Why are used electric vehicles cheaper than combustion engine vehicles ? 

A rapidly growing but still young electric vehicle market 

The electric vehicle market is growing rapidly in France, driven by an increase in the number of models available, the development of public charging stations, and growing interest among motorists in more economical and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. However, this market is still in its infancy: charging networks are still being developed, 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 combustion engine models, their used price follows the opposite trajectory, with more marked declines after a few years of use. On the used car market, various factors accelerate the depreciation of early models, which are perceived as less powerful or less autonomous, even though they remain perfectly suited to everyday journeys or regular trips. By combining a well-chosen used electric vehicle with optimized charging management, it is possible to enjoy comfortable and controlled mobility while staying within budget over the long term. 

A faster decline linked 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, who still fear insufficient range for long journeys, mistrust the performance of batteries, or find them complicated to use on a daily basis.  

The impact of rapid advances in battery and range technologies 

Rapid advances in battery technology and increased range are transforming the way people plan their electric vehicle journeys, 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 looking for a good compromise between price and comfort.  

A used car market heavily fueled by lease returns 

The massive growth in lease-purchase and leasing contracts for electric vehicles is leading to a significant volume of returns at the end of contracts, which is feeding the used car market in a significant and regular manner. These vehicles, often from corporate fleets or individuals who have opted for short-term leases (3 to 4 years), generally have documented maintenance records, controlled mileage, and an identifiable charging history, which reassures buyers. This abundance of offers makes it easier for drivers to compare models based on their actual range, charging power, and compatibility with the main charging station networks, in order to choose a vehicle that is suitable for both their daily commutes and highway travel. This estimated 7.4% increase in supply, combined with a decrease in demand, has led to a 2.6% drop in the average price of electric vehicles since January 2025. 

Key criteria: battery, actual range, mileage, and type of journeys

To properly assess the value of a used electric vehicle, several key criteria must be examined, starting with the condition of the battery, which directly affects the actual range. To do this, it is recommended that you find out about the SOH.

What is SOH?

It is an indicator of the vehicle's battery capacity. It varies according to mileage, but above all according to use and maintenance. Depending on past use (urban, suburban, or long-distance travel), driving style, and the type of charging used most often (slow domestic charging or repeated fast charging), the battery will age differently. In concrete terms, two vehicles with a mileage of 100,000 km may have a 15-point difference in SOH, and this is reflected in the price since the battery represents up to 40% of the total value of the vehicle.

Finally, the choice of model must be aligned with the type of journeys envisaged: a vehicle with a shorter range may be perfectly suited to daily commuting with home charging, while a driver who regularly travels long distances will benefit from choosing a vehicle with a comfortable range and good compatibility with public charging networks. 

Adapting your choice of model and charging solution to your budget and usage

Adapting your choice of model and charging solution to your budget and usage means identifying your daily and occasional needs precisely before making a decision. A driver who mainly travels in urban or suburban areas may prefer a used electric vehicle with moderate range, which is cheaper to buy, relying mainly on charging at home or at work. Conversely, someone who regularly makes long journeys on the highway would be better off investing in a model with a more comfortable range and better charging power. In any case, the overall budget is not limited to the price of the vehicle: it includes the cost of energy, any subscriptions, etc. An integrated solution combining electronic tollbadge and electric charging, such as those offered by Fulli, allows you to consolidate these different items of expenditure within a single tool and, if necessary, adjust the level of subscription or service chosen according to changes in your journeys and budget. 

If used electric vehicles are often offered at a lower purchase price than equivalent combustion engine models, it is also because the market is already anticipating future developments: expansion of low-emission zones and increased environmental constraints. This anticipation is reflected in more moderate demand for certain first-generation models, which increases their discount and creates opportunities for individuals looking to keep their budget under control. Thus, the price difference between used electric and combustion engine vehicles is not limited to a faster depreciation: it also reflects an ongoing transition towards more fuel-efficient mobility.