Used EVs: residual values rise as combustion-engine cars lose value

According to a DAT analysis, three-year-old electric cars achieve an average of 51.5 per cent of their list price. The gap to petrol and diesel cars is narrowing.

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Used electric cars are retaining their value better in the German market. According to an analysis by Deutsche Automobil Treuhand (DAT), residual values of three-year-old battery electric vehicles rose by 1.4 percentage points between May and August 2026. Petrol cars lost 0.4 percentage points over the same period, while diesels lost 1.1 percentage points.

Values in August 2026

• Electric cars: 51.5 per cent of the original list price (November 2025: 48.4 per cent)
• Diesel cars: 58 per cent (November 2025: 61.2 per cent)
• Petrol cars: 59.4 per cent (November 2025: 62.6 per cent)

Causes

This trend coincides with a period of very high fuel prices. Used electric cars are selling faster, and their share of ownership transfers is growing. At the same time, the trade press points out that falling residual values for combustion-engine cars can pose a significant risk to the motor trade and leasing companies.

What this means for B2B partners

Stock should be revalued more frequently, particularly combustion-engine cars with long stocking periods. For used electric cars, it is worth looking at battery condition and charging power, as these details increasingly determine what buyers are willing to pay. An international sales channel can help sell vehicles where demand is currently higher.