Understanding Why EV Depreciation Outpaces ICE Vehicles

So, you're thinking about buying an electric car, huh? They seem pretty cool, right? Super quiet, no more gas stations. But have you thought about what happens when you want to sell it later? It turns out, EVs can lose their value pretty quickly, often faster than the gas cars we're all used to. This article is going to break down why that happens, looking at everything from batteries to new tech hitting the market.

Key Takeaways

• Electric vehicles often see a bigger drop in value in their first few years compared to gas cars, meaning EV depreciation faster than ICE.

• The high cost and potential degradation of EV batteries are major worries for used car buyers, impacting resale prices.

• Newer EV models with better tech and longer range can make older EVs seem outdated quickly, speeding up their value loss.

• Government incentives, mostly for new EVs, can skew initial prices and affect how much used EVs are worth down the line.

• While fuel and maintenance might be cheaper, the significant depreciation is a big part of the total cost of owning an EV.

Understanding The Initial Price Shock Of Electric Vehicles

When you first look at buying an electric vehicle (EV), the sticker price can be a bit of a shocker. It's no secret that EVs generally cost more upfront than their gasoline-powered cousins. This isn't just a random thing; it's tied to how they're made and the tech packed inside.

Inflated New Vehicle Prices Due To Production Costs

Making EVs isn't cheap. The batteries, for instance, are complex and expensive to manufacture. Plus, the technology is still relatively new, meaning production lines might not be as streamlined as those for traditional cars that have been around for decades. This all adds up, pushing the initial cost higher for consumers. It's a big reason why many new EVs come with a higher price tag compared to a similar gas car, sometimes by thousands of dollars. This initial cost difference is a major hurdle for many potential buyers, even if the long-term savings are there.

Impact Of Manufacturer Incentives On Leasing

Automakers know that high prices can scare people off. So, they often use incentives, especially for leases, to make EVs more accessible. These deals can make a monthly payment look much more attractive, masking the true cost of the vehicle. Companies might offer these incentives because they get tax breaks or want to meet certain sales targets. However, this can create a bit of a disconnect. When these leased vehicles hit the used market a few years later, their resale value might not reflect the original inflated price, especially after those incentives expire.

The Effect Of Early Adopter Premiums On Resale Value

Think about the first people who bought smartphones or early flat-screen TVs. They paid a premium for the latest technology. EVs have seen a similar effect. Early buyers often paid more, partly because they were the first in line for this new tech. This "early adopter premium" means the car's initial value was set quite high. As more models come out and technology improves, that initial high price can drop significantly, impacting the resale value more sharply than with traditional cars. It's a tough pill to swallow when you realize your cutting-edge vehicle is worth much less than you paid just a couple of years later. This is a key factor in why EV depreciation can be so steep.

The upfront cost of an electric vehicle is often higher than a comparable gasoline car. While running costs like fuel and maintenance can be lower, the initial purchase price remains a significant barrier for many consumers looking to switch to electric. This price difference is a major consideration when evaluating the total cost of ownership.

Here's a look at how initial prices can stack up:

Vehicle Type	Average New Price (Approx.)
Electric Vehicle (EV)	$55,000
Gasoline Car	$48,000

This table highlights the typical price gap you might see when comparing new EVs and gas cars. It's a clear indicator of the initial financial hurdle involved in going electric, even though EVs can be cheaper to operate over time.

The Battery's Lifespan And Its Effect On Value

When you buy an electric car, you're not just buying a vehicle; you're buying into a whole new technology, and a big part of that is the battery. Unlike the engine in your old gas car, which might last for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular maintenance, the EV battery is a different beast. It's the heart of the car, but it also has a finite life, and that's a major reason why used EVs tend to lose value faster than their gasoline counterparts.

Battery Degradation Over Time

Think about your smartphone or laptop. Over time, the battery just doesn't hold a charge like it used to, right? EV batteries work the same way. They degrade with every charge cycle and with every mile driven. This isn't a sudden failure, but a gradual loss of capacity. While manufacturers usually offer warranties that guarantee a certain percentage of battery health (often around 70% after 8 years or 100,000 miles), real-world data sometimes shows a quicker decline than expected. Some studies suggest that batteries might lose a significant chunk of their original capacity in just a few years, impacting the car's overall range and, therefore, its desirability on the used market.

