Why are used electric vehicles cheaper than gasoline-powered ones?
12 February 2026
Used electric vehicles are often cheaper than gasoline-powered vehicles these days. Find out why there’s such a price difference—and how to choose the right used electric vehicle for you!
Understanding the context: Why compare electric and gas/electric vehicles in the used car market?
A rapidly growing but still nascent electric vehicle market
The electric vehicle market is growing rapidly in France, driven by the increasing number of available models, the expansion of public charging stations, and growing interest among drivers in more economical and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. However, this market is still in its infancy: charging networks are still being established, technical standards are evolving, and driving habits are gradually changing.
The difference between new and used prices: opposite trajectories
While the new price of electric vehicles generally remains higher than that of internal combustion engine models, their used prices follow the opposite trajectory, with more pronounced declines after a few years of use. In the used car market, various factors accelerate the depreciation of early models, which are perceived as less powerful or having shorter ranges, even though they remain perfectly suited for daily commutes or regular trips. By combining a well-chosen used electric vehicle with optimized charging management, it becomes possible to enjoy comfortable and controlled mobility while staying within budget over the long term.
Why are used electric vehicles often cheaper than gasoline-powered ones?
Faster Price Decline Due to Buyer Concerns
In November, the price of used electric cars in Europe fell by 0.6%. This decline is largely due to buyer concerns, including fears of insufficient range for long trips, skepticism about battery performance, and the complexity of daily use.
The impact of rapid advancements in battery and range technologies
Rapid advancements in battery technologies and increased range are transforming how people plan their trips in electric vehicles, particularly when it comes to frequent trips or long highway journeys. Recent models offer more powerful batteries, shorter charging times, and better energy management, making used electric vehicles more attractive to drivers seeking a good balance between price and ease of use.
A used car market largely fueled by lease returns
The massive growth in lease-to-own and traditional lease agreements for electric vehicles is leading to a significant volume of returns at the end of the contract term, which is feeding the used car market in a substantial and consistent manner. These vehicles, often from corporate fleets or individuals who opted for short-term lease agreements (3 to 4 years) generally come with documented maintenance records, controlled mileage, and a verifiable charging history, which reassures buyers. This abundance of options allows drivers to more easily compare models based on their actual range, accepted charging power, and compatibility with major charging station networks, enabling them to choose a vehicle suited to both their daily commutes and highway travel. This estimated 7.4% increase in supply, combined with a decline in demand, has led to a 2.6% drop in the average price of electric vehicles since January 2025.
How can you tell if a cheaper used electric vehicle is really a good deal?
Key factors: battery, real-world range, mileage, and driving patterns
To properly assess the value of a used electric vehicle, several key factors must be considered, starting with the condition of the battery, which directly affects real-world range. To do this, it is recommended that you check the SOH.
What is SOH?
It is an indicator of the vehicle’s battery capacity. It varies depending on mileage but, more importantly, on usage and maintenance. Depending on past usage (urban, suburban, or long-distance trips), driving style, and the primary charging method (slow home charging or repeated fast charging), the battery’s degradation changes. In practical terms, two vehicles with 100,000 km on the odometer can have a 15-point difference in SOH, and this is reflected in the price since the battery accounts for up to 40% of the vehicle’s total value.
Finally, the choice of model must align with the type of trips planned: a vehicle with a shorter range may be perfectly suitable for daily commutes with home charging, while a driver who regularly travels long distances would benefit from prioritizing a comfortable range and good compatibility with public charging networks.
Choosing a vehicle model and charging solution that fits your budget and driving habits
Choosing a vehicle model and charging solution that fits your budget and driving habits requires clearly identifying your daily and occasional needs before making a decision. A driver who mainly makes urban or suburban trips may prefer a used electric vehicle with moderate range, which is cheaper to buy, relying primarily on charging at home or at work. Conversely, a driver who regularly makes long highway trips would be better off investing in a model offering a more comfortable range and better charging power. In any case, the overall budget isn’t limited to the vehicle’s price: it includes energy costs, potential subscription fees, and more… An integrated solution combining electronic toll collection and electric charging, such as those offered by Fulli, allows you to consolidate these various expense categories into a single platform and, if necessary, adjust the subscription or service level based on changes in your driving habits and budget.
In summary
While used electric vehicles are often available at a lower purchase price than equivalent internal combustion engine models, this is also because the market is already anticipating future developments: the expansion of low-emission zones and stricter environmental regulations. This anticipation results in more subdued demand for certain first-generation models, which widens their price discount and creates opportunities for individuals looking to stay within a tight budget. Thus, the price difference between used electric and combustion-engine vehicles is not limited to a faster depreciation: it also reflects an ongoing transition toward more sustainable mobility.