Tesla's embarrassment: The new car of 950,000 yuan has a residual value of only 300,000 after three years

(Original title: New Energy Used Cars: A尴尬 Situation – A 950,000 Yuan Tesla Loses Over 300,000 in Value After Just Three Years)

A Tesla Model S that originally cost 950,000 yuan has a residual value of less than 33.6% after three years, which is significantly lower than the typical 50% or more retained by similar-priced traditional fuel vehicles. This sharp depreciation has left many consumers feeling uneasy about investing in new energy cars.

Since the launch of the new energy vehicle market in 2014, many models that were once popular are now entering the replacement phase. However, the secondary market for new energy vehicles is still underdeveloped due to several challenges, including low resale value, lack of standardized valuation methods, and limited circulation channels. Yan Jinghui, an automotive market expert, emphasizes that improving the second-hand car market is crucial. He suggests establishing industry standards, enhancing product performance, and offering tax incentives to recycling companies to boost their participation and efficiency.

One of the biggest pain points in the used new energy car market is the low preservation rate. According to a report from Beijing Business Daily, most dealers avoid dealing with electric vehicles, and even on online platforms, new energy used cars are often priced higher than new ones, with very few actual transactions taking place.

Experts note that the depreciation of new energy vehicles is not calculated in the same way as traditional cars. Car dealers usually rely on basic factors like age and mileage, but without proper tools or expertise, they often undervalue these vehicles, passing on risks to buyers. For example, the Tesla Model S, introduced in 2015, had a two-year depreciation rate of 69%, and by 2018, its value had dropped to just 33.6% of the original price—meaning a 950,000 yuan car was worth only around 320,000 yuan after three years.

Luo Lei, deputy secretary-general of the China Automobile Dealers Association, highlights that battery condition, range, and manufacturer warranty are key factors affecting the value of used new energy vehicles. Despite government and manufacturer subsidies for new EVs, there are no such incentives for used models, making them less attractive to buyers. “Once the car is used, the warranty typically ends, and if the battery fails, repairs can be costly,” he said.

Battery life plays a central role in determining the value of used electric cars. Unlike traditional vehicles, where depreciation is based on age and mileage, new energy cars are largely judged by battery health. However, current appraisal methods lack standardization, and there's no independent third-party testing system to evaluate the power system. As a result, appraisers face significant challenges when assessing the true value of a used EV.

The quality of batteries varies between manufacturers. Some use lithium iron phosphate technology, which may degrade quickly, leading to "range anxiety" among owners and reducing the car’s resale value. Luo Lei also points out that the new energy used car market is still in its early stages, with no clear supply-demand balance or profit model to support professional operations.

Industry experts agree that the absence of standardized testing and valuation methods is a major barrier. While the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology requires manufacturers to track vehicle performance and battery recovery, these measures don’t address pricing or valuation issues. Yan Jinghui believes that developing a clear depreciation formula and battery loss discount system is essential for boosting used car transactions. “Once standards are in place, the market will become more active,” he predicts. With advancements in battery technology and increased use in other industries, he expects the new energy car resale rate to improve significantly in the future.

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