The High Cost Of Battery Replacement

This is where things get really scary for potential used EV buyers. If a battery degrades significantly or fails outside of its warranty period, replacing it is incredibly expensive. We're talking about costs that can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars – sometimes more than the car is even worth at that point. Imagine buying a used EV only to find out a few years down the line that you need a $15,000 to $20,000 battery. That's a huge financial hit that most people aren't prepared for. It's a major factor that makes buyers hesitant about picking up a used electric vehicle, especially one that's getting on in years. This is a big reason why EV depreciation outpaces ICE vehicles.

Warranty Limitations And Future Concerns

Most EVs come with a battery warranty, typically 8 years or 100,000 miles. This is meant to give buyers peace of mind. However, what happens after that warranty expires? That's a big question mark. While some automakers are starting to offer extended warranties or programs to help with replacement costs, it's not yet a universal standard. For older EVs, especially those nearing the end of their warranty, the looming possibility of a massive repair bill can significantly depress their resale value. Buyers are essentially factoring in the risk of future battery costs when making an offer on a used EV. It's a concern that manufacturers are still trying to address as the first wave of EVs starts to age out of their original warranties.

Market Dynamics Influencing Used Electric Car Prices

So, you're looking at the used car market, and maybe you've noticed something a bit different with electric vehicles (EVs). It's not just about the sticker price anymore; a whole bunch of things are playing a role in how much these cars are worth when they're not brand new. It's a bit of a puzzle, honestly.

Supply and Demand Imbalances

This is a big one. When a lot of a certain type of car hits the market all at once, prices tend to drop. Think about it: if there are more cars than people who want to buy them, sellers have to lower their prices to move the inventory. For EVs, this can happen when a big batch of leased cars comes back, or when rental companies decide to sell off their fleets. It's basic economics, really. The sheer volume of available used EVs can quickly outpace the current demand, pushing down their resale value.

The Influx of Off-Lease Vehicles

Leasing is super popular for new EVs, partly because of those manufacturer incentives we talked about. When those leases end – usually after two or three years – all those cars flood back into the market. These aren't ancient vehicles; they're relatively new and often still have a lot of life left. But because there are so many of them, and because new models are always coming out with better tech, their value takes a hit. It's like when a new iPhone model drops; the older ones suddenly aren't worth as much.

Impact of Rental Fleet Disposals

Rental car companies buy a lot of vehicles, and they tend to cycle through them fairly quickly. When they decide to sell off their EVs, it adds another significant chunk to the used car supply. These cars have often seen a lot of different drivers and might have higher mileage than a privately owned car. This can make potential buyers a bit wary, and again, it contributes to lower prices due to the increased supply. It's a factor that can really skew the market for used cars.

The used EV market is still finding its feet. Unlike the established used gasoline car market, where buyers have decades of experience and data to rely on, the EV secondhand scene is newer. This creates a bit of uncertainty for buyers, who might be worried about battery life or the availability of charging, even if the car itself is in good shape. This hesitation naturally affects how much people are willing to pay.

Here's a quick look at how these factors can play out:

• Volume: More cars available means lower prices.

• Age of Inventory: Off-lease and rental cars are often only a few years old, but their availability impacts the value of even slightly older models.

• Buyer Perception: Concerns about battery health and technology can make buyers favor newer models or ICE vehicles, reducing demand for used EVs.

It's a complex interplay, and understanding these market forces is key to grasping why used EVs might depreciate faster than you'd expect. The whole vehicle resale value picture is constantly changing.

Technological Advancements And Obsolescence Fears

It feels like every other week there's a new battery breakthrough announced for electric vehicles. While that's great for pushing the technology forward, it can make current EV owners, and potential buyers, a little nervous about their car becoming outdated fast. This rapid pace of innovation is a double-edged sword for the used EV market.

Rapid Pace Of EV Innovation

Think about it: just a few years ago, a 200-mile range was considered pretty good. Now, many new EVs are pushing 300, 400, or even more miles on a single charge. Plus, charging times are getting shorter, and battery tech itself is constantly evolving. This constant improvement means that a car bought today might feel significantly less advanced in just a couple of years.

Concerns Over Future Battery Technologies

We hear about solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and all sorts of other chemistries that promise better performance, lower costs, and improved safety. While these are exciting prospects for the future, they also create uncertainty for current owners. If a revolutionary new battery technology hits the market that dramatically improves range and charging speed, what does that do to the value of an EV with older, less capable battery tech? It's a valid concern that buyers consider when looking at a used electric car.

