg and head room over the regular Porsche Taycan. Indeed, six-footers will find they have more room to stretch out in than in the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/e-tron-gt/saloon/review/n22728">Audi E-tron GT</a>.

4: Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Effortless point-to-point pace</li>
	<li>More spacious rear seats than in the coupé</li>
	<li>Wonderful interior quality</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>You will want to add a fair few options</li>
	<li>Range isn’t the best</li>
	<li>A Mercedes-AMG E63 has a larger boot</li>
</ul>

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Created new taxonomy as no CAP linked taxonomy currently available.

DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE

Model&nbsp;Etoile |&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£38,465 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£10,725 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£33,020 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;32.48%

If you're the kind of person who would eschew mainstream electric SUV choices like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164">Hyundai Kona Electric</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n24582">Kia Niro EV</a>&nbsp;in favour of something with a little more style, then we can understand why you might end up at the driver's door of the DS 3 E-Tense.

It's certainly striking to look at, and its interior design will be a constant conversation starter for your passengers, with its diamond-themed layout and tessellated pattern of touch-sensitive controls. The thing is, though, it's mostly style over substance, because the touch-sensitive buttons aren't easy to get along with and the 7.0in infotainment screen is on the small side.

The DS 3 E-Tense is lacking in performance, too, with its 154bhp motor not being able to match its Hyundai and Kia rivals in a 0-62mph sprint. It can't go as far as those cars on a charge, either, with an official range of 248&nbsp;miles.

3: DS 3 E-Tense

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plush and classy interior</li>
	<li>Quiet cruising manners</li>
	<li>Plenty of standard kit</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Expensive to buy new</li>
	<li>Sub-par electric range</li>
	<li>Cramped rear seats</li>
</ul>

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

Mokka-E

Model&nbsp;GS 115kWh |&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£34,280 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£11,100 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£23,180 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;32.38%

While some car makers shout about their SUVs being electric, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric is purposefully designed to fly under the radar – it looks, to most eyes, like just another version of the regular Vauxhall Mokka. It is indeed electric, though, with power being drawn from a 50.8kWh&nbsp;(usable capacity) battery and sent to the front wheels via a 154bhp electric motor.

The Mokka Electric isn't the last word in performance – even in its sport driving mode both the Kia Niro EV and Volkswagen ID 3 could show it a clean pair of heels – and nor can it travel very far on a charge. Plus, its official range of 250 miles between charges isn't the best around.

We wish the interior didn't feel so cheap in places, but at least every Mokka comes loaded with kit. There really isn't much need to look beyond the entry-level GS models, because these get adaptive cruise control, keyless start and heated front seats as standard.

2: Vauxhall Mokka Electric

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Pretty comfortable</li>
	<li>Decent electric range</li>
	<li>Plenty of standard kit</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Depreciates quickly</li>
	<li>Cheap-feeling interior</li>
	<li>Not that quick by electric car standards</li>
</ul>

Corsa-e

Model&nbsp;Design 51kWh&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£28,330 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£8325 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£20,005 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;29.39%

The combustion-engined Vauxhall Corsa is consistently among the best-selling new cars in the UK, but while this electric version shares many of the charms of that car – including being competitively priced and coming loaded with standard kit – it also sheds pounds and pence at an alarming rate.

To drive, the Corsa Electric is mediocre<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/electric/hatchback/review/n20910">,</a>&nbsp;offering a competitive range of up to 222 miles and peppy performance from its 134bhp electric motor, but its handling doesn't inspire you to push on. Plus, the ride is on the firm side, which makes the Corsa Electric fidget more over broken surfaces than, say, a Peugeot e-208 would.

Larger adults won't want to spend much time in the Corsa's rear seats – the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a>&nbsp;would be a better bet if you regularly carry tall passengers – and there's not a lot of space in the Vauxhall's&nbsp;boot.

1: Vauxhall Corsa electric

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Relatively well priced</li>
	<li>Respectable charging speeds</li>
	<li>Plenty of standard kit</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Disappointing Euro NCAP safety rating</li>
	<li>Rivals are nicer to drive</li>
	<li>Reliability could be better</li>
</ul>

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

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