Study Suggests Used EVs Are The Most Budget-Friendly Option Over A Decade
A new study published by the Responsible Battery Coalition, in partnership with the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center, has found that three-year-old used electric vehicles are now cheaper to own than new or used gasoline-powered cars over a 10-year lifespan.
The research takes into account factors such as purchase price, cost of home charging, insurance, maintenance, and eventual vehicle value after ten years. While brand-new EVs tend to lose significant value in the first few years, the depreciation rate slows down significantly later on, similar to equivalent gas-powered or hybrid vehicles. In contrast, gasoline engines incur higher maintenance costs over the remaining seven years, resulting in a significant difference of up to $3,700 for certain vehicle types.
The study's findings are particularly timely, given the predicted surge in used EV inventory hitting the market this year. Analysts predict that heavily subsidized leases on popular models like Tesla's Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4 will result in a buyer-friendly market, with dealers eager to get rid of these vehicles as soon as possible.
With the average age of cars on US roads approaching 13 years, consumers are already finding used EVs to be good value. As these initial owners offload their vehicles, it's likely that many more high-quality electric cars will become available in the market. This increased supply is expected to make used EVs even more attractive to buyers.
The study suggests that buying a three-year-old used EV can save consumers anywhere from $6,700 to $13,000 over a decade compared to their gas-powered counterparts. With this new information, car shoppers may want to consider exploring the used EV market in 2026, as the prospect of significant savings on a budget-friendly vehicle becomes increasingly appealing.
A new study published by the Responsible Battery Coalition, in partnership with the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center, has found that three-year-old used electric vehicles are now cheaper to own than new or used gasoline-powered cars over a 10-year lifespan.
The research takes into account factors such as purchase price, cost of home charging, insurance, maintenance, and eventual vehicle value after ten years. While brand-new EVs tend to lose significant value in the first few years, the depreciation rate slows down significantly later on, similar to equivalent gas-powered or hybrid vehicles. In contrast, gasoline engines incur higher maintenance costs over the remaining seven years, resulting in a significant difference of up to $3,700 for certain vehicle types.
The study's findings are particularly timely, given the predicted surge in used EV inventory hitting the market this year. Analysts predict that heavily subsidized leases on popular models like Tesla's Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4 will result in a buyer-friendly market, with dealers eager to get rid of these vehicles as soon as possible.
With the average age of cars on US roads approaching 13 years, consumers are already finding used EVs to be good value. As these initial owners offload their vehicles, it's likely that many more high-quality electric cars will become available in the market. This increased supply is expected to make used EVs even more attractive to buyers.
The study suggests that buying a three-year-old used EV can save consumers anywhere from $6,700 to $13,000 over a decade compared to their gas-powered counterparts. With this new information, car shoppers may want to consider exploring the used EV market in 2026, as the prospect of significant savings on a budget-friendly vehicle becomes increasingly appealing.
they've come a looong way since their intro and now u can get a decent one 4 like 5 yrs old 4 a fraction of the price of a new one 
and with all the new models comin out, the used market is gonna be flooded w/ good deals 
it's def worth lookin into, especially if u r thinkin of buyin somethin in 2026 
. The government is always trying to push their agenda, and this study seems like just another way to get us all buying electric cars. I mean, sure, it might seem cool that we can save some money on a used EV, but what about the long-term effects? Are they gonna start tracking our charging habits or something? 
And what about the fact that Tesla's got heavily subsidized leases going on? That's just too convenient if you ask me. It's like they're trying to create a market for these cars so they can control the supply and make even more money off us. I'm not saying it's all bad, but come on, let's keep an open mind here 
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that people are only now realizing electric vehicles are actually cost-effective? Like, come on, folks! 
I've been saying it for years - EVs are the way to go, especially when you consider the long-term savings 
. The study's findings are like, totally expected to me 
️. Once they're a few years old, it's all downhill (or should I say, all uphill?) for gas-powered cars 
. It's basically math 101: EVs are cheaper to own and operate in the long run 
. Don't be fooled by those fancy leasing deals - you'll still save a ton of cash in the end 
. Just buy a 3-year-old used EV and thank me later 
... people are gonna jump into buying used EVs like they're going outta style 
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. I mean, sure, used EVs might save you some cash upfront, but what about the actual quality of life? Do you really wanna own a car that's just gonna be a money pit in the long run? 
. Anyway, back to this study... so what's going on with electric cars? Why are they cheaper than new ones now? And how does that affect people who want to buy a car in 2026? Like, should we really consider used EVs or what? 
i cant even believe it!! buying a used ev is now cheaper than new or old gas cars!!! 
especially with all those lease deals on popular models like the y and id.4, its like dealers are just dying to get rid of them 
. anywayz, im defo gonna check out the used ev market in 2026 now that i know its a thing! 