Perceived Risk Of Outdated Models

This fear of obsolescence directly impacts how people view used EVs. Unlike a gasoline car where the core technology hasn't changed much in decades, EVs are still in a relatively early stage of development. This makes buyers hesitant, especially when considering a vehicle that's already a few years old. They worry about:

• Range Anxiety: Will the older battery still provide adequate range, especially in colder weather?

• Charging Speed: Will it take significantly longer to charge compared to newer models?

• Future Upgrades: Are there even options to upgrade older battery packs if they degrade?

• Software Updates: Will the car's systems continue to receive important updates?

The constant stream of new EV models, each with incremental improvements in range, charging speed, and features, creates a perception that today's EV will be significantly less desirable tomorrow. This is a stark contrast to the more stable technology found in internal combustion engine vehicles, making the resale value of used EVs a more complex calculation.

It's a tricky situation. Manufacturers are pushing hard to innovate, which is good for the environment and the future of driving. But for the secondhand market, it means a constant battle against the fear that today's cutting-edge EV will be tomorrow's outdated tech. This is a big reason why some EVs are perceived to depreciate faster than their gasoline counterparts.

Government Incentives And Their Role In Depreciation

Government incentives, like tax credits and rebates, have been a big push to get more electric vehicles (EVs) onto the road. They're designed to make buying a new EV feel more like buying a regular gas car, price-wise. And for a while, they worked pretty well. People saw a lower sticker price, and that made the initial jump into EV ownership seem less scary.

Subsidies Primarily For New Vehicle Purchases

Most of these incentives are aimed squarely at folks buying a brand-new EV. Think of it as a discount coupon, but one that only works on the newest models. This means the value of these incentives is baked into the initial purchase price. When you buy that shiny new EV, a good chunk of its initial cost was effectively covered by the government. This artificially inflates the car's starting value, in a way. It's not necessarily what the car is truly worth on the open market, but what you paid after the government chipped in.

How Incentives Skew Initial Value

Because these subsidies are usually applied at the point of sale for new cars, they have a direct impact on the initial depreciation curve. When a car loses value, it's often a percentage of its original price. If that original price was lower because of a government incentive, the actual dollar amount lost might seem smaller at first. However, as soon as that incentive is no longer attached to the vehicle – which happens the moment you drive it off the lot and it becomes a used car – its value drops to reflect its true market worth, without that government boost. This can make the initial depreciation look steeper in percentage terms once you factor out the incentive.

The Long-Term Impact On Used EV Markets

This creates a bit of a tricky situation for the used EV market. Cars that were bought with significant incentives are now competing with newer models that also have incentives, or with older, cheaper gas cars. The value of that used EV is now based on what someone is willing to pay for it, not what it cost new with the government's help. This can lead to a faster drop in value for used EVs compared to gas cars, which didn't have their initial prices so heavily influenced by government handouts. It's a bit like buying something on a huge sale; its perceived value drops once that sale is over.

• Initial Price Reduction: Incentives lower the upfront cost for new EV buyers.

• Value Disconnect: The subsidized price doesn't always reflect the car's long-term market value.

• Used Market Effect: When sold used, the car's value adjusts to the market, often showing a larger percentage drop from its original, incentivized price.

The way government incentives are structured, primarily for new vehicle purchases, can create a temporary, artificial boost to an EV's initial value. This makes the subsequent drop in value, once it hits the used market, appear more dramatic than it might for a vehicle whose price wasn't as heavily subsidized from the start.

Comparing Depreciation Rates: EV Versus ICE

So, let's talk about how much value electric cars lose compared to their gasoline-powered cousins. It's a big topic, and honestly, it's not as simple as you might think. For a while there, it felt like EVs were just plummeting in value the second you drove them off the lot. And yeah, for some early models, that was definitely true. Think about it: new EVs were often super expensive to make, and manufacturers were throwing incentives around like confetti, especially for leases. Then, when those leases ended, a bunch of them hit the used market all at once.

