Sharp devaluation of used electric vehicles worries the sector and impacts resale strategy in the country
Battery-powered car owners in Brasil face a challenging scenario in terms of preserving their invested assets. A detailed analysis of market trends indicates that the depreciation cycle of these vehicles has reached worrying levels, exceeding the average observed in traditional combustion models. The survey, which cross-referenced price and liquidity data, indicates that the loss of value can exceed a third of the original amount in just one year of use, generating apprehension among both end consumers and corporate fleet managers who have invested in electrification.
The compiled data monitored variations of the Tabela Fipe between mid-2024 and the beginning of 2025, covering around 180 vehicle versions distributed across twenty different categories. Enquanto the general average devaluation in the national market was around 15%, specific electric models recorded drops of more than 37%. Esse movimento de correção de preços no mercado de usados reflete não apenas a demanda natural e a oferta, mas também fatores estruturais como a guerra de preços impulsionada por montadoras asiáticas em veículos zero quilômetro, o que força uma readequação imediata nos valores dos seminovos.
Industry experts point out that the still insufficient charging infrastructure and uncertainty about after-sales support for brands newly arrived in the country are catalysts for this phenomenon. Para the Brazilian consumer, purchasing a vehicle is historically seen as an investment and a store of value; therefore, the volatility presented by pure electrics generates a significant psychological barrier. The perception that battery technology evolves quickly, making models two or three years old technologically obsolete, also contributes to driving buyers away from the used market.
Factors determining the abrupt fall
Market analysis shows that the technical assistance network and the availability of spare parts have become the “heel of Aquiles” for many new manufacturers. Marcas that operate without a robust stock of components or with few service points end up suffering greater rejection at the time of resale. The used consumer, typically more cautious, avoids purchasing vehicles that may present maintenance difficulties, which forces sellers to drastically reduce prices to close a deal.
Another crucial point is the aggressive pricing strategy adopted by giants like BYD and GWM. By launching new models with competitive prices and updated technologies, these companies indirectly devalue the used stocks of their own brands and competitors. Quem bought an electric car for a high price months ago, now sees brand new versions being offered for similar or lower prices, which destroys the resale margin of the used model. Essa dynamics creates a vicious cycle where devaluation is accelerated by the evolution of the new market itself.
Public charging infrastructure, although expanding, has not kept pace with vehicle sales, resulting in the famous “range anxiety.” Esse receio limita o interesse por elétricos usados a nichos urbanos específicos, reduzindo a liquidez desses bens em regiões mais afastadas dos grandes centros ou em áreas com malha de recarga precária. Sem the guarantee of being able to travel peacefully, the perceived value of the purely electric vehicle drops precipitously compared to more versatile options.
Models with the worst commercial performances
At the top of the devaluation list, the JAC E-JS4 electric SUV presented the most critical scenario among all the vehicles analyzed. Over a twelve-month period, the model recorded a 37.5% drop in its table value. Equipado with a 150 horsepower engine and a range of 256 km, the vehicle suffered with the arrival of more modern competitors that offer greater range for competitive prices, making it a less technologically attractive option in the eyes of the current market.
Following the negative trend, the JAC E-JS7 sedan also suffered a significant devaluation of 32.6% in the same period. The high initial price of the model meant that the nominal loss for the owner exceeded R$84,000, a considerable financial loss. Apesar from delivering acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, the national preference for SUVs and distrust regarding the resale of electric sedans from niche brands weighed against maintaining their value.
Not even entry-level models from well-known brands escaped unscathed. Renault Kwid E-Tech, one of the bets to popularize electrification in Brasil, suffered a retraction of 25.9%. The simple finish, limited range of 161 km and competition with more equipped Chinese electric compacts made it difficult to sustain its price on the used market. The nominal loss, in this case, was around R$36,000, a high percentage value for the entry segment.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E, representing the premium and sports segment, recorded a devaluation of 22.2%. Embora the model carries an iconic name and delivers high performance, it suffered the effects of competitors’ price fluctuations and the sharp natural devaluation that affects luxury vehicles in the first year of use. Uncertainty about full electrification in a niche market also contributed to this negative adjustment.
The resilience of hybrids in the national market
In direct contrast to the pure electric scenario, hybrid vehicles have proven to be a safe haven for automotive investment. The Honda CR-V Advanced Hybrid, for example, registered a devaluation of just 5% in the same period. Esse index is considered excellent and much higher than the average even for internal combustion cars. Trust in the brand and technology that eliminates dependence on external chargers keeps demand for these used devices high.
Other hybrid models, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and the GWM Haval H6, also featured much more controlled depreciation rates. Isso indicates that Brazilian consumers value the flexibility of not depending exclusively on electricity, prioritizing extended autonomy for travel and fuel savings in urban use. The versatility of the hybrid system protects the owner against a lack of infrastructure, sustaining resale value.
Impact on your pocket and future perspectives
For those who purchased models like the JAC E-JS4, the difference between the amount paid and the sales price after one year reaches almost R$100,000. Esse type of financial loss serves as a warning for the “early adopter” profile (the consumer who adopts technologies too early). The market is still adjusting and the cost of pioneering full electrification in Brasil has proven to be high, turning the purchase into a high financial risk bet.
Given this scenario, experts recommend that those interested in electric vehicles consider types of use that do not involve definitive ownership, such as subscriptions or leasing. Trocar of a car every one or two years through leasing services can be a more financially intelligent choice, transferring the risk of sharp devaluation and technological obsolescence to rental companies and car manufacturers.
The market tends to stabilize, but selectivity will be the rule. Modelos that do not offer a perfect balance between price, autonomy, charging infrastructure and buyback guarantee will continue to suffer sharp drops. The age of curiosity is over; the consumer now demands solid guarantees that their electric vehicle will not become a financial liability in the short term.
