Devaluation of electric vehicles in Brazil reaches 37.5% in one year, reveals specialized guide

A detailed analysis of the Brazilian automotive market revealed a worrying trend for owners of electrified vehicles. A recent study, published in the guide Qual Comprar of the magazine Autoesporte, found that electric and hybrid cars are among those that lose the most value after just one year of use, with drops that significantly exceed the national average.

The research evaluated 180 models divided into 20 different categories, using as a basis data from Tabela FIPE collected between June 2024 and May 2025. The results show that, while the average depreciation in the country is around 15%, some electrified models lose more than double that percentage in the same period.

The most emblematic case is that of an electric SUV that leads the depreciation ranking, with a loss of more than a third of its original price in just twelve months. Este scenario raises an alert for consumers and the industry, highlighting that the acquisition cost is only a part of the total investment in owning a vehicle.

Factors that determine the drop in value

The significant devaluation observed, mainly in electric models, is the result of a combination of structural factors and market perception. One of the main obstacles is the capillarity of the dealership network. Marcas with less physical presence in the national territory, such as JAC, which has around 40 points of sale, generate uncertainty among buyers of used cars, who fear difficulties in carrying out maintenance or finding replacement parts. Essa limitation contrasts sharply with the hundreds of stores from established manufacturers, such as Toyota and Volkswagen, whose models tend to retain more value.

Another critical point is the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Segundo data from Associação Brasileira from Veículo Elétrico (ABVE), Brasil had approximately 4,200 public charging points in 2024, a number considered insufficient for the growing fleet. Essa scarcity directly impacts the convenience and autonomy perceived by drivers, making electric models less attractive on the used market, especially for those who do not have a home charger or frequently undertake long trips.

The models with the biggest losses in the ranking

At the top of the devaluation list is the JAC E-JS4, an electric SUV sold for R$254,900. In just one year, the model recorded a loss of 37.5% of its value, the largest among all the vehicles analyzed. Apesar has a 150 hp engine and modern design, its 256 km range and limited technical assistance network make it difficult to resell.

Soon after, another model from the same manufacturer appears, the JAC E-JS7 sedan, with a price of R$259,990 and a depreciation of 32.6%. Embora presents solid performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, the vehicle competes in a low-demand segment in the Brasil, which historically favors SUVs.

Completing the podium of those that lost the most value is the Renault Kwid E-Tech. Vendido for R$139,990, the electric compact had a drop of 25.9%. Sendo one of the most affordable electric vehicles, its proposal is urban, with 161 km of autonomy, but the lack of more robust tax incentives and the still high cost of ownership for the category deter buyers in the pre-owned market.

Financial loss to owners

Accelerated depreciation translates into significant financial losses for the owners of these vehicles. For example, the owner of a JAC E-JS4 sees the value of his car fall from R$254,900 to approximately R$159,312 in one year, a difference of R$95,588.

In the case of JAC E-JS7, the loss in the same period is R$84,757. Esses numbers represent a cost of ownership much higher than expected for new vehicles, directly impacting the consumer’s financial planning.

Even in more affordable models, the impact is notable. Renault Kwid E-Tech loses R$36,257 of its initial value. The list of high losses is not restricted to electric vehicles and also includes the only pickup truck in the ranking, the Nissan Frontier XE.

The Nissan pickup suffered a devaluation of 22.2%, which represents a loss of R$59,350. Este result was partially attributed to interruptions in production that affected its availability and the perception of the model in the used car market.

Overview of the electrified market in the country

Despite the challenges, the electric and hybrid vehicle segment has demonstrated growth in the Brasil. In 2024, 126 thousand units were registered, but their share is still modest, representing just 5% of total light vehicle sales. The Brazilian consumer’s preference continues to be for combustion models, especially compact SUVs, which dominate the best-selling lists. Essa reality is directly reflected in the depreciation ranking, which also includes hybrid models from traditional brands, such as the Honda CR-V. The perception of Chinese brands, such as JAC and Caoa Chery, still faces resistance in the used market, despite the technology embedded in their products. Fabricantes like BYD, which invest in a larger network and aggressive marketing, have managed to mitigate part of this devaluation. The expectation is that future tax incentives planned by the government may improve the acceptance and resale value of electrified vehicles in the coming years, but charging infrastructure remains the main bottleneck for the consolidation of the segment.

The reality of SUVs in the study

Although electric vehicles stand out negatively, the study shows that other segments also face high depreciation rates. The Jeep Commander, a seven-seater SUV with strong family appeal, saw a 19% drop in value. Esse data indicates that factors such as the high cost of maintenance and spare parts can significantly impact resale value, even in models with high demand and brands consolidated in the national market.

Recommendations for a safer purchase

For consumers who wish to avoid significant financial losses due to devaluation, a market analysis before purchasing is essential. The recommendation of experts is to prioritize brands with a wide and established dealership network, which ensures easier maintenance and access to parts.

It is equally important to research insurance and scheduled service costs, which can vary considerably between models and manufacturers. Consultar before Tabela FIPE allows a realistic projection of the resale value of the desired vehicle. Optar for models with high liquidity on the used market, such as compact SUVs from Japanese and South Korean brands, tends to be a financially safer choice.