Quantifying The Difference In Value Loss

It's pretty clear that, on average, EVs have taken a bigger hit in value over the first few years than traditional cars. Some reports show EVs losing over half their value in just three years, while gas cars might lose around 39%. That's a pretty significant chunk of change, especially when you consider the higher sticker price of many new EVs. This gap is often attributed to a few things:

• Initial Purchase Price: EVs often start with a higher MSRP due to battery costs and newer tech.

• Rapid Tech Advancements: New battery tech and features come out so fast, making older models feel dated quickly.

• Battery Life Concerns: Worries about battery degradation and the high cost of replacement linger for used EV buyers.

Specific Model Comparisons

Looking at specific examples really drives the point home. Take a couple of similar models, say a Ford F-150 and its electric Lightning counterpart, or a Hyundai Kona with its gas engine versus its electric version. Studies have shown that while the gas versions lost a certain amount in value over a few years, the electric versions lost considerably more. For instance, one analysis found the electric Kona lost over $15,000 in value, while the gas Kona lost just under $10,000. It's a similar story with the F-150s. This difference is a major factor in the overall cost of owning an EV.

The higher initial cost of EVs, coupled with rapid technological evolution and lingering concerns about battery longevity, has historically led to steeper depreciation curves compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts. This financial reality is a key consideration for many potential buyers, especially in the used car market.

The Role Of Vehicle Age In Depreciation

As EVs get older, especially past their battery warranty period (usually around 8 years or 100,000 miles), the depreciation question gets even more interesting. While gas cars have their own aging issues, the potential for a massive battery replacement bill on an older EV can be a real deterrent for secondhand buyers. This is where the market for used EVs is still finding its footing. If a battery replacement can cost upwards of $15,000 or more, it makes a buyer think twice, especially when they can find a comparable gas car for less upfront and with more predictable repair costs. The good news is that as battery tech improves and prices come down, this gap might start to shrink, making used EVs a more attractive option down the line.

Consumer Perception And The Secondhand Market

Buyer Hesitancy Towards Used EVs

Buying a used car is pretty common for most folks. It just makes sense financially for a lot of people, myself included. You avoid that big hit when a new car loses a chunk of its value the moment you drive it off the lot. But when it comes to used electric cars, there's an extra layer of worry that just isn't there with gas cars. People aren't just thinking about mileage; they're thinking about battery life. This uncertainty about how much life is left in the battery is a major roadblock for many potential used EV buyers.

Range Anxiety On Older Models

Remember when "range anxiety" was the big buzzword for EVs? It's still a thing, especially when you look at the used market. New EVs are getting better all the time, with longer ranges and faster charging. But a used EV, especially one that's a few years old, might not offer the same kind of distance on a single charge as a brand-new model. This makes people nervous. They worry about getting stranded or needing to find a charger more often than they'd like. It's a practical concern, and it definitely affects how much people are willing to pay for a pre-owned electric car.

The Importance Of A Robust Used EV Market

For electric cars to really take off, we need a healthy used market. Right now, it's a bit of a challenge. Here's why it matters:

• Affordability: A strong used market makes EVs accessible to more people who can't afford a new one.

• Sustainability: It keeps cars on the road longer, which is good for the environment.

• Market Growth: It's a sign that the technology is maturing and becoming mainstream.

The current situation often sees used EVs losing value faster than their gasoline counterparts. This is partly because new EV prices are often subsidized, making the initial purchase more attractive. When these subsidized new cars hit the market, they can put downward pressure on the prices of used models. Plus, the rapid advancements in battery technology mean that older models can quickly feel outdated, further impacting their resale value.

It's not just about the car itself; it's about the confidence people have in buying something that's not brand new. If buyers knew more about battery health and felt more secure about the longevity of used EVs, the whole market would look a lot different. We're talking about things like better battery diagnostics and clearer information on battery degradation. Without that, people will likely stick to what they know, and that's often a gas-powered car.

Manufacturer Strategies To Mitigate Value Loss

It's a tough spot for car companies right now. They're trying to sell more electric cars, but they're also watching them lose value faster than gas cars. So, what are they doing about it? Well, some are getting pretty creative.

Extended Battery Warranties

This is a big one. The battery is the most expensive part of an EV, right? So, if it starts to go bad, that's a huge repair bill waiting to happen. To ease people's minds, some manufacturers are offering longer warranties on the battery. Think of it like this: if you buy a new phone, and it comes with a one-year warranty, you might worry about what happens after that. But if it came with a three-year warranty, you'd probably feel a lot better. It's the same idea with EVs. Ferrari, for example, has started offering extended warranties on their hybrid models, covering the battery for up to 16 years. This helps keep the car performing well and, importantly, protects its resale value. It’s a way to say, "Hey, we stand by this technology, even years down the line."

