EV Resale Value in 2025 — Which Brands Hold Value Best?

Buying an electric vehicle (EV) today often feels like betting on technology as much as on transportation. When you decide to sell that EV later, the question becomes: which brands keep their value best? In 2025 the answer depends on more than just make and model — it depends on battery health, software support, demand for the vehicle type (SUV, truck, sedan), and how quickly newer tech makes older cars look dated.

This article walks you through the real factors that move used-EV prices in 2025, shows which brands and models are holding value, and gives practical tips for buyers and sellers who want to get the best money back. Clear language, checklists, and a simple comparison table will help you decide — whether you’re buying new, buying used, or planning to sell in a few years.

Quick summary: the headline points

Some mainstream and utility-focused EVs (popular SUVs and pickup-style EVs) retain value better than many luxury EVs. Kbb.com+1
Rapid tech improvements and battery concerns are the main drivers of faster depreciation for EVs compared with many gasoline cars. ResearchGate
In 2025, Tesla (certain models), Rivian (for trucks), and some Hyundai/Kia models show comparatively stronger resale hold, while older premium electric sedans and early-generation EVs have fallen hardest. Electrek+2iSeeCars+2

Why used EV prices can swing wildly

EV resale behavior differs from internal-combustion cars for three main reasons:

Battery and range uncertainty
Buyers worry about remaining battery capacity and how much range the car still offers. Older EVs with lower range fall much faster in value.
Fast technology turnover
Battery chemistry, charging speed, range, and in-car software improve quickly. A 3-year-old EV can feel “old” compared to a current model with much better range or charging speed. This accelerates depreciation. ResearchGate
Software support and updates
Cars that continue to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates and feature improvements hold value better because they stay current longer.

Other influences: incentives that changed the new-car market (leading to increased supply of late-model used EVs), fuel-price swings, and public perception of reliability for specific brands.

Which brands are holding value best in 2025 (short list)

Below are the brands that — in many markets — are showing stronger resale retention in 2025. These are based on market reports, used-car pricing sites, and vehicle-specific depreciation analyses.

Tesla — Model 3 and Model Y tend to hold value relatively well among mass-market EVs due to strong demand, brand recognition, and frequent software updates. However, certain Tesla models and older long-range sedans have seen steeper drops in some regions. Electrek+1
Rivian — Rivian’s R1T has shown surprisingly strong retention for a new startup brand, especially in the U.S. truck market where demand is robust. iSeeCars showed the R1T retaining a higher share after five years compared with other Rivian models. iSeeCars
Hyundai / Kia (IONIQ 5, EV6, Niro EV) — These mainstream Korean EVs generally have resale that’s “about typical” or slightly better for certain models. The IONIQ 5 and Kia Niro EV are often seen as good value buys in the used market. Edmunds+1
Mainstream American trucks (Ford F-150 Lightning) — High demand for electric trucks is helping retention for some pickup-style EVs and utility vehicles. Crouse Ford

And which are struggling? Older luxury EVs from legacy premium brands (early Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace) and early Nissan Leaf variants have shown high depreciation in recent data. Electrek

Side-by-side snapshot: estimated 5-year retention (2025 view)

Note: These are rough, market-average style estimates gathered from industry sources and depreciation trackers; they illustrate relative differences, not precise valuation for any single vehicle.

Brand / Model example	Approx. 5-year retained value*	Why (short)
Tesla Model 3 / Y	45%–60%	High demand, OTA upkeep, strong used-market interest. Edmunds+1
Rivian R1T	~40%–45%	Strong truck demand; novelty and capability support resale. iSeeCars
Hyundai IONIQ 5	~35%–50%	Popular, practical, moderate depreciation depending on trim. CarEdge+1
Kia Niro EV / EV6	~35%–48%	Solid mainstream value; slightly behind Tesla for demand. Kbb.com
Audi Q8 e-tron / Jaguar I-Pace	20%–30%	Older luxury EVs saw steep drops in 2024–25. Electrek
Nissan Leaf (older Gen)	20%–35%	Early-gen Leaf models depreciated fast due to limited range. Electrek

*Estimates represent broad market ranges (not a guarantee). Actual resale depends on mileage, battery health, trim, region, and market timing.

Why some luxury EVs fell faster than expected

Rapid progress in range and charging – Luxury EVs introduced early (2018–2020) quickly lost appeal when 2022–2024 models offered far greater range or much faster charging. Buyers shifted to newer tech, reducing demand for the older cars. ResearchGate+1
High sticker price expectations – Luxury buyers expect long-term prestige and high residuals. When early EV luxury models didn’t match up in tech or range, resale suffered.
Battery and parts costs – Repair or battery replacement costs (or perceived costs) can scare used buyers away, skewing resale values downward.

