Depreciation is the silent killer of car value, and in 2025, it’s Chinese electric vehicles that are making headlines for just how quickly their prices tumble. Recent data paints a stark picture: certain Chinese EV models lose up to three quarters of their original value within just three years. This dramatic fall impacts buyers and sellers alike, with the UK and US markets showing some nuanced differences but a common theme of steep discounts on the used Chinese EVs.
In the UK, models like the MG HS SUV and MG5 sedan saw depreciation rates north of 30 percent in just two years. Part of the issue comes down to aggressive pricing and flooding the market with new models, which rapidly undercuts resale values. However, it also opens opportunities for savvy buyers to snag bargains on relatively fresh EVs packed with tech and range capabilities rivaling pricier competitors.
Meanwhile, in the United States, China’s EV brands are still gaining traction, but the depreciation paints a similar story. Heavy discounting, combined with rapid advances in battery and range technology, means yesterday’s shiny new electric car quickly becomes yesterday’s bargain. US buyers chasing the latest software and driving range often shy away from slightly older models, pushing values down even faster.
Why such brutal depreciation? First, Chinese automakers have eagerly pushed volumes in new market segments, often prioritizing competitive pricing over strong resale value. Second, the pace of technological progress especially battery improvements means newer cars quickly leapfrog older models. Lastly, lack of brand loyalty and concerns about long-term reliability keep used values lower compared to established Japanese, Korean, or American brands.
For drivers interested in a Chinese EV, this rapid depreciation has two sides. It can sting owners who lose value quicker than traditional cars, but it also creates unprecedented opportunities for buyers on tighter budgets to access advanced EV technology at bargain prices. As Chinese EVs mature and gain reputation, these steep depreciation curves could flatten, but for now, the market remains volatile.
Ultimately, understanding the fast breakdown of value on Chinese electric vehicles is essential whether buying new or used. It’s a snapshot not just of auto economics but of how electrification, tech leaps, and global competition are reshaping the car landscape in real time forcing drivers and dealers alike to reconsider what “value” means in this fast-evolving industry.
Here are tables with the top 5 fastest depreciating electric vehicles in the UK and USA markets in 2025:
UK: Top 5 Fastest Depreciating Electric Vehicles
| Rank | EV Model | Average 3-Year Depreciation | Approximate New Price (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vauxhall Corsa Electric | 55-60% | £28,000 |
| 2 | Vauxhall Mokka Electric | 55% | £30,000 |
| 3 | MG MG5 | 53-57% | £22,000 |
| 4 | Fiat 500e | 52-56% | £21,000 |
| 5 | Peugeot e-208 | 50-54% | £29,000 |
USA: Top 5 Fastest Depreciating Electric Vehicles
| Rank | EV Model | Average 5-Year Depreciation | Approximate New Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaguar I-Pace | 72% | $72,000 |
| 2 | Audi Q8 e-tron | 72% | $74,400 |
| 3 | Tesla Model S | 63% | $75,000 |
| 4 | Nissan Leaf SV Plus | 64% | $36,000 |
| 5 | Mercedes EQS | 61% | $104,000 |
These sharp depreciation rates reflect evolving technology, market pressure, and shifting buyer preferences. UK prices reflect more recent short-term depreciation trends while USA data averages depreciation over a longer 5-year span. Buyers hunting bargains will find entry to premium EV tech more accessible but owners should brace for significant value drops.
Here is a table showing the top 5 fastest depreciating cars in the UK and the USA based on recent data:
| Rank | UK Car Model | 3-Year Depreciation Rate | Average New Price (GBP) | Average Value After 3 Years (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renault Zoe | 71.55% | £31,995 | £9,103 |
| 2 | Peugeot 3008 | 70.52% | £28,830 | £8,500 |
| 3 | MG ZS | 69.48% | £21,995 | £6,712 |
| 4 | Jaguar I-Pace | 67.03% | £69,995 | £23,000 (approx.) |
| 5 | Audi A8 | 69.26% | £103,275 | £31,750 |
| Rank | USA Car Model | 3-Year Depreciation Rate | Average New Price (USD) | Average Value After 3 Years (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lincoln Navigator | 47.08% | $83,265 | $44,067 |
| 2 | Mazda CX-90 | 43.65% | $37,845 | $21,327 |
| 3 | Ford Expedition | 43.04% | $55,105 | $31,389 |
| 4 | Tesla Model S | 41.50% | $94,000 (approx.) | $55,000 (approx.) |
| 5 | Cadillac Escalade ESV | 40.00% (approx.) | $85,000 (approx.) | $51,000 (approx.) |
These figures highlight that electric vehicles and luxury SUVs dominate the list of fastest depreciating cars, impacted by rapid advances in technology, market saturation, and economic factors on both sides of the Atlantic.