Focus On Brand Reputation And Value Retention

Some brands, especially those known for luxury or performance, are really focused on making sure their cars hold their value. It’s part of their whole image. If you're buying a high-end car, you expect it to be a good investment, or at least not lose a ton of money right away. So, these companies are looking at how they can build cars that people will still want years from now. This might mean using really solid, proven technology, or maybe even offering special programs to help keep older models in good shape. It’s about building trust and showing that their EVs aren't just a passing fad but a solid part of their lineup.

Adapting To Market Saturation

We're seeing a lot more EVs hitting the market, and sometimes, there are just more cars than buyers, especially with off-lease vehicles coming back. This can really drive down prices. Manufacturers are trying to figure out how to manage this. They might adjust production numbers, or perhaps create special deals on newer models to keep the used market from getting flooded. It’s a balancing act, trying to sell new cars without completely tanking the value of the ones already out there. They're also looking at how government incentives affect things; sometimes, those subsidies are a big reason why new EVs seem more affordable, but they can also mess with the used market later on. It's a complex puzzle, and manufacturers are working to find solutions.

The rapid pace of EV development means that today's cutting-edge technology can feel a bit dated in just a few years. This constant evolution, while exciting for new buyers, creates a challenge for maintaining the value of older models on the secondhand market. Manufacturers are thus exploring various strategies, from extended battery coverage to more robust build quality, to ensure their electric vehicles remain desirable and retain a stronger residual value over time.

The True Cost Of Ownership: Beyond Fuel Savings

When you're looking at buying a car, especially an electric one, it's easy to get caught up in the monthly payments or the shiny new features. But the real cost of owning a vehicle stretches way beyond that initial sticker price. For electric cars, depreciation often plays a bigger role than many people realize, sometimes overshadowing the savings you might see on gas.

Depreciation As The Largest Ownership Cost

It might surprise you, but depreciation is frequently the biggest hit to your wallet when owning a car. Think about it: that brand-new EV you drive off the lot loses value the moment you own it. While fuel and maintenance savings are definitely a plus for EVs, a faster rate of depreciation can quickly eat into those benefits. This erosion of value is a significant factor that many buyers overlook when calculating the total cost of ownership.

Maintenance And Fuel Cost Comparisons

Let's be honest, not having to stop at the gas station is a huge perk. Electricity is generally cheaper per mile than gasoline, and EVs have fewer moving parts, meaning less maintenance. No oil changes, fewer brake replacements (thanks to regenerative braking), and simpler powertrains can add up to real savings over the years. However, these savings need to be weighed against the potential for a larger initial value loss.

Here's a quick look at how costs can stack up:

Cost Category	Typical EV (Annual)	Typical ICE (Annual)
Fuel/Electricity	$400 - $800	$1,200 - $2,000
Maintenance	$200 - $500	$500 - $1,000
Total (Excl. Depr.)	$600 - $1,300	$1,700 - $3,000

Note: These are estimates and can vary widely based on driving habits, location, and specific vehicle models.

Re-evaluating Long-Term Savings

So, what does this all mean for your wallet in the long run? It means you have to look at the whole picture. While the day-to-day running costs of an EV are often lower, the initial purchase price and the rate at which the car loses value are major considerations. For many, the appeal of an EV is strong, and understanding the full financial picture, including how depreciation affects value, is key to making a smart decision. It's not just about saving money on gas; it's about the total financial journey of the vehicle.

The initial sticker price of an electric vehicle can be daunting, and while fuel and maintenance savings are attractive, the rapid depreciation seen in some EV models can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. Buyers need to consider this value loss alongside potential long-term savings to get a true sense of the financial commitment.

Navigating The Evolving Electric Vehicle Landscape

The Challenge Of Rapid Market Maturation

The electric vehicle market is changing fast, and that's putting pressure on used car values. Think about it: new models are coming out all the time with better batteries, longer ranges, and cooler tech. This constant upgrade cycle means that the EV you buy today might feel a bit dated in just a couple of years. It's a bit like when smartphones first came out – every new version was a big leap forward. This rapid evolution is a big reason why used EVs tend to lose value quicker than their gasoline counterparts. We're seeing a lot of new EVs hitting the market, and as more models become available, the competition heats up, which naturally affects pricing.

