Poor resale values of EVs threaten adoption, warn some experts | CNBC
Electric vehicles (EVs) are zooming into the future of transportation, but there’s a speed bump on the road: depreciation. A recent study has shown that used EVs in the U.S. have seen their value plummet by 31.8% over the past year, starkly contrasting the mere 3.6% depreciation of their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. This rapid depreciation is raising eyebrows and becoming a significant hurdle for potential EV buyers, stirring a mix of concern and opportunity in the automotive market.
The drop in used EV prices could make them more attractive to budget-conscious buyers, yet it simultaneously threatens the demand for new electric vehicles. The fear of a new EV losing its value in just a few years could deter shoppers from switching from gasoline to electric. This phenomenon is not just a headache for consumers but also a puzzle for investors, who are wary of the EV market’s volatility and its resemblance to the fast depreciation seen in consumer electronics like laptops and smartphones.
The depreciation dilemma is partly fueled by the rapid pace of technological advancements in EVs, making older models seem outdated quicker than their ICE counterparts. Market dynamics, particularly aggressive price cuts by leading manufacturers like Tesla, have exacerbated the issue. Tesla’s strategy to make EVs more affordable has inadvertently depressed the resale value of used electric cars, creating a ripple effect across the entire market.
Despite these challenges, the situation presents a silver lining for hybrids, which are experiencing less severe depreciation and could serve as a practical bridge for consumers transitioning from gasoline to electric vehicles. Hybrids’ resilience in the used car market suggests they might play a crucial role in the automotive industry’s evolution………..[read more]
Rising Dough
Considering the rapid depreciation of electric vehicles compared to internal combustion and hybrid vehicles, what strategies could manufacturers and marketers employ to enhance EVs’ appeal and long-term value retention?
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Strategies that these manufacturers could employ would be to upgrade or just change the material that is used to something more durable.