Among the more affordable routes to electric vehicle ownership, buying used is growing in popularity.
“New EVs get a lot of attention, but the used market is where many people will realistically enter the category,” said Brian Altstatt, co-founder and chief technology officer of Find My Electric, a marketplace for used EVs.
But this emerging market raises questions for consumers about EV depreciation. How can EV buyers know they are getting the best value upfront and a reasonable cost of ownership? Here’s what to know.
How EVs Depreciate
While some criteria are similar, assessing the value and depreciation of a used EV versus a gas-powered vehicle involves different factors.
“Mileage matters, repairs matter, but the (battery) warranty seems to affect EV depreciation and value a little more than gas cars,” Altstatt said.
EVs also have additional forces that can materially affect value, including other remaining car warranties, software and feature changes, manufacturer price changes, state incentives, charging perks and model-specific supply and demand dynamics.
Battery Warranty
Whether an EV battery is still under warranty has a significant impact on its resale value.
A full EV battery replacement can cost anywhere between $7,000 and $25,000 in 2026, according to Find My Electric.
EVs sold in the last decade have typically carried a battery warranty of at least eight years or 100,000 miles — a standard reinforced by federal regulations.
But most EV batteries are designed to last even longer — between 10 and 15 years. So, while a new battery may never be a concern for a new EV buyer, it is something used-EV buyers might have to think about.
Software and Technology
EV software and technology become outdated quickly. Older EVs may not include features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto or could have smaller information screens than the latest models, decreasing their value.
“These kinds of factors can make used EV valuation more nuanced,” Altstatt said.
Recalls on software and parts can accelerate depreciation as well. In 2025, GM recalled nearly 2,900 Chevrolet Equinox EVs over a braking issue with cruise control, and in June 2026, Toyota recalled about 16,200 bZ and Lexus RZ vehicles due to a battery control unit error that could shut down the drivetrain. Batteries have also been recalled on some recent EV models.
Before buying a used EV, check its vehicle identification number (VIN) against the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall database to confirm any recalls have been addressed.
Buying Used Despite Depreciation
Depreciation is a fact of buying any used vehicle. For those entering the EV market, there are still plenty of reasons why buying used can give you the most value.
Until September 2025, buyers had access to a $4,000 upfront federal tax credit on used EVs. Now that the credit is gone, buyers cover the full cost themselves. But that shift gives sellers incentive to lower prices to stay competitive with the original price.
Some states still offer some incentive programs to purchase used EVs. Used EV prices have also been dropping according to Recurrent.
By knowing more about depreciation and the factors that influence it, potential buyers can feel more confident about buying used and making the transition to electric transportation.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