Balancing Sales Mandates With Value Retention

Automakers are under pressure to sell more EVs, often driven by government regulations and environmental goals. To hit these targets, they sometimes push a lot of new vehicles onto the market, including through fleet sales or aggressive leasing deals. When these vehicles come off lease or out of fleets, they flood the used market. This influx of supply, especially when the technology inside them might be a generation behind the latest offerings, can really drive down prices. It's a tricky balancing act for manufacturers: they need to sell new cars, but they also don't want their used inventory to tank the value of their brand-new models. It's a complex situation that impacts the entire used EV market.

Attracting A Wider Buyer Demographic

For the used EV market to really take off, it needs to appeal to more than just the early adopters. Right now, a lot of potential buyers are still hesitant. Concerns about battery life, charging infrastructure, and the sheer pace of technological change can make people nervous about buying a secondhand electric car. Making used EVs more attractive means addressing these worries head-on. This could involve better battery health checks, clearer warranty information, and perhaps even incentives for certified pre-owned EVs. As the technology matures and more people get comfortable with EVs, we'll likely see the used market become more stable. It's all part of the natural progression as electric cars move from a niche product to the mainstream. The future of the used EV market really depends on building that broader consumer confidence, and that takes time and consistent effort from everyone involved, from manufacturers to dealerships and even charging network providers. The surge in the used EV market is expected, but its success hinges on overcoming these hurdles.

So, What's the Takeaway?

It's pretty clear that electric cars are taking a bigger hit on their value than gas cars, especially in the first few years. A lot of this comes down to the high price tag when they're new, plus worries about battery life and the fast pace of new tech coming out. While EVs might save you a bit on gas and upkeep, that big drop in value can really sting. As the technology gets better and more used EVs hit the market, things might change, but for now, if you're thinking about buying an EV, keep that depreciation in mind. It's a big part of the total cost of owning one, and something we'll likely see discussed for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do electric cars lose value faster than gas cars?

Electric cars (EVs) often lose value quicker than gas-powered cars (ICEs) mainly because they are more expensive to buy new. Also, new EV models come out very often with better batteries and features, making older ones seem outdated fast. The cost to replace an EV battery is also very high, which worries used car buyers.

How does the car battery affect its resale value?

A car battery loses some of its power over time, called degradation. This means an older EV might not go as far on a single charge as it did when new. Since replacing a battery can cost a lot of money, people are often hesitant to buy used EVs, which makes their value drop more.

Are government incentives making EVs lose value?

Yes, government help like tax credits is usually for buying *new* EVs. This makes new EVs more affordable to buy in the first place. But when it's time to sell them used, these incentives are gone, and the car's original high price, minus the lost incentive, makes its resale value lower compared to gas cars.

Does technology change quickly in EVs?

Absolutely! EV technology is improving really fast. New batteries are made to last longer and charge quicker, and cars get smarter software. This quick progress means that even a car that's only a few years old can feel old compared to the latest models, causing its value to fall faster.

What happens when a car's battery warranty runs out?

Most EVs come with a long warranty for their batteries, often 8 years or 100,000 miles. After this period, if the battery starts to fail, the owner might have to pay thousands of dollars to replace it. This big potential cost makes buyers nervous about EVs that are no longer under warranty.

Why are there so many used EVs suddenly appearing on the market?

Many companies lease cars for a few years and then return them. As more people started buying EVs, a lot of these leased electric cars are now coming back onto the market at the same time. This sudden increase in supply, especially when some buyers might be having second thoughts about EVs, can push prices down.

Is it true that EVs cost less to maintain and fuel?

Generally, yes. EVs usually cost less for electricity (like gas) and need less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts than gas cars. However, these savings can sometimes be wiped out by the faster depreciation, meaning the car loses more value over time than the money saved on fuel and upkeep.

Will EVs always lose value faster than gas cars?

It's hard to say for sure because the EV market is still new and changing quickly. While EVs have depreciated faster recently, things might change. As battery technology gets cheaper and lasts longer, and more people get comfortable buying used EVs, the gap in how fast they lose value might get smaller.