EV Car Depreciation Calculator
Today is Sunday 11th January 2026
EV Reality Check Pro 🔋
Tracking values for the long-haul. 2026 market data for cars up to 15 years old.
Legal Disclaimer
Valuation Accuracy: The Change Car EV Depreciation & Battery Health Check is an illustrative tool based on 2026 UK market trends. While we factor in average annual degradation (approx. 1.8% per year) and ZEV mandate warranty standards, actual resale values are subject to volatile market demand, manufacturer brand strength, and regional dealer appetite. ChangeCar.com accepts no responsibility for decisions made or financial losses incurred as a result of using this calculator.
SOH Certification: Battery State of Health (SOH) estimates provided by this tool do not replace a physical diagnostic test. In the 2026 used market, "Confidence Premiums" are typically only achieved with a certified SOH report from an independent provider or an official manufacturer certificate.
Warranty & Professional Advice: This tool does not account for specific manufacturer warranty exclusions or "small print" service requirements. Results do not constitute financial or automotive professional advice. Always verify your remaining battery warranty (typically 8 years/100,000 miles to 70% capacity) with your vehicle manufacturer before making a sale or purchase decision.
EV vs. Petrol: The 2026 Resale Gap
In the UK market of 2026, the "depreciation curve" for electric vehicles has reached a fascinating turning point. While the average EV still loses value faster than a petrol equivalent in its first 36 months—roughly **61% vs 47%**—the data shows that **Battery State of Health (SOH)** is now the single biggest factor in determining a car's final price.
Our EV Depreciation Reality Check doesn't just look at age and mileage; it factors in the "Confidence Premium" that 2026 buyers place on certified battery health. A car with 95% SOH is now worth thousands more than an identical model at 82%.
Why EV Values Are Shifting
The 2026 used market is being shaped by three core factors that every owner should understand:
The SOH Premium
Buyers now demand SOH certificates. High battery health can negate up to 10% of typical annual depreciation.
Tech Cycles
Early EVs with slow charging (50kW) are dropping faster, while "Modern Era" EVs (150kW+) are holding value better than petrol.
Ex-Fleet Supply
A surge of ex-lease EVs from 2022-2023 has hit the market, providing great deals for buyers but putting pressure on sellers.
How to Protect Your Equity
If you're worried about the numbers the calculator just showed you, consider these "value-protecting" steps:
- Get a Battery Certificate: Cars sold with independent SOH reports (like Aviloo or Generational) sell 7 days faster on average.
- Optimise Charging: Keep your battery between 20-80% to maintain that SOH percentage—every 1% of health saved is money in your pocket.
- Timing the Market: With 2026 being a "correction year," holding onto your EV until early 2027 may see values stabilise as supply and demand equalise.
Market Note
While the "lost £" figure looks high, remember to factor in your fuel savings. Most EV owners in 2026 save over £1,200/year on energy, which often offsets the steeper depreciation vs petrol cars.