EV vs ICE Resale Value
Compare electric and petrol car depreciation side-by-side using starting price and retention percentages.
Last updated:
What this tool does
This calculator compares the absolute depreciation of an electric vehicle against an internal-combustion-engine vehicle by applying user-supplied retention percentages to each starting price. Inputs are the EV starting price, EV value retained (%), ICE starting price, and ICE value retained (%). The output is the difference in pounds lost between the two vehicles, labelled to show which type loses more value. The calculation assumes the retention percentages apply uniformly to the full purchase price.
Compare scenarios
Continue with your figures
These calculators share inputs with this one. Change a value above and your figures travel with the link, in the part of the URL your browser never sends to a server.
How the result changes
This input can't be charted across its full range — the formula has no valid result for most of it. Pick another input above.
Export Report
How would you like to export your results?
Share
Preview
Result
—
❮ ❯ switch fields·− + change value
0
Formula
How EV vs ICE Resale Value works
The tool calculates the depreciation (value lost) for both an electric vehicle and a petrol or diesel car, then reports the difference. Each vehicle's retained value is computed by multiplying its starting price by the retention percentage supplied; the value lost is the starting price minus the retained value. The result shows which type of vehicle loses more money in absolute terms and by how much.
The formula
For each vehicle:
Retained value = Starting price × (Retained % ÷ 100)
Value lost = Starting price − Retained value
The gap is then:
Difference = EV value lost − ICE value lost
A positive difference means the EV has depreciated more; a negative difference means the ICE vehicle has depreciated more.
Where this method is most accurate
The calculation is a pure percentage application and is accurate for any price and retention figure entered. Real-world retained percentages vary widely by make, model, mileage, condition, and market timing; this tool accepts whatever retention estimates the user provides. It does not predict future retention rates or apply age-based depreciation curves—only the percentages entered are used.
What this tool does not do
The calculator does not source or recommend specific retention percentages for any vehicle. It does not account for regional market conditions, warranty transfers, battery degradation, or fuel-price trends that can influence resale values. Tax credits, purchase incentives, and financing costs are excluded. The output reflects only the arithmetic difference in depreciation based on the inputs supplied.
Disclaimer
This tool is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, vehicle-purchase, or investment advice. Actual resale values depend on factors outside the scope of this calculation. Users remain responsible for researching current market data and verifying retention estimates before making any purchasing or selling decision.
Questions
- What does 'value retained' mean in this calculator?
- Value retained is the percentage of the original purchase price that remains after a given period of ownership. For example, 45% retained on a £35,000 EV means it is worth £15,750 at resale, having lost £19,250.
- Does the calculator predict how much my car will be worth in three years?
- No. The tool applies whatever retention percentage is entered; it does not forecast future market values or model depreciation curves over time. Users supply their own retention estimates based on market research or historical data.
- Why might an EV lose more value in absolute pounds even if it retains a similar percentage?
- Because EVs often have higher starting prices, the same retention percentage applied to a larger base results in a larger absolute loss. A 50% drop on £40,000 is £20,000 lost, whereas 50% on £25,000 is only £12,500 lost.
- Can I use this tool to compare two petrol cars or two EVs?
- Yes. The labels reference 'EV' and 'ICE' for convenience, but the mathematics work identically for any two vehicles. Enter the starting price and retention percentage for each, and the tool will compute the difference in value lost.
- Are taxes, trade-in bonuses, or incentives included in the calculation?
- No. The tool uses only the starting prices and retention percentages entered. Purchase taxes, government grants, dealer incentives, and resale fees are not part of the formula and must be accounted for separately.
Spotted something off?
Calculations or display — let us know.
Report a Problem
Help us fix issues faster
Sources & Methodology
The engine multiplies each vehicle's starting price by its retention percentage to find retained value, subtracts that from the starting price to determine value lost, then compares the two losses. The arithmetic follows straight percentage depreciation with no discounting or time-series model. The method is a direct application of percentage-retained logic commonly used in automotive residual-value comparisons.
Related tools
EV vs Petrol Total Cost (5yr)
Compare total cost of ownership—purchase price, fuel, and depreciation—for EV vs petrol over 1–20 years.
Charging Time Calculator (kW input)
Calculate EV charging time from any start % to any target %, given battery size and charger power.
EV vs Petrol Fuel Cost
Compare annual electric vs petrol fuel costs using your efficiency figures and local energy prices.
EV Charging Cost Per Mile
Calculate the electricity cost to drive each mile in your EV based on efficiency and your kWh rate.
Battery Replacement Cost Projection
Project the future cost of an EV battery replacement using annual price-decline rates.
Public vs Home Charging Cost
Calculate your annual EV charging cost when you split between public chargers and home electricity.
People also use
Monthly Car Payment Calculator
Financing & PurchaseCalculate your monthly car loan payment from loan amount, APR, and term in months.
Fuel Cost for a Journey
Fuel & EfficiencyCalculate the total fuel cost for a journey from distance, MPG, and fuel price per litre.
Loan vs Lease Comparison
Cost of OwnershipCompare total cost of buying on finance versus leasing over different terms and buyout scenarios.
Braking Distance Calculator
Performance & EngineeringCalculate total stopping distance from speed, road friction and driver reaction time.
Long Road Trip Total Cost
Practical & UtilityCalculate total fuel, lodging, food, and toll expenses for a multi-day road trip.
Depreciation % Retained Calculator
Resale & DepreciationCalculate what percentage of its original value a car has retained after depreciation.