Tesla, Hyundai, and Mini manufactured the slowest depreciating electric and plug-in hybrid cars between 2017 and 2020 in the United Kingdom, CAP said. That is interesting. Why? Because a car typically loses a big percentage of its value in its first years. You can, therefore, minimise lose by picking a car that retains more value than its competitors. Let us consider the electric models first.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X was the slowest depreciating electric car. Over 3 years and 30,000 miles, this sports-utility vehicle therefore lost 43% of its value (on average). Model X strengths include its impressive range per-charge. It covers up to 348 miles. Furthermore, Euro NCAP awarded it a maximum 5 star safety rating, there is room for 7 people, and it has all-wheel-drive for superior traction.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S performed well, too. This large, luxury saloon was therefore the second slowest depreciating electric car as the average value fell 45%. Model S strengths include astonishing speed. Expect 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds. It is also stylish, well equipped, and covers up to 405 miles per-charge.
Other slow depreciating electric cars
Tesla is not the whole story, though. Why? Because electric cars from other brands also lost a sensible percentage of their new values. Note the table below.
| Position | Car | Average Value Lost (%) |
| 3 | Hyundai Ioniq | 48% |
| 4 | Volkswagen e-Golf | 49% |
| 5 | BMW i3 | 52% |
| 6 | Nissan e-NV200 | 53% |
| 7 (joint) | Volkswagen e-Up | 56% |
| 7 (joint) | Smart EQ ForTwo Cabriolet | 56% |
| 7 (joint) | Renault Zoe | 56% |
| 8 | Smart EQ ForFour | 57% |
Plug-in Hybrid Cars
The Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid was the slowest depreciating plug-in hybrid car. Over 3 years and 30,000 miles, it therefore lost 43% of its value on average. This vehicle has many strengths. For example, it averages 141.2 to 156.9 mpg and carbon emissions are only 40 to 46 g/km. It is also pleasant to drive. The table below reveals which other plug-in hybrids depreciated modestly.
| Position | Car | Average Value Lost (%) |
| 2 | Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid | 44% |
| 3 | Volkswagen Golf GTE | 46% |
| 4 | BMW X5 45e | 49% |
| 5 | Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid | 50% |
| 6 | Volkswagen Passat GTE | 53% |
| 7 | BMW 5 Series 530e Plug-in Hybrid | 54% |
| 8 (joint) | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | 56% |
| 8 (joint) | Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350e | 56% |
| 8 (joint) | BMW 3 Series 330e Plug-in Hybrid | 56% |
Valuation expert puts figures in context
CAP is a vehicle valuation expert and it added further context to the aforementioned percentages. ’The value of a used electric or hybrid car depends on a few factors’, a spokesperson said. ‘The high new cost of some models – coupled with limited new car production over the past few years – can translate into reduced volumes entering the used market. This protects values.’
More generally, the spokesperson said there has been increased demand for these alternatively fuelled vehicles. ‘This has also contributed to some models holding their value as the supply and demand are evenly matched', he revealed.