Model-level stories: short case studies

Tesla Model 3 / Model Y — why they still sell used

Strong brand demand and wide charging network make these easier to resell.
OTA updates keep features current, adding value even as hardware ages.
Price competition from cheaper new EVs can pressure used Tesla prices at times, but demand usually remains. Edmunds+1

Rivian R1T — an outlier that kept value

Rivian’s R1T benefited from high interest in electric trucks and limited used supply in 2023–2025.
Truck buyers prioritize capability — towing, payload, off-road — which Rivian delivered; that real-world utility supported resale. iSeeCars

Hyundai IONIQ 5 & Kia EVs — steady middle ground

Good combination of price, range, and features.
Broad acceptance and solid reliability give them reasonable resale compared with extreme highs/lows of other brands. CarEdge+1

Checklist: what makes an EV keep value (for you to check)

If you want a used EV that holds value, prefer vehicles with these traits:

Regular software updates from the manufacturer (OTA).
Clear battery health reports or battery warranty coverage remaining.
Popular body style (crossover/SUV and trucks hold better than niche coupes).
Strong brand demand in your region (popularity matters).
Good charging ecosystem or easy access to DC fast chargers.
Low miles, single owner, and full-service history.
No accident history and no flood or fire damage.
Warranty transferability (if applicable).

For buyers: how to pick a used EV that will lose less money

Follow this step-by-step when shopping:

Ask for a battery health report (or use services that test battery state of health).
Check OTA/update policy — ask whether the car still receives software improvements.
Choose popular models in your region to improve your resale chances.
Prefer recent model years where tech didn’t change dramatically afterward.
Check residuals on trusted pricing tools (KBB, Edmunds, iSeeCars, CarEdge). These tools show historical depreciation patterns. Kbb.com+2Edmunds+2
Buy vehicles with remaining battery/EV component warranties if possible.

For sellers: how to get top dollar for your EV

Document battery health with a recent inspection. Buyers pay more when they see good battery numbers.
Install the latest software updates before selling. A car with current UI and features often feels newer.
Fix small cosmetic issues — dents, chips, and lights are inexpensive to fix but reduce buyer confidence.
Provide charging history if possible — showing mostly Level 2 charging (vs constant DC fast charging) can reassure buyers.
Time the sale — avoid selling right when a major new model refresh arrives that undercuts your value.

How policies and incentives shape resale (short guide)

Government policy matters:

New-car incentives (tax credits, rebates) change new-vehicle demand and can increase supply of used cars, which can push used prices down.
Battery recycling & repair laws and warranty rules influence buyer confidence.
Regional charging infrastructure growth makes EVs more desirable used, improving values where chargers expand.

Because these factors can change quickly, monitor local policy shifts before buying or selling.

Common myths about EV resale — busted (simple answers)

Myth: All EVs lose value faster than gas cars.
Fact: Some EVs (popular mainstream models and trucks) hold value competitively; others (older luxury and early-gen models) depreciate faster. Data shows a wide spread. Electrek+1
Myth: Battery replacement is always needed before selling.
Fact: Most used buyers look for battery health reports and remaining warranty; full replacement is rarely required if battery health is reasonable.
Myth: Brand alone decides resale.
Fact: Brand helps, but model, battery health, update support, and market demand matter more.

Practical comparison chart (buyers vs sellers)

Buyers wanting best long-term value: look at Tesla Model 3/Y, Rivian R1T (if you need a truck), and mid-range Hyundai/Kia crossovers. Edmunds+2iSeeCars+2
Sellers wanting fast sale with better price: update software, present battery health, and choose a time before a major model refresh lowers demand.

Tools & sites to check current resale numbers (must-bookmark)

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — general resale value indicators and Best Resale Value awards. Kbb.com
Edmunds — model appraisal and trade-in estimates (helpful for IONIQ 5 and others). Edmunds
iSeeCars — brand- and model-level resale/back-end analysis. Useful for specific findings like Rivian R1T retention. iSeeCars
CarEdge / Recurrent — deep-dive depreciation and used-EV insights, battery/range focus. CarEdge+1
Electrek and industry news sites — for lists of fastest-depreciating and best-retaining EV models. Electrek

What to watch for in 2025–2026 that could change resale patterns

New affordable long-range EVs entering the market (will push older models down).
Improvements in battery warranty terms or better second-life battery markets (could support used values).
Major updates to charging infrastructure that make older-range models less of a drawback.
Shifts in incentives for new EV purchases regionally.

Because these elements can change quickly, check recent market reports before finalizing a buy/sell decision. (See the “Tools & sites” list above for up-to-date price checks.) Kbb.com+1

Quick FAQ

Q — Is buying a used EV always cheaper overall than buying new?
A — Usually yes for upfront cost, but factor in battery warranty status, potential repair costs, and expected depreciation.

Q — Which body style holds value best?
A — SUVs and trucks generally hold better than small hatchbacks or luxury sedans in many markets.

Q — Should I avoid older EVs because batteries degrade?
A — Not necessarily. A 3–5 year old EV with a documented battery report and remaining warranty can be an excellent buy.

Final checklist before you buy or sell (one-page action list)

For buyers:

Get a battery health report.
Verify last OTA update and feature set.
Check local demand and how similar models are priced.
Use trade-in/appraisal tools (KBB, Edmunds) for negotiation. Kbb.com+1

For sellers:

Run a professional battery check and print the report.
Update the car’s software.
Fix obvious cosmetic issues.
Time the sale and list on platforms popular in your market.

Closing — how to think about resale value in 2025

In 2025, EV resale value is not just a single number you can look up — it’s the result of market demand, battery condition, software support, vehicle type, and how quickly new tech makes older models feel obsolete. If you want the best chance of holding value, favor mainstream, well-supported EVs (popular crossovers, utility trucks, and models with strong OTA histories), document battery health, and use pricing tools to time your sale or purchase.